In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

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COMPASS® program aims to improve the early recognition and timely management of deteriorating patients and is about pointing health care professionals in the right direction.

The COMPASS® Online Learning package takes participants through examples of deteriorating patients. It explains why the vital signs change when a patient deteriorates. There is a strong focus on basic physiology including the chain of oxygen delivery. The video includes a voiceover so please ensure that you have the volume up on your computer. The learning module does not provide a print out of the certificate of completion but participants can take a screen shot of the final screen as proof of completion.

For more information contact us on compass@act.gov.au

Early Recognition of the Deteriorating Patient Project

The Early Recognition of the Deteriorating Patient project came about following the failure to recognise and manage deteriorating patients on general wards. To help manage this, the project introduced three interventions:

  • colour coded observation charts
  • a track and trigger system called a Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS)
  • the COMPASS® education package

Post implementation reductions were seen in unplanned admissions to ICU and unexpected hospital deaths. Medical reviews for patients with significant clinical instability and number of patients receiving a medical emergency team (MET) review increased during the intervention period. The documentation of vital signs by the nursing staff also increased.

Resources for the implementation of a Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) system

The following resources are available to guide a health facility in adapting the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) System.

The MEWS system enhances the tracking of vital signs and provides a trigger associated with a predetermined escalation pathway improving the recognition and the timely escalation of deteriorating patients.

Education resources for health professionals

The following resources are also available to improve the knowledge of health professionals in the recognition of deteriorating patients:

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In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

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Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week