Failure modes and effects analysis to improve transitions of care in patients discharged on outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy

Author(s):  
Eleanor D Sadler ◽  
Edina Avdic ◽  
Sara E Cosgrove ◽  
Dawn Hohl ◽  
Michael Grimes ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose To identify barriers to safe and effective completion of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in patients discharged from an academic medical center and to develop targeted solutions to potentially resolve or improve the identified barriers. Summary A failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) was conducted by a multidisciplinary OPAT task force to evaluate the processes for patients discharged on OPAT to 2 postdischarge dispositions: (1) home and (2) a skilled nursing facility (SNF). The task force created 2 process maps and identified potential failure modes, or barriers, to the successful completion of each step. Thirteen and 10 barriers were identified in the home and SNF process maps, respectively. Task force members created 5 subgroups, each developing solutions for a group of related barriers. The 5 areas of focus included (1) the OPAT electronic order set, (2) critical tasks to be performed before patient discharge, (3) patient education, (4) patient follow-up and laboratory monitoring, and (5) SNF communication. Interventions involved working with information technology to update the electronic order set, bridging communication and ensuring completion of critical tasks by creating an inpatient electronic discharge checklist, developing patient education resources, planning a central OPAT outpatient database within the electronic medical record, and creating a pharmacist on-call pager for SNFs. Conclusion The FMEA approach was helpful in identifying perceived barriers to successful transitions of care in patients discharged on OPAT and in developing targeted interventions. Healthcare organizations may reproduce this strategy when completing quality improvement planning for this high-risk process.

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 600-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cory M. Hale ◽  
Jeffrey M. Steele ◽  
Robert W. Seabury ◽  
Christopher D. Miller

Background: Despite the numerous benefits of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), appreciable risks of drug-related problems (DRPs) exist. No studies to date comprehensively assess DRPs in this population. Objectives: Objectives of this study were to (1) characterize the frequency and types of DRPs experienced by patients discharged on OPAT and (2) determine the fraction of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) resulting in hospital readmission or emergency department (ED) presentation and changes in therapy. Methods: This was a retrospective chart analysis evaluating consecutive adult patients discharged on OPAT between May 2015 and October 2015. Patients were assessed for the presence of DRPs until the cessation of antimicrobial treatment, including oral step-down therapy. The outcome of each ADR was recorded, including those resulting in hospital readmissions, presentation to the ED, or changes in antimicrobials. Results: Among 144 patients discharged on OPAT, 199 DRPs occurred in 91 (63.2%) patients. Harm and potential impaired efficacy occurred in 76.9% and 23.1%, respectively. The ADRs comprised 59% of DRPs, occurring in 44.4% of patients. The second most common DRP type was drug interactions (DIs), accounting for 22.6% of DRPs. Rifampin, fluoroquinolones, and daptomycin had the highest frequencies of preventable DRPs in the form of DIs, whereas cephalosporins had the fewest DRPs. Approximately 26% of ADRs caused changes in therapy and 9% resulted in hospital readmission or ED utilization. Conclusion: DRPs with the potential to cause patient harm or impair treatment efficacy often occur with OPAT, most commonly ADRs and DIs. Enhanced monitoring and transitions of care management may reduce the incidence of these DRPs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (7) ◽  
pp. e88-e93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica L Bianchini ◽  
Rachel M Kenney ◽  
Robyn Lentz ◽  
Marcus Zervos ◽  
Manu Malhotra ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a widely used, safe, and cost-effective treatment. Most public and private insurance providers require prior authorization (PA) for OPAT, yet the impact of the inpatient PA process is not known. Our aim was to characterize discharge barriers and PA delays associated with high-priced OPAT antibiotics. Methods This was an institutional review board–approved study of adult patients discharged with daptomycin, ceftaroline, ertapenem, and novel beta-lactam-beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations from January 2017 to December 2017. Patients with an OPAT PA delay were compared with patients without a delay. The primary endpoint was total direct hospital costs from the start of treatment. Results Two-hundred patients were included: 141 (71%) no OPAT delay vs 59 (30%) OPAT delay. More patients with a PA delay were discharged to a subacute care facility compared with an outpatient setting: 37 (63%) vs 52 (37%), P = .001. Discharge delays and median total direct hospital costs were higher for patients with OPAT delays: 31 (53%) vs 21 (15%), P < .001 and $19 576 (interquartile range [IQR], 10 056–37 038) vs $7770 (IQR, 3031–13 974), P < .001. In multiple variable regression, discharge to a subacute care facility was associated with an increased odds of discharge delay, age >64 years was associated with a decreased odds of discharge delay. Conclusions OPAT with high-priced antibiotics requires significant care coordination. PA delays are common and contribute to discharge delays. OPAT transitions of care represent an opportunity to improve patient care and address access barriers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S365-S365
Author(s):  
Emily R Kirkpatrick ◽  
Elizabeth O Hand ◽  
Darrel W Hughes ◽  
Jasmin K Badwal ◽  
Kristi A Traugott

Abstract Background Given current efforts to increase the safety of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) programs nationwide, this project sought to determine whether pharmacist managed OPAT review and monitoring improves adherence to standard of care laboratory monitoring recommendations. Methods A single-center, retrospective review of patients > 18 years of age who received OPAT from University Health System was conducted. Patients who received OPAT between October 2018 and December 2018 served as the historical control group. After a pharmacist transitions of care program was implemented, patients who received OPAT between October 2019 and December 2019 were included in the intervention group. Patients were excluded if they received less than 7 days of OPAT, completed therapy prior to discharge, or died while inpatient. The primary endpoint was adherence to laboratory monitoring recommendations > 75% of the duration of planned OPAT. Only patients followed by the OPAT clinic were included in this analysis. Recommendations provided in the 2018 Infectious Diseases Society of America OPAT guidelines were used to define appropriate lab monitoring. Secondary endpoints included 30-day readmissions. Results A total of 409 patients were included in this study: 198 patients in the pre-implementation group and 211 patients in the post-implementation group. In patients with OPAT clinic follow-up, the post-implementation group was significantly more likely to receive monitoring adherent to standard of care laboratory monitoring recommendations > 75% of the duration of planned OPAT: 42/161 (26.1%) vs. 98/176 (55.7%), OR 3.6 (95% CI 2.2-5.6, p = 0.0001). There was no difference in 30-day readmission rates between groups in the overall population. Patients in the post-implementation group with OPAT clinic follow up had lower 30-day infectious disease-attributed readmissions: 18/161 (11.2%) vs. 14/176 (8.0%), p = 0.31. Conclusion Implementation of a transitions of care pharmacist significantly improved adherence to laboratory monitoring recommendations for patients receiving OPAT and numerically reduced 30-day infectious disease-attributed readmissions. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S192-S193
Author(s):  
Brett Young ◽  
Scott Bergman ◽  
Trevor C Van Schooneveld ◽  
Nicolas W Cortes-Penfield ◽  
Bryan Alexander

Abstract Background Our large academic medical center initiated both an Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) program supported by an infectious disease trained pharmacist, along with an Orthopedic Infectious Disease (OID) consult service to assist in caring for these specialized populations. We measured the impact of these services. Methods Patients discharged on parenteral antimicrobial therapy were divided into two groups. The pre-OPAT cohort included all patient receiving OPAT from 4/1/18 - 10/31/18; the post-OPAT cohort included all patients who received OPAT from 4/1/19 - 10/31/19 with OPAT consult (Fig 1). The OID consult service began in September 2018 prior to initiation of the OPAT program. The primary outcome was 30-day hospital readmission. Secondary outcomes included: length of stay (LOS), 90-day readmission, clinical outcomes, and identification of predictors of hospital readmission. Clinical outcomes included: time from final OR visit to discharge for OID patients and optimal treatment (cefazolin, oxacillin, or nafcillin) for MSSA. Results Introduction of these programs was associated with a reduction in all-cause 30-day readmission from 39.3% to 22.9%, and a reduction in 30-day readmission for patients on-treatment from 24.6% to 15.6% (p< 0.01 for both). No difference was seen in hospital LOS (8 days in each cohort). In a subgroup analysis (Fig 2), OID patients in the post-OPAT cohort saw a median reduction of 2 days (7 days to 5 days, p=0.002) in time from final OR visit to discharge. Use of optimal treatments for MSSA increased in the post-OPAT cohort compared to pre-OPAT (65.2% to 80.9%; p=0.06). The 90-day hospital readmission rate were higher in the post-OPAT cohort among patients who lived in metro-area zip codes (p=0.03). Having an established primary care physician was associated with lower 90-day hospital readmission in both the pre-and post-OPAT cohorts (p=0.05 and 0.01, respectively). Conclusion Thirty-day readmission rates among patients discharged on OPAT significantly lowered following initiation of a combination of both a pharmacist-led OPAT program and OID consult service. OPAT and OID programs accrue additional efficiencies and clinical benefits to both patients and hospitals, which can be further evaluated and used to justify such service additions. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S403-S403
Author(s):  
Alice N Hemenway ◽  
Rebecca L Stewart

Abstract Background At our facility a collaborative team of nurse and pharmacist manage patients receiving outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). This project aims to characterize this collaboration and assess the effectiveness by reviewing interventions made by the nurse and pharmacist, and assessing patient outcomes such as OPAT or infection related hospital admissions or ED visits, infection clearance, and mortality. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients started on OPAT between 1/1/19 and 12/31/20. This time period was split into three: Period 1 where the clinic only included the PharmD and they saw patients for in-person appointments, Period 2 where the clinic included both the OPAT RN and PharmD and the PharmD performed in-person appointments, and Period 3 where the clinic included both but due to COVID the in-person PharmD appointments were on hold. OPAT or infection related hospital admissions, ED visits, infection clearance, and death were compared for each period. Results A total of 388 patients were included in the review. There were 158 (40.7%) and 148 (38.1%) OPAT-related phone calls from the PharmD and RN, respectively. The two most common reasons for both PharmD and RN phone calls were a medication stop order/confirmation, and weekly lab obtainment. The third most common reason for the PharmD was dose change, and for the RN it was patient education. During Periods 1 and 2 the PharmD had in-person appointments with 28.9% of patients. The overall OPAT/infection related hospital admission and ED visit rates were 7.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Periods 2 and 3, which utilized the combined efforts of RN and PharmD, had consistently lower hospital admissions related to OPAT/infection (46-50% vs 62% Period 1), and ED visits due to OPAT/infection (33-36% vs 47% for Period 1). Clearance of infection was high for all 3 periods (89-95%), and mean mortality was low (2.1%). Conclusion Collaborative management allowed for the nurse and pharmacist to function as substitutes for each other without losing the specific focus of their specialties, with the RN performing more patient education, and the PharmD performing more medication dosing. The collaboration had positive effects on OPAT patient outcomes. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S333-S333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Felder ◽  
Louise Vaz ◽  
Penelope Barnes ◽  
Cara Varley

Abstract Background Transitions of care from hospitals to outpatient settings, especially for patients requiring outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) are complex. OPAT complications, such as adverse antimicrobial reactions, vascular access problems, and hospital readmissions are common. Data from transitions of care literature suggest that post-discharge telephone calls (TCs) may significantly decrease re-hospitalization but no studies have assessed the utility of post-discharge TCs as an OPAT program quality improvement process. Methods Adult OPAT patients discharged from our hospital between April 1, 2015 and May 31, 2016 were queried for post-discharge concerns. TCs to patients or their caregivers were administered by trained medical assistants within the Department of Infectious Diseases using a standardized script and documented in the electronic medical record (EMR). Feasibility was assessed using call completion rate. The type and frequency of reported issues were analyzed by retrospective chart review. Results 636 of 689 eligible adult OPAT patients or their caregivers received a TC with responses to scripted questions documented in the EMR (92% completion rate). 302 patients (47%) reported 319 issues, including 293 (92%) relevant to OPAT. Antimicrobial issues included diarrhea/stool changes (58; 9%); nausea/vomiting (27; 4%); and missed antimicrobial doses (22; 3%). Vascular access issues included line patency concerns (21; 3%); vascular access dressing problems (17; 2.6%) and arm pain/swelling (6; 1%). OPAT vendor issues included delays in lab or line care services (23; 4%) and OPAT orders reported as lost/not received (21; 3%). Other ID-related issues included fevers/chills/sweats (27; 4%), wound concerns (16; 2.5%), and pain (15; 2.5%). Conclusion Adding a post-discharge TC to an OPAT program was feasible and resulted in frequent and early identification of significant OPAT patient and caregiver concerns. Findings suggest potential high-yield topics for process improvement, as well as anticipatory guidance and patient education in OPAT. Further evaluation and analysis of optimal hospital discharge processes and care coordination in OPAT, as well as their impact on post-discharge adverse events, is needed. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S343-S343
Author(s):  
Monica L Bianchini ◽  
Rachel Kenney ◽  
Robyn Lentz ◽  
Marcus Zervos ◽  
Manu Malhotra ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) allows patients to receive prolonged antimicrobial therapy while reducing the length of hospitalization and healthcare costs. In the United States, most public and private insurance companies require prior authorization (PA) for OPAT. The impact of OPAT PA delays is not known. This study aimed to characterize discharge barriers and authorization delays associated with high-cost OPAT antibiotics. Methods IRB-approved study of adult patients discharged with high-cost OPAT antibiotics from January to December 2017. Antibiotics were included based on the frequency of OPAT use and average sales price (ASP) greater than $100 per day, including: daptomycin, ceftaroline, ertapenem, and the novel β-lactam β-lactam inhibitor combinations. Patients with an OPAT authorization delay >24 hours were compared with patients without an OPAT authorization delay. Primary endpoint: total direct hospital costs, starting from the start of treatment with the OPAT antibiotic, from the institutional perspective using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services 2019 ASP Drug Pricing data. Secondary outcomes: discharge delay and 30-day readmission or mortality. Results Two-hundred patients included: 151 (76%) no OPAT delay vs. 49 (25%) OPAT delay. The use of antibiotics was similar between groups, except ertapenem was more common in the no OPAT delay group: 60 (43%) vs. 15 (25%), P = 0.022. Patients with no OPAT delay were more commonly discharged with home infusion and less commonly to a facility: 75 (53%) vs. 19 (32%), P = 0.007, and 52 (37%) vs. 37 (63%), P = 0.001, respectively. Discharge delays were more common in patients with OPAT delays: 21 (15%) vs. 31 (53%), P < 0.001. The median total direct hospital costs were higher in patients with OPAT delays: $7,770 (3,031–13,974) vs. $19,576 vs. (10,056–37,038), P < 0.001. Table 1 compares the total direct hospital costs of patients with and without an authorization delay. Conclusion OPAT with high-cost antibiotics requires significant care coordination. Authorization delays for these antibiotics are common and may contribute to a delay in discharge. OPAT transitions of care represent an important opportunity for Infectious Diseases providers to improve care and address access barriers. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Pharmacy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 233
Author(s):  
Toni Docherty ◽  
Jennifer J. Schneider ◽  
Joyce Cooper

Clinic- and hospital-based home care describes models of care where services commonly associated with hospital inpatient care are provided at the patient’s home or in an outpatient or community-based clinic. Hospital in the Home (HITH), also termed Hospital at Home (HaH) in parts of Europe and America, is a common and important example of this type of care. Other examples include infusion centers, skilled nursing facilities (particularly in the USA), self-administration models (including home infusion services) and administration through outpatient or community clinics. Different models of HITH care are used internationally and these encompass a wide range of services. Medication administration, particularly outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), is an important element in many of these models of care. There is a key role for pharmacists since the provision of medication is integral in this model of patient care outside the hospital setting. Data on the growing importance of HITH and OPAT as well as the administration of medications suited to clinic- and hospital-based home care, including subcutaneous and intramuscular injectables, immunoglobulins and other blood fractions, cancer chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition, biologicals/biosimilars, vasopressors and enzymes, using differing service models, are described. The pharmacist’s role is evolving from that involved primarily with dose preparation and supply of medications. Their clinical expertise in medication management ensures that they are an integral member and leader in these models of care. Their role ensures the safe and quality use of medicines, particularly across transitions of care, with the pharmacist taking on the roles of educator and consultant to patients and health professional colleagues. Activities such as antimicrobial stewardship and ongoing monitoring of patients and outcomes is fundamental to ensure quality patient outcomes in these settings.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S333-S334
Author(s):  
So Lim Kim ◽  
Angela Everett ◽  
Susan J Rehm ◽  
Steven Gordon ◽  
Nabin Shrestha

Abstract Background Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) carries risk of vascular access complications, antimicrobial adverse effects, and worsening of infection. Both OPAT-related and unrelated events may lead to emergency department (ED) visits. The purpose of this study was to describe adverse events that result in ED visits and risk factors associated with ED visits during OPAT. Methods OPAT courses between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016 at Cleveland Clinic were identified from the institution’s OPAT registry. ED visits within 30 days of OPAT initiation were reviewed. Reasons and potential risk factors for ED visits were sought in the medical record. Results Among 11,440 OPAT courses during the study period, 603 (5%) were associated with 1 or more ED visits within 30 days of OPAT initiation. Mean patient age was 58 years and 57% were males. 379 ED visits (49%) were OPAT-related; the most common visit reason was vascular access complication, which occurred in 211 (56%) of OPAT-related ED visits. The most common vascular access complications were occlusion and dislodgement, which occurred in 99 and 34 patients (47% and 16% of vascular access complications, respectively). In a multivariable logistic regression model, at least one prior ED visit in the preceding year (prior ED visit) was most strongly associated with one or more ED visits during an OPAT course (OR 2.96, 95% CI 2.38 – 3.71, p-value &lt; 0.001). Other significant factors were younger age (p 0.01), female sex (p 0.01), home county residence (P &lt; 0.001), and having a PICC (p 0.05). 549 ED visits (71%) resulted in discharge from the ED within 24 hours, 18 (2%) left against medical advice, 46 (6%) were observed up to 24 hours, and 150 ED visits (20%) led to hospital admission. Prior ED visit was not associated with hospital admission among patients who visited the ED during OPAT. Conclusion OPAT-related ED visits are most often due to vascular access complications, especially line occlusions. Patients with a prior ED visit in the preceding year have a 3-fold higher odds of at least one ED visit during OPAT compared with patients without a prior ED visit. A strategy of managing occlusions at home and a focus on patients with prior ED visits could potentially prevent a substantial proportion of OPAT-related ED visits. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


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