Paediatric early warning system (PEWS) preparation and implementation guide
This guide is intended to help project leads and teams prepare for and implement a nationally consistent paediatric early warning system (PEWS). It sets out the aim of the system, components to be implemented, available support and recommended activities during the preparation, implementation and sustain periods.
If you have any queries about these resources, please email PEWS@hqsc.govt.nz.
More information about PEWS can be found at the links at the bottom of this page.
Paediatric early warning system preparation and implementation guide
Preparation and implementation guide (368KB, docx)
Current system assessment template (39KB, docx)
Project charter template (67KB, docx)
Stakeholder assessment template (35KB, docx)
Paediatric vital signs chart user guide (2.2MB, pdf)
Paediatric vital sign chart quick reference guide
Paediatric vital signs chart: 0–11 months (621KB, pdf)
Paediatric vital signs chart: 1–4 years (676KB, pdf)
Paediatric vital signs chart: 5–11 years (812KB, pdf)
Paediatric vital signs chart: 12 years (648KB, pdf)
Escalation mapping tool (128KB, docx)
PEWS and paediatric vital signs chart FAQs (193KB, docx)
Short stay chart: 0–11 months (593KB, pdf)
Short stay chart: 1–4 years (628KB, pdf)
Short stay chart: 5–11 years (591KB, pdf)
Short stay chart: 12 years (1MB, pdf)
Clinical governance recommendations (93KB, docx)
Factsheet clinical communication tool (106KB, docx)
Factsheet senior clinicians (107KB, docx)
Factsheet sepsis (104KB, docx)
Education powerpoint (20MB, pptx)
Guide to recording blood pressure in acutely unwell tamariki
Free e-learning module: Te Tāhū Hauora has developed a free e-learning module about the use of the national paediatric vital signs charts and PEWS. It is designed for health professionals who care for tamariki in hospital. The module is available through the Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health LearnOnline platform (first-time users will need to create a login). To access the module, please click here. The module will take up to 45 minutes to work through.
Video: How to take blood pressure accurately in unwell children
Te Tāhū Hauora has produced a video to support staff to routinely measure blood pressure. It will be useful for doctors and nurses working in settings where acutely unwell children are assessed. It is also useful for undergraduate nursing and medical students, nurse educators and nurses and doctors who are unfamiliar with paediatric patients.
Measurement guidance (124KB, docx)
PVSC audit form (56KB, docx)
PVSC condensed audit form (48KB, docx)
Case review tool (108KB, docx)
Weekly data collection tool (915KB, xlsm)
PEWS condensed data collection tool (608KB, xlsm)
Preparation and implementation
Preparation and implementation guide (368KB, docx)
Current system assessment template (39KB, docx)
Project charter template (67KB, docx)
Stakeholder assessment template (35KB, docx)
Recognition: supporting tools and guidance
Paediatric vital signs chart user guide (2.2MB, pdf)
Paediatric vital sign chart quick reference guide
Paediatric vital signs chart: 0–11 months (621KB, pdf)
Paediatric vital signs chart: 1–4 years (676KB, pdf)
Paediatric vital signs chart: 5–11 years (812KB, pdf)
Paediatric vital signs chart: 12 years (648KB, pdf)
Escalation mapping tool (128KB, docx)
PEWS and paediatric vital signs chart FAQs (193KB, docx)
Short stay chart: 0–11 months (593KB, pdf)
Short stay chart: 1–4 years (628KB, pdf)
Short stay chart: 5–11 years (591KB, pdf)
Short stay chart: 12 years (1MB, pdf)
Clinical governance
Clinical governance recommendations (93KB, docx)
Education
Factsheet clinical communication tool (106KB, docx)
Factsheet senior clinicians (107KB, docx)
Factsheet sepsis (104KB, docx)
Education powerpoint (20MB, pptx)
Guide to recording blood pressure in acutely unwell tamariki
Free e-learning module: Te Tāhū Hauora has developed a free e-learning module about the use of the national paediatric vital signs charts and PEWS. It is designed for health professionals who care for tamariki in hospital. The module is available through the Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health LearnOnline platform (first-time users will need to create a login). To access the module, please click here. The module will take up to 45 minutes to work through.
Video: How to take blood pressure accurately in unwell children
Te Tāhū Hauora has produced a video to support staff to routinely measure blood pressure. It will be useful for doctors and nurses working in settings where acutely unwell children are assessed. It is also useful for undergraduate nursing and medical students, nurse educators and nurses and doctors who are unfamiliar with paediatric patients.
Measurement
Measurement guidance (124KB, docx)
PVSC audit form (56KB, docx)
PVSC condensed audit form (48KB, docx)
Case review tool (108KB, docx)
Weekly data collection tool (915KB, xlsm)
PEWS condensed data collection tool (608KB, xlsm)
