Occasional reviewPaediatric Early Warning Systems: myths and muses

The concept of using early warning systems to detect deterioration in patients in hospitals is well established in healthcare systems. However their implementation has not always been in parallel with the available evidence. The face validity of tools that alert staff to early changes in physiological and observational parameters is a significant driver to their spread. However there are a number of factors which should give healthcare providers pause for thought. This review examines some common questions raised about PEWS (Paediatric Early Warning Systems) and discusses how we might use them to their maximum potential.