Automated Code Red Alerts (ACRA) and ICU Outreach Nursing (ICUORN) Service
Technology
Workforce Transformation
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National University Health System
31 December 2024
To reduce cardiac arrests and unplanned ICU admissions through automated alerts and ICU outreach nursing. ACRA and ICUORN improved patient safety, reduced ICU admissions, and demonstrated scalability for hospital-wide implementation.
Year Submitted: 2024
Published Date: 31 December 2024
Tags: Technology, Workforce Transformation, Digital Health, Sensors, Data Analytics, Job Redesign, Upskilling
About this Content
Aims
To reduce cardiac arrests and unplanned ICU admissions through automated alerts and ICU outreach nursing.
Background
Nurses' compliance with care escalation in General Wards (GW) was between 0-15%, leading to unplanned ICU admissions and cardiac arrests.
Methods
Implemented an ACRA system for automated alerts; ICU Outreach Nurses supported escalations; NEWS2 scoring assessed 6 physiological parameters; phased rollout across wards.
Results
Compliance for care escalation reached 100%; cardiac arrests reduced from 1.46 to 1.17 per 1,000 admissions; ICU admissions limited to 8% of patients.
Conclusion
ACRA and ICUORN improved patient safety, reduced ICU admissions, and demonstrated scalability for hospital-wide implementation.
Lessons Learnt
Leveraging smart alerts and ICU outreach ensured timely intervention, optimized resources, and reduced patient deterioration.
Additional Information
Recognized as Best Practice under NHIP 2024 for Automation and Patient Safety.
Keywords
Automated Code Red Alerts, ICU Outreach, NEWS2, Early Intervention, Patient Safety, Critical Care
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | Ng Teng Fong General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Intensive Care Medicine |
Project Lead(s) | Low TJ |
Project Member(s) | Rebecca Lim |
Connect with this contributor!
Rebecca Lim Shi Han - rebecca_sh_lim@nuhs.edu.sg
Project Attachment
399_NTFGH_NHIP_2024_Automated_Code_Red_Alerts_ACRA_and_ICU_Outreach_Nursing_ICUORN_Service.pdf