Response Team Rushes Relief in Medical Crises
Posted on: Friday, 12 August 2005, 12:00 CDT
In an effort to speed care at the first sign of change in patient condition, Methodist Healthcare has formed Medical Response Teams at each of its hospitals. A Medical Response Team (MRT) may be summoned at any time by anyone in the hospital to assist in the care of a patient who appears acutely ill.
"The Medical Response Team is an important improvement in patient care," said Dr. Francis J. Fenaughty, medical director of emergency services, Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital.
"Research has shown that there are certain cues long before patients become critically ill or suffer a cardiopulmonary arrest. The team welcomes calls and assists the patient's nurse in the care of the patient. The emergency physician on duty assists in the care of the patient, as needed," Fenaughty said.
The purpose of the Medical Response Team is to provide appropriate responses to health-status instability in order to improve clinical care, minimize Intensive Care Unit admissions, and improve patient outcomes.
If at any time, a nurse or other caregiver feels uncomfortable about a patient's condition, the MRT can be called to assess the patient. The MRT will act as a consultant and will assist the staff nurse with assessment and management of the patient. The team is available to any nurse 24 hours a day to answer questions or respond to any situation.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has set guidelines that track specific diagnoses throughout the hospital.
The MRT at Germantown tracks such quality initiatives by identifying patients - in collaboration with the bedside nurses and case managers - who fall into the NIH guidelines.
The MRT at Germantown is comprised of a critical care nurse and a respiratory therapist during the weekdays (7 a.m.-7 p.m.) and an advance practice nurse and a respiratory therapist on weeknights (7 p.m.-7 a.m.) and weekends.
Rosalyn Ross is a communications specialist with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.
Source: Commercial Appeal, The
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