fbpx

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...

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...

21 May

Posted at 11:20h in Blog

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke, making it one of the leading causes of serious long-term disability and death in the country. With more than 800,000 strokes occurring annually, the urgency for effective and efficient emergency care cannot be overstated. The difference between a full recovery and severe, lasting consequences often hinges on the time to intervention—specifically, the time from hospital arrival to the administration of critical medications.1 The Critical Window: First 60 Minutes Research has shown that administering treatment within the first 60 minutes of a stroke can dramatically reduce the risk of disability. This period, often referred to as the "golden hour," is crucial for the administration of thrombolytic drugs that can dissolve the blood clot causing the stroke. Unfortunately, achieving this has been a persistent challenge in many emergency departments across the nation. Enhancing Emergency Response To address this challenge, our innovative solution has been designed to seamlessly enhance existing workflows in emergency departments, particularly for the treatment of acute ischemic strokes. By integrating advanced third-party software systems, we provide a streamlined process that supports rapid decision-making and treatment administration. Impactful Results This solution has helped the clinical team yield profound improvements in stroke treatment metrics: 54% Reduction in...