Evaluating Processes of Care & the Outcomes of Children in Hospital (EPOCH) — EPOCH  

Critically Ill Children Clinical Trial

Official title: Evaluating Processes of Care & the Outcomes of Children in Hospital (EPOCH): a Cluster Randomized Trial of the Bedside Paediatric Early Warning System

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of Bedside Paediatric Early Warning System (Bedside-PEWS) on early identification of children at risk for near and actual cardiopulmonary arrest, hospital mortality, processes of care and PICU resource utilization.

Clinical Trial Description

The Bedside Paediatric Early Warning System (Bedside PEWS) is a scientifically developed documentation-based system of care designed to identify children who are clinically deteriorating while admitted to hospital inpatient wards. It was developed and validated by the applicants. The investigators have preliminary data demonstrating that the Bedside PEWS addresses multiple factors (communication, hierarchy, secondary review) contributing to delayed treatment of children at risk. In our pilot study of implementation at a single site the investigators showed statistically significant reductions in late transfers, 'stat' calls, decreased apprehension when nurses called physicians to review patients, and improved communication. Our preliminary data show that the Bedside PEWS score is superior to other methods being used to identify children at risk for impending cardiopulmonary arrest. A 2-year cluster-randomized trial will evaluate the impact of Bedside PEWS on clinical outcomes, processes of care and resource utilization in 22 paediatric hospitals. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Critical Illness
• Critically Ill Children

• NCT number: NCT01260831
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: The Hospital for Sick Children
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Start date: January 2011
• Completion date: June 2015