Hardwiring diagnostic stewardship using electronic ordering restrictions for gastrointestinal pathogen testing

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 668-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmine R. Marcelin ◽  
Charlotte Brewer ◽  
Micah Beachy ◽  
Elizabeth Lyden ◽  
Tammy Winterboer ◽  
...  

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the impact of a hard stop in the electronic health record (EHR) on inappropriate gastrointestinal pathogen panel testing (GIPP).Design:We used a quasi-experimental study to evaluate testing before and after the implementation of an EHR alert to stop inappropriate GIPP ordering.Setting:Midwest academic medical center.Participants:Hospitalized patients with diarrhea for which GIPP testing was ordered, between January 2016 through March 2017 (period 1) and April 2017 through June 2018 (period 2).Intervention:A hard stop in the EHR prevented clinicians from ordering a GIPP more than once per admission or in patients hospitalized for >72 hours.Results:During period 1, 1,587 GIPP tests were ordered over 212,212 patient days, at a rate of 7.48 per 1,000 patient days. In period 2, 1,165 GIPP tests were ordered over 222,343 patient days, at a rate of 5.24 per 1,000 patient days. The Poisson model estimated a 30% reduction in total GIPP ordering rates between the 2 periods (relative risk, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63–0.78; P < .001). The rate of inappropriate tests ordered decreased from 21.5% to 4.9% between the 2 periods (P < .001). The total savings calculated factoring only GIPP orders that triggered the hard stop was ∼$67,000, with potential savings of $168,000 when factoring silent best-practice alert data.Conclusions:A simple hard stop alert in the EHR resulted in significant reduction of inappropriate GIPP testing, which was associated with significant cost savings. Clinicians can practice diagnostic stewardship by avoiding ordering this test more than once per admission or in patients hospitalized >72 hours.

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S89-S89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory Cook ◽  
Shreena Advani ◽  
Saira Rab ◽  
Sheetal Kandiah ◽  
Manish Patel ◽  
...  

Abstract Background A candidemia treatment bundle (CTB) may increase adherence to guideline recommended candidemia management and improve patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a best practice alert (BPA) and order-set on optimizing compliance with all CTB components and patient outcomes. Methods A single center, pre-/post-intervention study was completed at Grady Health System from August 2015 to August 2017. Post-CTB intervention began August 2016. The CTB included a BPA that fires for blood cultures positive for any Candida species to treatment clinicians upon opening the patient’s electronic health record. The BPA included a linked order-set based on treatment recommendations including: infectious diseases (ID) and ophthalmology consultation, repeat blood cultures, empiric echinocandin therapy, early source control, antifungal de-escalation, intravenous to oral (IV to PO) switch, and duration of therapy. The primary outcome of the study was total adherence to the CTB. The secondary outcomes include adherence with the individual components of the CTB, 30-day mortality, and infection-related length of stay (LOS). Results Forty-five patients in the pre-group and 24 patients in the CTB group with candidemia were identified. Twenty-seven patients in the pre-group and 19 patients in the CTB group met inclusion criteria. Total adherence with the CTB occurred in one patient in the pre-group and threepatients in the CTB group (4% vs. 16%, P = 0.29). ID was consulted in 15 patients in the pre-group and 17 patients in the CTB group (56% vs. 89%, P = 0.02). Source control occurred in three and 11 patients, respectively (11% vs. 58% P &lt; 0.01). The bundle components of empiric echinocandin use (81% vs. 100%, P = 0.07), ophthalmology consultation (81% vs. 95%, P = 0.37), and IV to PO switch (22% vs. 32%, P = 0.5) also improved in the CTB group. Repeat cultures and antifungal de-escalation were similar among groups. Thirty-day mortality decreased in the CTB group by 10% (26% vs. 16%, P = 0.48). Median iLOS decreased from 30 days in the pre-group to 17 days in the CTB group (P = 0.05). Conclusion The CTB, with a BPA and linked order-set, improved guideline recommended management of candidemia specifically increasing the rates of ID consultation and early source control. There were quantitative improvements in mortality and iLOS. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Author(s):  
Courtney E Kelly ◽  
Christopher Miller ◽  
William Darko ◽  
Greg Cwikla ◽  
Bryan Mogle ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Cost savings achieved at an academic medical center by reformulating the institution’s standard vasopressin infusions to reduce waste are described. Summary After a retrospective review of vasopressin utilization over a 4-month period revealed that only approximately 40% of dispensed vasopressin units were actually administered to patients, pharmacy leaders determined that the institution’s standard vasopressin concentration for continuous infusions (100 units in 100 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% injection) was resulting in substantial waste, as many infusion preparations were not needed within the 18- to 24-hour expiration window. A concentration of 20 units/100 mL was adopted as the new standard formulation for vasopressin continuous infusions, with use of alternative concentrations allowed on a restricted basis. A pre-post study to assess the impact of the formulation change indicated a 38.7% decrease in vasopressin utilization (from 21,900 to 8,480 units) relative to utilization in a retrospective sample of patients who received vasopressin infusions prior to the formulation change. This reduced utilization equated to a cost decrease of $55,656.20 (as calculated on the basis of 2017 cost estimates) or $77,214.23 (as calculated on the basis of 2019 cost estimates) for the time period collected. It was estimated that the new formulations could yield annual cost savings ranging from $222,625 to $308,857. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first description of cost savings following a change in formulation of vasopressin for continuous infusions. Other institutions could consider employing a similar approach in addition to the previously reported cost-saving interventions, such as lower vasopressin starting doses and vasopressin restriction policies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 1136-1141
Author(s):  
Nikki N. Tran ◽  
John P. Mills ◽  
Christopher Zimmerman ◽  
Tejal N. Gandhi ◽  
Alison C. Tribble ◽  
...  

AbstractObjective:To evaluate whether incorporating mandatory prior authorization for Clostridioides difficile testing into antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist workflow could reduce testing in patients with alternative etiologies for diarrhea.Design:Single center, quasi-experimental before-and-after study.Setting:Tertiary-care, academic medical center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.Patients:Adult and pediatric patients admitted between September 11, 2019 and December 10, 2019 were included if they had an order placed for 1 of the following: (1) C. difficile enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in patients hospitalized >72 hours and received laxatives, oral contrast, or initiated tube feeds within the prior 48 hours, (2) repeat molecular multiplex gastrointestinal pathogen panel (GIPAN) testing, or (3) GIPAN testing in patients hospitalized >72 hours.Intervention:A best-practice alert prompting prior authorization by the antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) for EIA or GIPAN testing was implemented. Approval required the provider to page the ASP pharmacist and discuss rationale for testing. The provider could not proceed with the order if ASP approval was not obtained.Results:An average of 2.5 requests per day were received over the 3-month intervention period. The weekly rate of EIA and GIPAN orders per 1,000 patient days decreased significantly from 6.05 ± 0.94 to 4.87 ± 0.78 (IRR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.56–0.93; P = .010) and from 1.72 ± 0.37 to 0.89 ± 0.29 (IRR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.37–0.77; P = .001), respectively.Conclusions:We identified an efficient, effective C. difficile and GIPAN diagnostic stewardship approval model.


Author(s):  
Kaylee K Marino ◽  
Kaitlin E Crowley ◽  
Lena K Tran ◽  
Daniel Sylvia ◽  
Heather Dell’Orfano ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Based on the pharmacokinetic profile of levothyroxine, a 3-day hold guideline for adult patients ordered for intravenous (IV) levothyroxine was implemented at a tertiary academic medical center. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the implementation of an IV levothyroxine hold guideline. Methods This single-center, retrospective analysis identified patients ordered for IV levothyroxine during a 13-week period before and after implementation of the guideline. The primary outcome was guideline adherence, defined as full implementation of the 3-day hold. Secondary outcomes included the number of IV levothyroxine administrations avoided in the post-guideline group, extrapolated yearly cost avoidance (EYCA) after guideline implementation, reasons for guideline non-adherence, and number of safety reports involving IV levothyroxine. Results A total of 166 and 134 patients met inclusion criteria for the pre- and post-guideline groups, respectively. Guideline adherence was observed in 94 (70.1%) patients, resulting in 276 vials saved in the 13-week post-guideline period, which translated to an EYCA of $139,877. Forty orders (29.9%) were non-adherent to the guideline, with the most common reason stated as nil per os (NPO). No difference in safety outcomes was seen between the pre- and post-guideline groups, as evidenced by 1 safety report in each group. Conclusion We observed a high rate of adherence to an IV levothyroxine hold guideline. This was associated with a substantial cost savings over the study period with no increase in reported safety events. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of an inpatient IV levothyroxine 3-day hold guideline.


2020 ◽  
pp. 107815522097026
Author(s):  
Seyram S Fudzie ◽  
Brandon Luong ◽  
Stephanie J Jean ◽  
Suzanne J Francart

Introduction Medication prior authorizations (PA) required by insurance payers can be time-consuming to complete and may lead to delays in treatment for cancer patients. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of Medication Assistance Program (MAP) specialists embedded in adult hematology and oncology clinics on the PA and financial assistance process. Methods This was a retrospective chart review study performed at a large academic medical center that examined medication referrals completed by MAP specialists in four hematology and oncology clinics. The primary outcome was the median PA turnaround time, defined as time from initial referral creation to final referral completion. Secondary outcomes assessed median turnaround time for financial assistance programs and total patient savings. Results A total of 176 prior authorization, 92 manufacturer patient assistance program (PAP), and 37 copay assistance referrals were completed. The median turnaround times were 24, 154, and 19 hours for PA, manufacturer PAP, and copay assistance program referrals, respectively. Total cost savings amounted to over $1.8 million for patients approved to receive medications through manufacturer PAPs. Conclusions Embedding MAP specialists in adult hematology/oncology clinics supports an efficient and timely process for PA approvals while also providing patient cost-savings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s114-s115
Author(s):  
Alexandra Johnson ◽  
Bobby Warren ◽  
Deverick John Anderson ◽  
Melissa Johnson ◽  
Isabella Gamez ◽  
...  

Background: Stethoscopes are a known vector for microbial transmission; however, common strategies used to clean stethoscopes pose certain barriers that prevent routine cleaning after every use. We aimed to determine whether using readily available alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) would effectively reduce bacterial bioburden on stethoscopes in a real-world setting. Methods: We performed a randomized study on inpatient wards of an academic medical center to assess the impact of using ABHR (AlcareExtra; ethyl alcohol, 80%) on the bacterial bioburden of stethoscopes. Stethoscopes were obtained from healthcare providers after routine use during an inpatient examination and were randomized to control (no intervention) or ABHR disinfection (2 pumps applied to tubing and bell or diaphragm by study personnel, then allowed to dry). Cultures of the tubing and bell or diaphragm were obtained with premoistened cellulose sponges. Sponges were combined with 1% Tween20-PBS and mixed in the Seward Stomacher. The homogenate was centrifuged and all but ~5 mL of the supernatant was discarded. Samples were plated on sheep’s blood agar and selective media for clinically important pathogens (CIPs) including S. aureus, Enterococcus spp, and gram-negative bacteria (GNB). CFU count was determined by counting the number of colonies on each plate and using dilution calculations to calculate the CFU of the original ~5 mL homogenate. Results: In total, 80 stethoscopes (40 disinfection, 40 control) were sampled from 46 physicians (MDs) and MD students (57.5%), 13 advanced practice providers (16.3%), and 21 nurses (RNs) and RN students (26.3%). The median CFU count was ~30-fold lower in the disinfection arm compared to control (106 [IQR, 50–381] vs 3,320 [986–4,834]; P < .0001). The effect was consistent across provider type, frequency of recent usual stethoscope cleaning, age, and status of pet ownership (Fig. 1). Overall, 26 of 80 (33%) of stethoscopes harbored CIP. The presence of CIP was lower but not significantly different for stethoscopes that underwent disinfection versus controls: S. aureus (25% vs 32.5%), Enterococcus (2.5% vs 10%), and GNB (2.5% vs 5%). Conclusions: Stethoscopes may serve as vectors for clean hands to become recontaminated immediately prior to performing patient care activities. Using ABHR to clean stethoscopes after every use is a practical and effective strategy to reduce overall bacterial contamination that can be easily incorporated into clinical workflow. Larger studies are needed to determine the efficacy of ABHR at removing CIP from stethoscopes as stethoscopes in both arms were frequently contaminated with CIP. Prior cleaning of stethoscopes on the study day did not seem to impact contamination rates, suggesting the impact of alcohol foam disinfection is short-lived and may need to be repeated frequently (ie, after each use).Funding: NoneDisclosures: NoneDisclosures: NoneFunding: None


2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110129
Author(s):  
Randall S. Ruffner ◽  
Jessica W. Scordino

Objectives During septoplasty, normal cartilage and bone are often sent for pathologic examination despite benign appearance. We explored pathology results following septoplasty from April 2016 to April 2018, examining clinical value and relevance, implications, and cost analysis. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Single-institution academic medical center. Methods A retrospective chart review was compiled by using Current Procedural Terminology code 30520 for septoplasty for indication of nasal obstruction, deviated septum, and nasal deformity. Results A total of 236 consecutive cases were identified spanning a 2-year period. Septoplasty specimens were sent for pathology evaluation in 76 (31%). The decision to send a specimen for histopathology was largely physician dependent. No cases yielded unexpected or significant pathology that changed management. The average total charges for septoplasty were $10,200 at our institution, with 2.2% of procedural charges accounting for pathology preparation and review, averaging $225. Nationally, this results in an estimated charged cost of $58.5 million. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement for septoplasty pathology charges was $46 in 2018, accounting for 1.3% of hospital-based reimbursements and 2.2% of ambulatory center reimbursements. With CMS as a national model for reimbursement, $11.8 million is spent yearly for septoplasty histopathology. Given that CMS reimbursement is significantly lower than private insurers, national total reimbursement is likely considerably higher. Conclusion Routine pathology review of routine septoplasty specimens is unnecessary, unremarkable, and wasteful. Correlation of the patient’s presentation and intraoperative findings should justify the need for pathology evaluation. This value-based approach can offer significant direct and indirect cost savings. Level of evidence 4.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s84-s84
Author(s):  
Lorinda Sheeler ◽  
Mary Kukla ◽  
Oluchi Abosi ◽  
Holly Meacham ◽  
Stephanie Holley ◽  
...  

Background: In December of 2019, the World Health Organization reported a novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 [SARS-CoV-2)]) causing severe respiratory illness originating in Wuhan, China. Since then, an increasing number of cases and the confirmation of human-to-human transmission has led to the need to develop a communication campaign at our institution. We describe the impact of the communication campaign on the number of calls received and describe patterns of calls during the early stages of our response to this emerging infection. Methods: The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics is an 811-bed academic medical center with >200 outpatient clinics. In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, we launched a communications campaign on January 17, 2020. Initial communications included email updates to staff and a dedicated COVID-19 webpage with up-to-date information. Subsequently, we developed an electronic screening tool to guide a risk assessment during patient check in. The screening tool identifies travel to China in the past 14 days and the presence of symptoms defined as fever >37.7°C plus cough or difficulty breathing. The screening tool was activated on January 24, 2020. In addition, university staff contacted each student whose primary residence record included Hubei Province, China. Students were provided with medical contact information, signs and symptoms to monitor for, and a thermometer. Results: During the first 5 days of the campaign, 3 calls were related to COVID-19. The number of calls increased to 18 in the 5 days following the implementation of the electronic screening tool. Of the 21 calls received to date, 8 calls (38%) were generated due to the electronic travel screen, 4 calls (19%) were due to a positive coronavirus result in a multiplex respiratory panel, 4 calls (19%) were related to provider assessment only (without an electronic screening trigger), and 2 calls (10%) sought additional information following the viewing of the web-based communication campaign. Moreover, 3 calls (14%) were for people without travel history but with respiratory symptoms and contact with a person with recent travel to China. Among those reporting symptoms after travel to China, mean time since arrival to the United States was 2.7 days (range, 0–11 days). Conclusion: The COVID-19 outbreak is evolving, and providing up to date information is challenging. Implementing an electronic screening tool helped providers assess patients and direct questions to infection prevention professionals. Analyzing the types of calls received helped tailor messaging to frontline staff.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None


2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982098413
Author(s):  
Cecelia E. Schmalbach ◽  
Jean Brereton ◽  
Cathlin Bowman ◽  
James C. Denneny

Objective (1) To describe the patient and membership cohort captured by the otolaryngology-based specialty-specific Reg-ent registry. (2) To outline the capabilities of the Reg-ent registry, including the process by which members can access evidence-based data to address knowledge gaps identified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery/Foundation and ultimately define “quality” for our field of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. Methods Data analytics was performed on Reg-ent (2015-2020) Results A total of 1629 participants from 239 practices were enrolled in Reg-ent, and 42 health care specialties were represented. Reg-ent encompassed 6,496,477 unique patients and 24,296,713 encounters/visits: the 45- to 64-year age group had the highest representation (n = 1,597,618, 28.1%); 3,867,835 (60.3%) patients identified as Caucasian; and “private” was the most common insurance (33%), followed by Blue Cross/Blue Shield (22%). Allergic rhinitis–unspecified and sensorineural hearing loss–bilateral were the top 2 diagnoses (9% each). Overall, 302 research gaps were identified from 17 clinical practice guidelines. Discussion Reg-ent benefits are vast—from monitoring one’s practice to defining otolaryngology–head and neck surgery quality, participating in advocacy, and conducting research. Reg-ent provides mechanisms for benchmarking, quality assessment, and performance measure development, with the objective of defining and guiding best practice in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. To be successful, patient diversity must be achieved to include ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Increasing academic medical center membership will assist in achieving diversity so that the quality domain of equitable care is achieved. Implications for Practice Reg-ent provides the first ever registry that is specific to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery and compliant with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) to collect patient outcomes and define evidence-based quality care.


Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy Morrison ◽  

Background: Stroke care evolution has been remarkable since 2000, when the Brain Attack Coalition published their recommendations for Primary Stroke Centers. For the first time, hospitals had evidence-based standards to improve patient outcomes. Today, many states require emergency responders to take suspected stroke patients only to certified stroke centers. As a result, many hospitals have established the role of stroke coordinator to oversee the myriad facets of stroke care. Coordinators are overwhelmed with the opportunities - and responsibilities - to improve care processes. Method: In 2009, the stroke program manager at a Magnet academic medical center established a regional stroke coordinators’ group. Eight coordinators met and established milestones for success. Information has been shared and nurses have traded services, providing education for each other’s organization. The group of now 28 coordinators meets every other month. Results: Positive outcomes of membership in this dynamic group include a 65% increase in professional membership in American Association of Neuroscience Nurses. In addition, the coordinators report confidence and empowerment to impact change in their own organization that improved care and outcomes. Aggregate group data demonstrates improvement in the following measures: thrombolytic administration 44%; door-to-needle time 16%; & patient education 12%. Nine additional hospitals (from 6 to 17, a 183% increase) have attained Advanced Primary Stroke certification and the host organization achieved Comprehensive Stroke certification. Conclusion: Neuroscience nurses are influential leaders - not just within their own organization. These outcomes demonstrate the mutual benefit of stroke coordinator colleagues working together and sharing best practice strategies. Through multi-organizational collaboration, they have become empowered to establish programs and become experts within their organization, able to guide and improve the care provided by their own direct-care nurses.


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