ABCDE Approach

Failure to recognise patient deterioration and act in a timely manner is a significant patient safety risk and may lead to adverse patient outcomes including preventable death. In order to recognise deterioration at an early stage, thorough patient assessment is essential. The ABCDE approach is the recommended approach for the assessment of a Deteriorating Patient (NICE, 2007, U.K. Resuscitation Council, 2021). ABCDE stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure. The ABCDE approach underpins the NEWS tool, which is designed to support clinical judgement and therefore using ABCDE offers healthcare professionals a structure to their assessment and treatment of a patient. Whilst using this approach you work your way from A to E treating life-threatening problems before moving to the next part of assessment. This programme is aimed at people working in clinical roles with adults. This programme does not include paediatric or maternity patients but there are resources here to help you if you are working in those clinical environments. 

There are two levels for you to choose from, as follows:

Universal – this is aimed at a wide variety of people, including those working as healthcare assistants, support workers, junior nurses

Advanced – this level is aimed at experienced healthcare professionals, such as nurses, allied health professionals, and junior medical professionals.

This resource will help you to revise or learn your anatomy and physiology, developing your skills and understanding of the assessment process in order to recognise deterioration and understand how you can manage the findings within the scope of your clinical role.

The programme is composed of six sections, starting with observing general deterioration before moving on to the ABCDE approach in sections. Each section is interactive, and quizzes are offered throughout each section for you to check your knowledge. You should expect to spend approximately 2 hours on each of the sessions. There are references and suggested further reading for you to undertake if you wish to develop your knowledge further.

This resource was originally located on the elfh hub and was first published on 15 October 2020. It migrated on to the Learning Hub on 6 November 2024.