MET Calls - A potential change for the future

Abstract

As I come to the end of my first year within the Australian medical system, I’ve taken time to reflect on what I have learned and observed during my time here—and how it may influence my future career upon returning to Ireland.

Medical Emergency Teams (METs) are an essential element of the clinical landscape within the Australian healthcare system. Typically, a nurse or concerned staff member can initiate a "MET call" when a patient meets certain criteria, such as seriously deranged vital signs, a pain crisis, fluctuating Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and so on. The primary role of the MET is to provide early, appropriate care to deteriorating patients. These teams are usually clinician led and include a medical registrar, ICU outreach registrar, unit intern or house officer, and an ICU liaison nurse. METs are in place in two-thirds of Australian hospitals and attend to more than 14,700 patients each year.