International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
Volume 18, Issue 3 , Pages 253-257, July 2009

A national survey of obstetric early warning systems in the United Kingdom☆

  • R.D.J. Swanton

      Affiliations

    • Department of Anaesthesia, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, Dorset, UK
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to: Robert D. J. Swanton, Department of Anaesthesia, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Longfleet Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2JB UK. Tel.: +44 01202248645.
    • ,
  • S. Al-Rawi

      Affiliations

    • Department of Anaesthesia, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
    • ,
  • M.Y.K. Wee

      Affiliations

    • Department of Anaesthesia, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, Dorset, UK

Accepted 11 January 2009. published online 20 May 2009.

Abstract 

Background

Despite recommendations in the two most recent Confidential Enquiries into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH) reports, and improvements in patient care using early warning scoring systems (EWS) in the general adult population, no validated system currently exists for the obstetric population.

Methods

We performed an Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association (OAA) approved postal survey of all UK consultant-led obstetric anaesthetic units in November 2007 to assess opinions on the value and of such a system and how it could be implemented, and invited comments and samples of systems already in use.

Results

The response rate was 71%. Of those who replied a median usefulness score of 80% for a standardised national obstetric EWS was demonstrated. Eighty-nine percent of units thought it would be possible to implement a system, and although 96% of UK hospitals already use a non-obstetric EWS, only 23% of respondents thought this to be relevant to obstetric physiology and disease. Nine units returned copies of their obstetric EWS. Using extracts from some of the submitted versions we have designed and implemented a system locally and submitted it to the OAA for consideration.

Conclusions

The survey results support CEMACH recommendations for a nationally agreed obstetric EWS.

Keywords: Obstetric Early Warning Systems

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☆ Presented at Obstetric Anaesthetists Association Conference, Belfast, 16th May 2008.

PII: S0959-289X(09)00014-4

doi:10.1016/j.ijoa.2009.01.008

International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
Volume 18, Issue 3 , Pages 253-257, July 2009

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