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23 Aug

Posted at 10:04h in Blog

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires rapid identification and treatment. To improve sepsis care and outcomes, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) established the SEP-1 quality measure. This article examines how clinical decision support (CDS) tools can enhance compliance with SEP-1 guidelines and improve sepsis management, with a focus on Decisio Health's InsightIQ solution. Understanding SEP-1 and Sepsis Management Guidelines The SEP-1 measure requires hospitals to report on the management of patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Key components include a 3-hour bundle (obtaining blood cultures, administering antibiotics, measuring serum lactate, and administering fluids) and a 6-hour bundle (re-measuring serum lactate if initially elevated)[1]. Compliance with the SEP-1 bundle has been associated with reduced in-hospital mortality from 27% to 22%[2]. Challenges in Achieving SEP-1 Compliance Healthcare organizations face several barriers to implementing sepsis protocols effectively. These include nursing staff shortages, challenges in identifying sepsis, and institutional resource constraints[3][4][5]. These obstacles can significantly hinder the timely and accurate implementation of sepsis management protocols. Clinical Decision Support Tools for Sepsis Management Clinical decision support tools are designed to assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions about patient care. In the context of sepsis management, CDS tools can provide real-time alerts for potential sepsis cases,...

14 Aug

Posted at 18:33h in Blog

At a 200-bed suburban hospital, affiliated with an academic center, patient safety and quality care are paramount. Over the past 60 days, remarkable progress has been made in reducing unplanned ICU admissions and implementing a virtual rapid response process, demonstrating a commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovation and dedicated teamwork. Unplanned ICU Admissions: Significant Reductions Unplanned ICU admissions, a key indicator of a hospital's ability to manage patient deterioration, have significantly decreased over the past two months.  June 2024 vs June 2023: Unplanned ICU admissions decreased by 29% July 2024 vs July 2023: Unplanned ICU admissions decreased by 53% This improvement is attributed to proactive measures and the strategic use of data analytics for root cause analysis, facilitating the rapid identification and resolution of underlying issues. Virtual Rapid Response Process: Enhancing Patient Safety Introduced in May 2024, the virtual Rapid Response Team (RRT) process has been instrumental in these improvements. The virtual RRT (Rapid Response Team) process incorporates multiple crucial steps and technological integrations to ensure timely interventions and seamless communication among healthcare providers: Decisio Alerts: These alerts notify the team when a patient's National Early Warning Score (NEWS) reaches a critical level, enabling prioritization of care without overwhelming the team. Note: Initial settings for NEWS were...

25 Jul

Posted at 10:13h in Blog

Transforming a hospital to prioritize the improvement to the quality of patient care they deliver requires a comprehensive cultural shift. This change requires cultivating a mindset dedicated to continuous improvement and better patient outcomes, extending far beyond merely adopting new software and tools. Below we will review strategies hospitals can incorporate to help achieve this transformation, as well as the benefits once they do. The Importance of Quality of Care Prioritizing superior patient care is the cornerstone of top healthcare systems. Improving patient care leads to better clinical outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and reduced healthcare costs. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), hospitals that prioritize quality care experience fewer medical errors and higher patient satisfaction rates. Steps to Shift the Cultural Mindset 1. Leadership Commitment The commitment to quality must start at the top. Hospital leaders should articulate a clear vision for quality care and model the behaviors they want to see in their staff. Communicating that quality care is a top priority and backing this up with resources and support is the best goal for a leadership team. 2. Engaging and Empowering Staff Engagement and empowerment of all staff levels are crucial. Frontline healthcare workers should be involved in decision-making processes and...

18 Jul

Posted at 14:32h in Blog

Clinical decision support (CDS) software plays a pivotal role in healthcare by providing clinical teams with evidence-based tools and information to enhance decision-making processes. It integrates clinical data from multiple sources to offer real-time guidance, improving accuracy in diagnosis, treatment plans, and overall patient care outcomes. Source: An overview of clinical decision support systems: benefits, risks, and strategies for success Effective communication between healthcare providers, patients, and their families is crucial for ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. It helps to build trust, reduce anxiety, and improve adherence to treatment plans, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and higher satisfaction levels among family members. Challenges in Family Communication at the Bedside Family communication at the bedside often faces significant challenges that can impact patient care and satisfaction. These challenges include language barriers, varying levels of health literacy among family members, and the emotional stress and anxiety experienced by families in a hospital setting. These obstacles can lead to misunderstandings about the patient's condition and treatment plan, increased anxiety, and potential dissatisfaction with the care provided, highlighting the need for effective communication strategies and tools. [1] The Role of CDS Software in Enhancing Family Communication The integration of CDS software at the bedside can...

05 Jul

Posted at 13:30h in Blog

Clinical decision support systems are sophisticated health information technologies designed to enhance clinical decision-making at various stages of patient care. By integrating comprehensive data analysis and evidence-based guidelines, CDS tools assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions, thereby improving the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of clinical care. These systems can alert clinicians to potential drug interactions, recommend diagnostic tests, suggest evidence-based treatments, and provide patient-specific health assessments. Across the clinical care spectrum, the impact of CDS is profound: they reduce medical errors, enhance patient safety, optimize resource use, and streamline workflow processes. Consequently, CDS contributes to better patient outcomes, increased healthcare provider productivity, and significant cost savings for healthcare organizations, ultimately fostering a more efficient and effective healthcare delivery system. Clinical decision support systems play a pivotal role in enhancing patient safety within healthcare settings. By providing real-time, evidence-based recommendations, CDS tools help clinicians identify and mitigate potential risks before they affect patients. These systems can alert healthcare providers to potential drug interactions, contraindications, and allergies, thereby preventing adverse drug events. Additionally, CDS aids in ensuring that diagnostic and therapeutic decisions are aligned with the latest clinical guidelines and best practices, reducing the likelihood of diagnostic errors and inappropriate treatments. By...

27 Jun

Posted at 19:01h in Blog

As we look back on the remarkable journey of technological advancements in healthcare, it's impossible not to be both amazed by how far we've come and excited for where we're heading. From early medical tools to cutting-edge artificial intelligence, technology has continuously transformed patient care. By exploring key milestones, comparing advancements to other industries, and highlighting recent trends, we can look ahead to the future with a sense of anticipation and optimism. Reflecting on Early Innovations The roots of modern medicine are grounded in early innovations that set the stage for today's advancements. The invention of the stethoscope by René Laennec in 1816 revolutionized the ability to diagnose respiratory and cardiac conditions. Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen's discovery of X-rays in 1895 allowed doctors to see inside the human body without invasive surgery. And who can forget Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin in 1928, which opened new frontiers in the treatment of bacterial infections? These milestones were the foundation upon which more complex technologies would be built. The Digital Revolution: A Game Changer The late 20th century ushered in the digital revolution, fundamentally changing healthcare. The introduction of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) replaced cumbersome paper records, making patient information more accessible and coordination among providers more...

14 Jun

Posted at 16:45h in Blog

Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) do much more than just respond to emergencies; they play a multifaceted role in enhancing both patient care and hospital operations. They are not merely a safety net for the hospital; they act as the glue that holds the hospital together. Their effectiveness is significantly enhanced when supported by technology. Hospitals that have implemented an RRT and incorporated clinical software into their workflow have seen numerous benefits. We have previously discussed some of these advantages, such as improved patient outcomes, enhanced communication among clinical teams, and increased efficiency in emergency response. However, there are additional challenges, such as clinician burnout and staffing gaps, that can be addressed with the integration of virtual nursing. Virtual Nursing: A Game Changer for Hospital Efficiency Virtual nursing helps address these common challenges while offering numerous benefits to both clinicians and patients. In order to maximize these benefits and enhance the efficiency of these remote teams, it is crucial to integrate technology into clinical workflows. Let’s delve into some of these benefits in greater detail… Patient Care Enhanced Monitoring and Consultations:  Further improve patient care by providing real-time remote monitoring and facilitating immediate expert consultations. Protocol Compliance:  Oversee compliance with protocols such as CAUTI and CLABSI...

10 Jun

Posted at 22:46h in Blog

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) pose a significant financial burden on hospitals, leading to increased hospital stays, additional medical treatments, and higher use of healthcare resources. Each CLABSI case can cost hospitals between $22,000 to $100,000, depending on the severity and interventions required. Additionally, hospitals may face penalties from insurance companies and reduced reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid due to high infection rates. These financial strains emphasize the importance of investing in preventive measures and staff training to reduce CLABSI incidence. The Finanical Impact of CLABSI A detailed study conducted at a tertiary-care academic medical center found that CLABSI significantly increased hospital costs and mortality risk. The study revealed that adjusted variable costs for CLABSI patients were approximately $32,000 higher than for those without CLABSI (in 2010 US dollars). Moreover, CLABSI was associated with a 2.27-fold increased risk of in-hospital mortality after adjusting for illness severity and other healthcare-associated infections. These findings highlight the substantial financial burden and elevated mortality risk linked to CLABSI in both ICU and non-ICU settings. Antibiotic Resistance The issue is further complicated by antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic-resistant pathogens in CLABSI cases complicate treatment, leading to longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates. These infections require more complex...

05 Jun

Posted at 17:43h in Blog

Maternal sepsis is a severe infection that poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus. It remains a leading cause of maternal mortality globally, particularly in low-resource settings. Effective management is crucial for improving outcomes. Studies have shown that the incidence of maternal sepsis ranges between 0.1% and 0.4% of pregnancies, depending on the setting (Hensley et al., 2019); (Admon et al., 2019). Notably, it is estimated that 63% of maternal deaths from sepsis are preventable with timely recognition and appropriate management (CMQCC, 2021). Causes of Maternal Sepsis Maternal sepsis is typically caused by bacterial infections, although viral and fungal infections can also be culprits. The common sources of infection include: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are common during pregnancy and can progress to pyelonephritis, which can lead to sepsis if untreated. Chorioamnionitis: This infection of the fetal membranes (chorion and amnion) typically occurs during labor and can lead to maternal and neonatal sepsis. Postpartum Infections: Infections of the uterine lining (endometritis) after childbirth, particularly following cesarean sections, are a significant cause of maternal sepsis. Surgical Site Infections: Infections at the site of a cesarean section or episiotomy can develop into sepsis if not properly managed. Pneumonia:  Respiratory infections such as pneumonia can become severe...

29 May

Posted at 11:05h in Blog

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) significantly strain hospital finances, incurring direct treatment costs and broader economic implications. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reports that each CAUTI case costs around $13,793 due to extended hospital stays and additional treatments.1 HealthLeaders Media adds that CAUTIs nationally cost about $1.7 billion, underscoring the economic incentive for hospitals to enhance infection control and monitoring to reduce these expenses.3 The substantial cost associated with CAUTIs highlights the broader economic incentives for hospitals to invest in infection control protocols and monitoring practices to reduce the incidence of these costly infections. Clinically, CAUTIs pose serious challenges, increasing patient morbidity and complicating treatment. UroToday notes that these infections heighten risks of severe complications like bacteremia and sepsis.4 Research in the Journal of Antimicrobial Stewardship and Healthcare Epidemiology shows CAUTIs often have higher antibiotic resistance, further complicating treatment and extending hospital stays by 2-4 days, straining resources and emphasizing the need for strict infection control.2,5 Addressing CAUTIs requires a multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing the elimination of unnecessary catheters and timely removal protocols led by nurses, as highlighted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the American Nurses Association.6,7 Additionally, comprehensive nurse-driven catheter management practices ensure proper maintenance...