Description:
This is the Pediatric Early Warning System score which has been implemented in several children's hospitals and general hospitals with pediatric wards. Via assessment of behavior, cardiovascular status, and respiratory status, one can identify children who may be heading for deterioration and arrest, allowing intervention to occur.
Several places have had dramatic reductions in non-ICU preventable arrests due to this system (see Cinci Children's Hospital reference as example). Because our small community hospital is implementing the PEWS system into its physician and nursing evaluations of admitted children, I programmed it for Palm PDA for our students and residents to have it easily at hand.
Your action protocol may be different than ours, but at least the scoring system might be the same. Feel free to use, also feel free to give feedback.
score.gif)