Nursing Training for Early Clinical Deterioration Risk Assessment: Protocol for an Implementation Study

BACKGROUND: During the hospitalization period, it is possible to observe considerable changes in the vital parameters of patients, which may require emergency interventions or intensive treatment. The alteration of signs and symptoms that lead to physiological instability that can worsen the clinical picture with progression to shock, respiratory failure, or cardiorespiratory arrest is currently defined as clinical deterioration. Identifying signs of clinical deterioration at an early stage can lead to substantial decreases in mortality rates, the need for emergency interventions, and unscheduled treatments in intensive care units. Identifying and appropriately referring patients who show signs of clinical deterioration can be facilitated by applying early warning systems that provide rapid responses. The nursing team is usually the first to identify clinical changes in patients. Although the literature demonstrates that early recognition of clinical deterioration is the key to early intervention and leads to better outcomes, we only sometimes pursue the most appropriate intervention. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to implement and evaluate an evidence-based professional training program designed for nurses and coordinated by a nurse using the “just-in-time” methodology and the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) to assess the risk of early clinical deterioration and appropriate referral in inpatient units of a public university hospital in southeastern Brazil. METHODS: This intervention protocol is structured according to the recommendations of the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) Declaration 2013. The type of training to be offered, “Just-in-Time Training,” consists of a teaching modality that facilitates the delivery of a time-based and work-based education, with greater emphasis on providing on-the-job learning as needed. A qualitative stage will also be conducted through focus groups and interviews with nurses to verify the factors that influence the professional practice related to the early evaluation of the clinic. A script of previously tested questions will guide and standardize the different groups. The data will define the intervention’s elements: the strategy, the type of training, the location, the teaching methodology, and the teaching material. RESULTS: The study has received authorization from the ethics committee, and participants will be recruited in July 2023. Data collection should be completed in October of the same year. The results obtained at the end of this research will be shared with the participating nursing team through the presentation of reports. In addition, the research results will be submitted to scientific journals and presented at international scientific conferences. CONCLUSIONS: This study will support nurses and possibly other clinicians to improve their approach to early recognition of clinical deterioration in patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials RBR-5hq9y3k; https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5hq9y3k INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/47293