• Yang Xiong, Weiwei Dai, Renhe Yu, Lingling Liang, and Lingli Peng.
• Paediatric Ward, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China.
• Singap Med J. 2022 Mar 1; 63 (3): 162-166.

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to assess the application of the early warning score system (EWS-S) and gauge physician awareness, perceptions of necessity and attitudes regarding these tools based on previously experienced unnoticed clinical deterioration (CDET).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out via an online questionnaire at a large 3,500-bed Class 3A general hospital in China. A total of 299 physicians of adult general wards were asked to answer a translated questionnaire that was localised from the original version. Demographic profiles of patients were included as well as three other sections assessing awareness of CDET/EWS-S and gauging attitudes towards and perceptions of the necessity of EWS-S at our hospital.ResultsA high level of physician awareness of the CDET problem was observed. Most physicians knew about the existence of a systematic assessment tool for clinical application. Physicians with previous experience in reanimation, unplanned transfer to intensive care unit (UTICU) and/or death tended to consider EWS-S necessary in attentive and well-trained staff (p < 0.05). Physicians who had previous experience with UTICU were more likely to recommend implementing EWS-S in their wards compared with those without such experience (p < 0.05).ConclusionMost physicians have positive attitudes towards EWS-S. However, their awareness should be further heightened. Physicians who had previous experience with CDET/UTICU were more likely to employ EWS-S in their clinical practices. To better facilitate the implementation of EWS-S in Chinese hospitals, existing facilities, policy supports, standardised managements and the development of information systems should be strengthened.Copyright: © Singapore Medical Association.

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