“Rapid Response to IR!”: Three Case Studies Reviewed

Abstract

Rapid Response Systems (RRSs) have significantly evolved since they were introduced in the early 1990s. Today, in many healthcare institutions, Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) are activated at the first sign of clinical deterioration to provide appropriate expertise and resources to prevent negative patient outcomes. Interventional radiology departments around the world perform a wide range of procedures, both simple and complex. These procedures, although medically necessary, are performed with known risks and can be further complicated by the patient’s comorbidities. When complications and emergencies occur, activating a Rapid Response Team allows for the necessary medical, surgical, nursing, and pharmaceutical management of the patient and ensures proper escalation and transfer of care. This article presents three clinical case studies of patients that underwent routine interventional radiology procedures but ultimately experienced clinical deterioration causing the activation of the Rapid Response System. Complications are explored, radiology nursing care considerations are reviewed, and the history, benefits, and application of Rapid Response Systems are discussed.