| Abstrakt: |
Hospitalized patients who experience sudden, or unanticipated, physiological deterioration and subsequent cardiorespiratroy arrest have very poor outcomes. Studies have reported varying results in mortality following cardiac arrest, but most have historically placed the level of survival to discharge at around 15%, with some recent studies placing the figure closer to 30% [1, 2]. In addition, the institutional and patient costs of an arrest event are quite high [3]. Patients who undergo an unexpected arrest consume extensive personnel resources, receive more medications and other therapies, and spend more time in intensive care units (ICUs). One study has estimated that in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) programs cost $ 400,000 per life saved [4]. Other investigations have concluded that much of the morbidity and mortality associated with such events is preventable 5. Studies have estimated that up to 84% of patients who go on to a cardiorespiratory arrest have measurable evidence of deterioration in the eight hours prior to their event [6]. If these symptoms and signs could be correctly identified and acted upon, a portion of these less than optimal outcomes might be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
