Relationships between the National Early Warning Score 2, clinical worry and patient outcome at discharge: Retrospective observational study

Aims and objectives To examine the performance of the National Early Warning Score 2 and composite score for clinical worry in identifying patients at risk of clinical deterioration, and to determine relationships between National Early Warning Score 2, clinical worry score and patient outcome at discharge. Background The efficacy of early warning systems depends on patient population and care settings. Based on a theoretical framework on factors affecting clinical deterioration and patient outcomes, studies exploring the relationship between early warning systems and patient outcomes at discharge are sparse. Design Retrospective observational study. Methods A random sample of 732 medical records were reviewed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to evaluate predictive abilities regarding the events of unanticipated in‐hospital mortality, unplanned intensive care unit/ higher dependency bed admission and cardiac arrest. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine relationships between National Early Warning Score 2, clinical worry score and patient outcome. Reporting followed the STROBE checklist. Results National Early Warning Score 2 and clinical worry score significantly predicted the events within 24 hr of the assessment. After controlling for other patient, treatment and organisational characteristics, National Early Warning Score 2 was a significant factor associated with patient outcome, but clinical worry score was not. Specifically, patients at high risk based on National Early Warning Score 2 were less likely to have improved outcome. Conclusions National Early Warning Score 2 and clinical worry score performed well for predicting deteriorating condition of patients. National Early Warning Score 2 was significantly associated with patient outcome. It can be used for efficient patient management for safe, quality care. Relevance to clinical practice National Early Warning Score 2 can be used for early assessment of not only clinical deterioration but also patient outcome and provide timely intervention, when coupled with clinical worry score.