This course provides an introduction to using the maternity vital signs chart and early warning score (MEWS). The chart and MEWS are tools to support clinical judgement, critical thinking and autonomy. They provide a safety net to reduce failures to identify maternal morbidity. They support a safety culture where escalation of clinical care is consistent and fully supported using objectively defined criteria.

The introduction of the national vital signs chart with NZ early warning score for adult patients has helped hospitals make improvements to their recognition and response systems. The maternity chart and MEWS provide a similar system for recognition and early response to deterioration in pregnancy and up to 42 days after pregnancy end. The parameters have been modified to reflect pregnant physiology, so it is more relevant to this specific population.

Audience

• midwives and nurses working in maternity
• nurses working in non-maternity wards where pregnant women may receive care
• doctors and other clinicians who are responders for escalation

Frequency

One off

Time allocation

30 minutes