Clinical outcomes of patients seen by Rapid Response Teams: A template for benchmarking international teams

Abstract

Aim The study was developed to characterize short-term outcomes of deteriorating ward patients triggering a Rapid Response Team (RRT), and describe variability between hospitals or groups thereof. Methods We performed an international prospective study of Rapid Response Team (RRT) activity over a 7-day period in February 2014. Investigators at 51 acute hospitals across Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, USA and United Kingdom collected data on all patients triggering RRT review concerning the nature, trigger and immediate outcome of RRT review. Further follow-up at 24 h following RRT review focused on patient orientated outcomes including need for admission to critical care, change in limi..