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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...

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...

29 Apr

Posted at 04:26h in Blog

In today’s healthcare landscape, the patient experience is more than a buzzword—it’s a core element of medical care that affects everything from patient outcomes to the reputation of healthcare facilities.  Let's dive into why making patient experiences a top priority is a game-changer for patients, hospitals, and healthcare teams. Improved Patient Outcomes Healthcare is all about helping people get better, but it’s not just the treatments that matter—it’s the whole experience. However, the patient experience encompasses more than just medical outcomes. It includes every interaction patients have with the healthcare system—from scheduling appointments to the manner in which doctors communicate. A positive patient experience often leads to better health outcomes. Studies have shown that when patients feel respected, supported, and understood, they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, attend follow-up appointments, and actively manage their health, which can lead to quicker recoveries and reduced readmission rates ([Wolf 2016](https://dx.doi.org/10.35680/2372-0247.1147)). Increased Patient Satisfaction Patient satisfaction is a critical metric for evaluating the quality of care. A positive experience can significantly enhance patient loyalty and the likelihood of patients choosing the same hospital or clinic for future healthcare needs. Satisfied patients are also more likely to recommend the facility to friends and family, acting as...