• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.219-227
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• 2014

Purpose: To assess whether the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) predicts the need for intensive care unit (ICU) transfer for patients with severe sepsis or septic shock admitted to general wards. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 100 general ward patients with severe sepsis or septic shock was implemented. Clinical information and MEWS according to point of time between ICU group and general ward group were reviewed. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves with SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. Results: Thirty-eight ICU patients and sixty-two general ward patients were included. In multivariate logistic regression, MEWS (odds ratio [OR] 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43-2.85), lactic acid (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.22-2.73) and diastolic blood pressure (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-1.00) were predictive of ICU transfer. The sensitivity and the specificity of MEWS used with cut-off value of six were 89.5% and 67.7% for ICU transfer. Conclusion: MEWS is an effective predictor of ICU transfer. A clinical algorithm could be created to respond to high MEWS and intervene with appropriate changes in clinical management.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.259-266
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze risk factors in predicting medical patients transferred to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on the general ward. Methods: We reviewed retrospectively clinical data of 120 medical patients on the general ward and a Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) between ICU group and general ward group. Data were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves using SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. Results: Fifty-two ICU patients and 68 general ward patients were included. In multivariate logistic regression, the MEWSs (Odds Ratio [OR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-2.76), sequential organ failure assessment score (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.10-1.72), $PaO_2/FiO_2$ ratio (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99), and saturation (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.99) were predictive of ICU transfer. The sensitivity and the specificity of the MEWSs used with a cut-off value of six were 80.8% and 70.6% respectively for ICU transfer. Conclusion: These findings suggest that early prediction and treatment of patients with high risk of ICU transfer may improve the prognosis of patients.