Erie Shores HealthCare’s Experiences and Perceptions of the Critical Care Outreach Team

Author(s): Angela Ciotoli, Nadia Pedri, Michael Riley Jackson Jakob, Neelu Sehgal, Jaefer Mohamad, Nima Andre Malakoti-Negad, Alexandrea Gow, Tazmeen Yekinni and Munira Sultana

Critical Care Outreach Teams (CCOT) have been implemented globally to recognize early signs of patient deterioration and enhance critical care management. Erie Shores Healthcare (ESHC), a rural 72-bed hospital located in Leamington, Ontario, has faced challenges in managing an increasing volume of complex patients, particularly in identifying clinical deterioration in a timely manner. In response, the research team developed a daytime intensivist-led and nighttime RN-led CCOT program to improve early recognition and timely interventions. Data from a NoMAD questionnaire and a retrospective chart audit revealed a positive perception of CCOT among nursing staff, especially in preventing unnecessary ICU transfers. The intervention also significantly reduced the time from initial deterioration signs to key care points, with the nighttime RN-led program demonstrating greater efficiency. These encouraging results, coupled with a forthcoming quantitative study, indicate a strong need to extend CCOT services to 24/7 coverage at ESHC.