Participate in DEWS
We invite aged residential care facilities to register their interest to implement the Deterioration Early Warning System (DEWS).
Cohort one of DEWS implementation is nearing completion. Facilities have been supported through preparation, implementation and early monitoring.
We are now inviting facilities to submit an expression of interest for Cohort two, starting in October 2026.
Who can apply
Cohort two is for ARC facilities that are using the following resident management system (RMS):
- VCare 6.2 or VCare Web Apps 2.16.1
- Hercules Health
- Health Metrics/ eCase
- Or ready to implement paper-based DEWS.
Responsibilities of participating facilities
Participating facilities will be required to:
- establish a project team to lead and support implementation
- complete required planning and preparation activities, either at a facility level or at a national level across multiple facilities
- deliver staff education and training, using provided resources and online learning modules
- collect baseline data and provide ongoing monthly outcome data reporting and facility case studies
- conduct or review weekly audits on DEWS tool usage
- facilitate staff completion of post-implementation surveys
- carry out ongoing quarterly data collection and reporting beyond implementation for two years
- participate in programme activities, including fortnightly virtual DEWS network meetings and regular implementation check-in surveys.
Support from the national DEWS programme team
The national DEWS programme team includes DEWS clinical experts, programme manager, project manager, quality improvement advisor and project coordinator.
Participating facilities will receive:
- a comprehensive DEWS implementation package with supporting resources
- access to the DEWS online learning modules and digital or paper-based tools
- fortnightly network meetings
- one-on-one virtual support as needed
- a DEWS network will be established for cohort two participants, including fortnightly meetings with the national DEWS programme team and tailored implementation support.
Indicative timeline
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| July – 31 August 2026 | Cohort two applications open to ARC facilities |
| September 2026 |
Facilities confirmed |
| October 2026 | DEWS network established (fortnightly meetings with facility project leads and RMS vendors until April/May) |
| October 2026 – January 2027 | Planning and preparation activities are undertaken by facilities |
| February – April 2027 | DEWS integrated into daily workflows |
| May 2027 | Post-implementation surveys and feedback; continue data collection and reporting |
| From June 2027 | Ongoing data collection |
Apply
Submit your expression of interest by 31 August 2026.
You can still submit an expression of interest after 31 August 2026.
We will:
- consider your application for cohort two if timing and system compatibility allow, or
- add your application to the waitlist for the final cohort of DEWS implementation.
Applying for multiple facilities
If you are applying for more than one facility, email us for a bulk submission template.
Further cohort
We are using a phased approach to implementation to support different levels of electronic resident management system (RMS) readiness and digital capability.
As additional RMS vendors incorporate digital DEWS, we will support a final cohort.
Need more information
For further information, queries or a bulk submission template, please contact us at
Published: 13 Oct 2025
Modified: 29 Jun 2026
