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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...

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...