Abstract
Background: Rapid Response Systems are emerging internationally to provide a patient-focused approach to prevent potentially avoidable deaths and serious adverse events.
Local Problem: This study focused on ward nurses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government hospitals who were perceived to lack the confidence and knowledge to detect and/or respond to deteriorating patients.
Method: A cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate the Intensive Care Outreach Nurse (ICON) role from the perspectives of the ICONs, their managers/educators, and ward-based physicians and nurses. ICONs are intensive care experienced nurses with additional education in the role of rapid responder to the deteriorating patient.
Interventions: An ICON role was implemented across 4 hospitals to respond to and support clinicians in the recognition and management of the deteriorating patient on general inpatient wards.
Results: ICON skills perceived as most beneficial by respondents included staff education, respiratory therapy, medication administration, and intravenous access.
Conclusions: The ICON role is able to support recognition and management of the deteriorating patients.