Rapid Response System : A Practical Guide

Rapid Response System: A Practical Guide provides a practical approach to the evaluation, differential diagnosis, and management of common medical and surgical emergencies occurring in hospitalized patients. Special circumstances that are less commonly encountered in the context of rapid response team events-such as pediatric, obstetric, oncologic, neurologic, and behavioral emergencies, as well as palliative care for terminally ill patients-are also highlighted. Overviews of frequently performed bedside emergency procedures complement clinical resources that will be key to reference during the course of the rapid response team event. Finally, the book concludes with several chapters that emphasize and discuss the effective communication, coordination and quality of care, and issues of patient safety that are critical to the successful rapid response system. This handbook was written to assist students, junior physicians, and nursing staff in both academic and community hospital settings, and will also be useful to hospital administrators and management staff who are responsible for evaluating quality and performance of the rapid response system. Both novice and experienced healthcare providers involved in a rapid response system will find it to be a valuable supplement to clinical experiences gained though active engagement. Book jacket.