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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 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...

15 May

Posted at 04:17h in Blog

Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) are specialized groups in hospital settings designed to provide immediate care to patients showing signs of significant clinical deterioration. These teams play an important role in the hospital - act quickly to intervene early. The main goal of this virtual nursing model is to identify and treat patients at an early stage of unanticipated clinical decline to prevent the need for emergency or unplanned transfer to intensive care. Role and Importance of RRTs in Hospital Settings Rapid Response Team’s typically respond to patients after being notified by bedside care teams who observe a patient's condition worsening. Criteria for activating an RRT vary by institution but generally include changes in vital signs, level of consciousness, or other clinical indicators. Upon arrival, the team assesses the patient, administers immediate interventions, and decides on the best course of action: further monitoring, additional treatment, or transferring the patient from acute care to a higher level of care. Incorporating Decisio's Clinical Decision Support (CDS) into RRT Workflow By incorporating the use of Decisio’s Clinical Decision Support (CDS) solution into the existing workflow, this model significantly outperforms the traditional methods of activating the Rapid Response Team. The use of clinical decision support software provides...