The duration of hospitalization before review by the rapid response team: A retrospective cohort study☆

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare cases of rapid response team (RRT) review for early deterioration ( Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of RRT cases from a single hospital over 5 years (2009-2013) using administrative data and data for the first RRT attendance of each hospital episode. Results Of 2843 RRT cases, 971 (34.2%) were early deterioration, 917 (32.3%) intermediate, 775 (27.3%) late, and 180 (6.3%) cardiac arrest. Compared with early deterioration patients, late deterioration patients were older (median, 71 vs 69 years; P = .005), had a higher Charlson comorbidity index (median, 2 vs 1; P P P P P P Conclusions Late deterioration is frequently encountered by the RRT and, compared with early deterioration, is associated with greater clinical complexity and a worse hospital outcome.