Project to improve recognition and management of deteriorating patients shortlisted for award | Latest news

A training pilot which aims to improve how staff recognise and manage patients who are deteriorating in hospital has been shortlisted for a Health Service Journal’s Patient Safety Awards.

The project called: “Recognising and Rescuing the Deteriorating Patient - A Human Factors and Processes Approach through Simulation” has been shortlisted in the Patient Safety Education and Training Category. It is a collaboration between Nottingham University Hospitals Trust’s Recognise & Rescue team, and the Trent Simulations and Clinical Skills Centre.

The project aims to improve patient care by supporting staff to explore and understand - through enhanced education - the impact of human factors and skills such as: decision-making, communication and proficiency, confidence, and the ability of staff to recognise and manage patients who are deteriorating.

As part of the training, individuals who act as patients (simulated patients) are used instead of mannequins to replicate real-life conversations and situations between patients and staff. Examples of real-life patient experiences help to frame the scenarios which the staff are dealing with.

Supported simulation and alternative approaches to education in the hospital’s wards, plus data analysis, are also part of the training pilot. This provides a focus on staff debriefing and reflecting on situations, which enables learning to become more proactive.

This all happens alongside the support of wards’ Clinical Educators who use their expertise to tailor the learning for staff and for the different areas they work in within the hospital.

By the end of the pilot more than 160 staff members will be trained and we have already made plans for how best to share this approach outside of the pilot ward areas.

Katie Dutton, a Registered Nurse and Recognise & Rescue Simulation Educator, has been leading the project.

She said: “The teams and I are delighted to have made the shortlist in the Health Service Journal’s Patient Safety Awards.

"I’m thankful for the opportunity to make a difference to other patients by supporting and enhancing the skills of our healthcare professionals.

"It is a privilege to offer this level of education through simulation and support their knowledge and understanding of how to recognise and rescue the deteriorating patient.”

Sally Wood, Recognise & Rescue and Sepsis Matron, at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, said: “It has been a privilege to watch Katie lead and facilitate this project supported by the Trent Simulation Centre and the Recognise & Rescue team. Approaches like this truly will support a proactive approach to learning, to provide outstanding multi-professional team care for patients at risk of deterioration."

The winners will be announced on 15 September at an Awards Ceremony in London.