Objective
To assess the frequency of MET call activations among admitted surgical patients. Additionally, to identify specific characteristics associated with a higher risk of MET call activation.
Methods
A retrospective observational study of 463 surgical patients admitted over a 3-month period. The study examined variables including age, comorbidities and polypharmacy from a very diverse patient population and compared the characteristics of surgical patients who had a MET call activation and those that did not.
Results
Out of 463 patients analysed, 33 (7.1%) experienced a MET call activation. The median age of MET call patients was higher at 71 years compared to 49 years for those without (p <0.001). The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was higher in the MET call group, median 3 compared to 1 in the non-MET call group (p <0.001). Polypharmacy was more common in the MET call group (57.6%) versus 21.2%, p<0.001). More MET call patients required ICU admission, 48.5% versus 2.6%. The MET call group had a longer median length of stay of 10 days compared to 2.27 days for the non-MET call group
Conclusion
Age, CCI and polypharmacy were major risk factors for MET call activation. These characteristics were notable at admission (or pre-admission for the electives) and predict poor outcomes therefore we should be able to predict and intervene prior to MET calls, which may reduce MET calls and improve patient outcomes. Further work will determine the predictive value of these admission characteristics, and whether intervention based on them can improve outcomes.