Pre-Post Intervention to Strengthen and Sustain the Paediatric ESCALATION System (The SPECS): Study Protocol

Promptly recognising changes in an acutely unwell child’s condition is fundamental to prevent tragic outcomes. Western Australian (WA) healthcare facilities used inconsistent and varied paediatric early warning systems. To improve care consistency, a standardised ESCALATION system, inclusive of family involvement and sepsis recognition, was developed.

Citation:
Boyle E, Laird P, Leslie GD, Stokes S, et al. Pre-Post Intervention to Strengthen and Sustain the Paediatric ESCALATION System (The SPECS): Study Protocol. Global Implementation Research and Applications. 2025.

Keywords:
Paediatric clinical deterioration; Early warning system; Sustainability; Aboriginal co-design

Abstract:
Promptly recognising changes in an acutely unwell child’s condition is fundamental to prevent tragic outcomes. Western Australian (WA) healthcare facilities used inconsistent and varied paediatric early warning systems. To improve care consistency, a standardised ESCALATION system, inclusive of family involvement and sepsis recognition, was developed.