Evaluation of Risk Factors Associated with Code Blue or Rapid Response Calls Within 12 hours of Admission to Medical, Surgical, Telemetry, or Floor Beds from the Emergency Department

Abstract

The emergency department (ED) physician is responsible for stabilizing and identifying the appropriate level of inpatient care for each admitted patient. Patients sent to a non-intensive care unit (ICU) admitted from the ED may require a “code blue” (CB) or “rapid response” (RR) shortly after admission. Patients who experience these events outside of the ICU have a higher morbidity and mortality than those admitted directly to the ICU. Currently, no decision tool exists to assist ED physicians in recognizing patients who may not meet classic criteria of ICU admission but require such upgraded care within 12 hours of admission. We hypothesize there may be vital signs or laboratory values associated with non-ICU patients having a CB or RR called within 12 hours of admission.