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We conducted a feasibility study in collaboration with the University of Auckland, with five aged residential care (ARC) facilities that expressed an interest in testing the Deterioration Early Warning System (DEWS).

DEWS supports staff working in ARC to recognise when a resident may be getting acutely unwell and to respond early. It was designed in New Zealand specifically for staff working with older people living in care.

DEWS comprises three tools that were co-designed with ARC in a research project supported by the Ageing Well National Science Challenge. It is supported by an implementation package that includes a comprehensive implementation guide, education package and measurement framework.

The Commission ARC clinical lead Julie Daltrey led the feasibility study with Honorary Associate Professor Dr Michal Boyd (principal investigator) from the University of Auckland. Quality improvement support and project management and coordination was provided by our improved service delivery team.

Key phases of the feasibility study

  • Planning and preparation (March 2024 to end of May 2024): Facilities selected and prepared for testing; development of educational, measurement, and implementation resources.
  • Testing (June to October 2024): DEWS tools used in each participating facility.
  • Evaluation (November 2024 to April 2025): Feedback gathered from ARC providers; tools and resources refined based on real-world use.
  • Post-evaluation (May 2025): Feasibility study report completed and published; results presented via webinar. 

Work underway

We are now actively working on the national roll-out phase, including: 

  • Collaborating with providers and software vendors to enable digital integration of DEWS tools into resident management systems. 

  • Finalising an e-learning package to support DEWS adoption. 

  • Communicating with the ARC sector about the next steps, timeline, and how to participate. 

  • Preparing support materials, implementation guides, and measurement tools for early adopter facilities. 

DEWS feasibility study report

Read the DEWS feasibility study report (PDF 3.3MB)

DEWS feasibility study Webinar 15 May 2025

More information

Learn more about DEWS and the national roll-out 

If you have questions or would like to connect with the project team, email DEWS@hqsc.govt.nz.

Published: 23 Apr 2024 Modified: 20 Oct 2025