fbpx

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...