The skills required for junior doctors to competently recognise, respond and manage the deteriorating patient in an acute ward in a regional hospital

This thesis investigates factors that influence junior doctors’ ability to recognise, respond and manage deteriorating patients in a regional hospital. Health practitioners must accurately assess and interpret signs and symptoms and promptly escalate care for patients when necessary. However, contextual skills for junior doctors are not always made explicit, even though junior doctors are frequently called to review potentially deteriorating patients. A mixed-method approach based on semi-structured interviews, patient chart reviews and nominal-group study was used to explore necessary competencies and associated factors. Findings have the potential to inform policy and educational design to enhance simulation programs for junior doctors.