Early warning systems, are used to find out changes in a person’s blood pressure, pulse, temperature or breathing to help in the early recognition of an illness. In Ireland a Maternity Early Warning System (I-MEWS) tool has been used for pregnant women since 2013. This tool is used in Ireland’s 19 maternity units so that the maternity care that is delivered is of a high quality. Staff in these units are educated on how to use the I-MEWS and how it can help to detect if a pregnant woman is becoming unwell. To make sure the I-MEWS tool is being used properly, maternity units must carry out audits.
This research project aims to look at how hospital staff are educated on the I-MEWS tool, if hospital staff are using it correctly and if maternity units are auditing as recommended. Surveys were sent to the 19 Irish maternity units to find out how they put the I-MEWS into action, how staff use it and how the unit audit its use. The researchers also had group interviews with maternity unit staff to find out the effect I-MEWS education has had on their work. The results from the surveys and interviews will identify areas that need improvement. This will help practice development teams in each unit and increase the quality of care given by midwives and nurses. This research is important because if the I-MEWS is not being used properly, serious illness like sepsis can be missed.
