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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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...