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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,...

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...

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...

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...

09 May

Posted at 10:41h in Blog

In recent years, nursing burnout has escalated to a critical level, affecting the morale and well-being of nurses and ultimately impacting patient care. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, virtual nursing has emerged as a viable solution to address the challenges of burnout by improving workflow efficiencies and reducing administrative burdens. Let's explore the benefits of virtual nursing through insights from recent research and expert discussions....