Staff perceptions of a patient at risk team: A survey design.

INTRODUCTION: Whilst research demonstrates the benefits of critical care outreach, limited research describes staffs' perspective of these teams.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined ward nurses' and doctors' perceptions of the service provided by a nurse-led 24hours a day, seven days a week Patient at Risk team.

DESIGN: Using an exploratory survey research design and a previously used instrument, data were collected between January and March (2016). The instruments' reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (a=0.90).

RESULTS: 339 participants, including 255 nurses and 84 doctors, completed the questionnaire (70.48% response rate). Most participants agreed the Patient at Risk team 1) were accessible and approachable, 2) recognised deterioration and reduced serious events, 3) provided ward staff teaching and coaching and 4) aided allied health referral and improved transfer of patients from critical care. More nurses than doctors perceived the team's role more positively in some aspects of the service they provided. Whilst most comments were positive, some comments identified improvements could be made to the service.

CONCLUSION: Ward nurses' and doctors' perceived the Patient at Risk team contributed to improving care of deteriorating ward patients. The instrument used in this study may be useful to other outreach teams to identify service improvements.