The Paediatric Observation Priority Score: A System to Aid Detection of Serious Illness and Assist in Safe Discharge

The Paediatric Observation Priority Score (POPS) is a bespoke assessment tool for use in Paediatric Emergency Departments incorporating traditional physiological parameters alongside more subjective observational criteria. Initial performance characteristics of POPS were analysed in a convenience sample of 936 presentations to ED. Triage on the basis of gut instinct parameters identified an additional 261 patients deemed of lowest acuity compared to analysis by physiology scores. Resource consumption increased with increasing acuity on presentation. POPS shows promise in assisting in the assessment process of children presenting to Emergency Departments. Inclusion of subjective triage criteria helps contextualise the physiological parameter scoring by using the experience of staff conducting triage. Initial interpretation of presenting physiology gives a more informed assessment of initial acuity, and thus is better able to identify a child who can be safely managed in the community. The system also allows for rapid detection of those most unwell.