Vanderbilt University Hospital approaches their Rapid Response System with a novel Advanced Practice Provider (APP) & Virtual Intensivist Model to provide high quality care for patients with acute clinical deterioration. This model, along with the specialized resources available at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, enables early recognition and response to this patient population.
-
A Rapid Response activation (RRT) is a request for specialized, critical care trained clinicians to respond and assess a patient when there is concern for acute changes or clinical deterioration.
-
At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a Rapid Response can be activated by any patients, families, visitors, and staff within the hospital.
-
A Rapid Response can be activated when a non-intensive care patient is meeting any of the early warning signs for clinical deterioration.
Vanderbilt Early Warning Signs
Staff Concern / Worry “Does not look/act right,” or a gut instinct that a patient is beginning a downward spiral Change in Respiratory Rate Respiratory Rate < 8 or > 30 Change in Oxygenation Pulse Oximeter decreases below 90% or there is an increase in oxygen requirements > 8lpm Labored Breathing Breathing becomes labored Change in Heart Rate Heart Rate changes < 40 or > 120 bpm Change in Blood Pressure Systolic Blood Pressure < 90 or > 200 Chest Pain Complains of Chest Pain Hemorrhage Develops uncontrolled bleeding from any site or port Decreased Level of Consciousness Becomes somnolent, difficult to arouse, confused, or obtunded Onset of Agitation/Delirium Becomes agitated or delirious Seizure Has a seizure Other Alterations Any other changes in mental status or CNS status
-
A Rapid Response can be activated by dialing 1-1111 from a Vanderbilt Phone and requesting a Rapid Response activation.
Vanderbilt LifeFlight/VECOM will ask guided questions about the type of response, patient information, location, and resources needed.