Recognition of critical illness at the Emergency Department

Attempts to achieve earlier identification of the clinically deteriorating patient led to the introduction of Early Warning Score (EWS) in acute care settings. EWS scores are used to recognize the early signs of clinical deterioration by assessing several physiologic variables. Despite potential benefits, EWS faces several limitations.

We expect that clinical judgement of medical personnel is better in predicting the development of critical illness compared to the Modified Early Warning Score

Primary outcome is the development of critical illness within 72 hours after ED admission. This information will be collected from the electronic patient record system.
Secondary outcome is 28 days mortality. Patients or their direct family members will be called on day 28 after ED admission to verify whether the patient is alive.