Tele-Rapid Response Team (Tele-RRT): Implementation and outcomes of Safety Network System. Before and after cohort study

Background Rapid Response Teams were developed to provide interventions for deteriorating patients. Their activation depends on timely detection of deterioration. Automated calculation of warning signs may lead to early recognition, and improvement of RRT effectiveness. Method This was a “Before” and “After” study, in the “Before” period ward nurses activated RRT after manually recording vital signs and calculating warning scores. In the “After” period, vital signs and warning calculations were automatically relayed to RRT through a wireless monitoring network. Results The “After” group had significantly lower incidence and rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to the “Before” group (2.3 / 1000 inpatient days versus 3.8 / 1000 inpatient days respectively, p = 0.01), the “Before” group had a significantly higher hospital length of stay, and significantly fewer visits by the RRT. In multivariable logistic regression model, being in the “After” group decreases odds of CPR by 30% (OR = 0.7 [95% CI: 0.44 – 0.97]; p = 0.02). There was no difference between groups in unplanned ICU admission or readmission. Conclusion Automated activation of the RRT resulted in significant reduction of CPR events and rate, reduction of hospital length of stay, and increase in the number of visits by the RRT. There was no difference in unplanned ICU admission or readmission.