New way of raising concerns about hospital treatment

An "escalation" system is for patients and their families if they notice something is "not right".

"The escalation system titled 'REACT' encourages patients, carers and families to escalate their concerns and receive immediate feedback if they notice something is 'not right'." Top End Health co-director (Nursing) - Division of Women, Children & Youth Maureen Brittin said.

The REACT system encourages patients, carers and families to follow a simple two-step process:

The call is answered by a nursing staff member who will engage with the medical team on the caller's behalf and task a senior team member to review the case immediately.

Posters and brochures have been distributed across the hospitals and patients are advised of the new system upon admission.

"The REACT system enables patients and families to escalate concerns about their own care or the person they care for. It aims to empower patients and families to engage with staff if they notice 'something is not right' and to call for help if they are concerned.

"Engaging patients and families in patient care helps empower them to work in collaboration with health care providers to put the patient first. It also conveys to patients and families the important message that they are valued as partners in improving safety and quality."

The REACT Program aligns with other programs in hospitals around the world to empower patient and their families while in hospital to work in collaboration with their health care team.

"While the use of observation charts to recognise and respond to clinical deterioration is effective, partnering with patients and families as 'care team members' (i.e. the people who know the patient best) to alert staff to patient deterioration provides an additional safety net."

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