Implementation and Evaluation of a Smartphone Application for the Perioperative Care of Neurosurgery Patients at an Academic Medical Center: Implications for Patient Satisfaction, Surgery Cancelations, and Readmissions

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel R Felbaum ◽  
Jeffrey J Stewart ◽  
Amjad N Anaizi ◽  
Faheem A Sandhu ◽  
Mani N Nair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Before And After

Abstract BACKGROUND Smartphone applications (apps) in the health care arena are being increasingly developed with the aim of benefiting both patients and their physicians. The delivery of adequate instructions both before and after a procedure or surgery is of paramount importance in ensuring the best possible outcome for patients. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate that app-based instructions with built-in reminders may improve patient understanding and compliance and contribute to reducing the number of surgery cancellations and postoperative complications and readmissions. METHODS We prospectively accrued 56 patients undergoing routine neurosurgery procedures who subsequently downloaded the app. The median age was 54 (range 27-79). Patients were followed for successful registration and use of the app, compliance with reading instructions before and after surgery, and sending pain scores and/or wound images. The number of surgeries cancelled, postoperative complications, 30-d readmissions, and phone calls for surgery-related questions were examined. RESULTS Fifty-four of the 56 patients successfully registered, downloaded, and used the app and read and complied with instructions both before and after surgery. There were no cancelled surgeries. There was 1 postoperative complication. There were no readmissions. Eight of the 54 patients (14.8%) called the office on a single occasion for a surgery related question. CONCLUSION We demonstrate the utility of a smartphone application in the perioperative neurosurgical care setting with regard to patient compliance and satisfaction as well as surgery cancellations and readmissions. Further study of a larger number of patients with a control group is warranted.

Mo1760 Assessment of Postoperative Complications in Patients With IBD. A Single Academic Medical Center Experience

2013 ◽  
Vol 144 (5) ◽  
pp. S-1109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha J. Quade ◽  
Joshua Mourot ◽  
Anita Afzali ◽  
Mika N. Sinanan ◽  
Scott D. Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical

Application of a Computer Vision Tool for Automated Glottic Tracking to Vocal Fold Paralysis Patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982198960
Author(s):  
Tiffany V. Wang ◽  
Nat Adamian ◽  
Phillip C. Song ◽  
Ramon A. Franco ◽  
Molly N. Huston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vocal Fold ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Vocal Fold Paralysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Large Patient ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Before And After

Objectives (1) Demonstrate true vocal fold (TVF) tracking software (AGATI [Automated Glottic Action Tracking by artificial Intelligence]) as a quantitative assessment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) in a large patient cohort. (2) Correlate patient-reported metrics with AGATI measurements of TVF anterior glottic angles, before and after procedural intervention. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Methods AGATI was used to analyze videolaryngoscopy from healthy adults (n = 72) and patients with UVFP (n = 70). Minimum, 3rd percentile, 97th percentile, and maximum anterior glottic angles (AGAs) were computed for each patient. In patients with UVFP, patient-reported outcomes (Voice Handicap Index 10, Dyspnea Index, and Eating Assessment Tool 10) were assessed, before and after procedural intervention (injection or medialization laryngoplasty). A receiver operating characteristic curve for the logistic fit of paralysis vs control group was used to determine AGA cutoff values for defining UVFP. Results Mean (SD) 3rd percentile AGA (in degrees) was 2.67 (3.21) in control and 5.64 (5.42) in patients with UVFP ( P < .001); mean (SD) 97th percentile AGA was 57.08 (11.14) in control and 42.59 (12.37) in patients with UVFP ( P < .001). For patients with UVFP who underwent procedural intervention, the mean 97th percentile AGA decreased by 5 degrees from pre- to postprocedure ( P = .026). The difference between the 97th and 3rd percentile AGA predicted UVFP with 77% sensitivity and 92% specificity ( P < .0001). There was no correlation between AGA measurements and patient-reported outcome scores. Conclusions AGATI demonstrated a difference in AGA measurements between paralysis and control patients. AGATI can predict UVFP with 77% sensitivity and 92% specificity.

scholarly journals Curricular Development and Implementation of a Longitudinal Integrative Medicine Education Experience for Trainees and Health-Care Professionals at an Academic Medical Center

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 216495611983748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne M Cutshall ◽  
Tejinder K Khalsa ◽  
Tony Y Chon ◽  
Sairey M Vitek ◽  
Stephanie D Clark ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Integrative Medicine ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Curricular Development ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Prevention And Health Promotion

A growing number of patients and consumers are seeking integrative medicine (IM) approaches as a result of increasing complex medical needs and a greater emphasis on prevention and health promotion. Health-care professionals need to have knowledge of the evidence-based IM resources that are safe and available to patients. Medical institutions have acknowledged the need for education and training in various IM modalities and whole-health approaches in medical curricula. There is a strong need to develop and incorporate well-structured IM curricula across all levels of learning and practice within medicine. This article provides an example of the development, implementation, impact, and assessment of IM education curricula across all learner levels at a large academic medical center.

Pharmacist Transition-of-Care Services Improve Patient Satisfaction and Decrease Hospital Readmissions

2020 ◽  
pp. 089719002095826
Author(s):  
Katherine L. March ◽  
Michael J. Peters ◽  
Christopher K. Finch ◽  
Lauchland A. Roberts ◽  
Katie M. McLean ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Improve Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Improve Patient

Background: Pharmacists ability to directly impact patient satisfaction through increases in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys utilizing transitions-of-care (TOC) services is unclear. Methods: Retrospective analysis of TOC patients from 07/01/2018 to 03/31/2019 was conducted. Intervention (INV) patients received pharmacist medication reconciliation and education prior to discharge and post-discharge telephone follow-up. All other patients served as control group (CON). Primary outcome: Evaluate impact of TOC services on HCAHPS scores for “Communication about Medicines” and “Care Transitions.” Secondary outcomes: 30-day readmissions, quantification of prevented potential safety events, assessment of discharge prescriptions sent to the academic medical center outpatient pharmacy (MOP) for TOC patients. Results: Of 1,728 patients screened, 414 patients met inclusion criteria (INV = 414, CON = 1314). A significant improvement (14.7%; p = <0.0001) in overall medication-related HCAHPS results was seen when comparing pre- vs post-implementation of the TOC service. Statistically significant increases for individual questions “staff told you what the medicine was for” (14.2%; p = 0.018), “staff describe possible effects” (21.2%; p = 0.004), and “understood the purpose of taking medications” (11.4%; p = 0.035) were observed. A non-significant decrease in 30-day readmission rates for the groups was observed (CON 16.4%, INV 13.3%; p = 0.133); however, an unplanned subgroup analysis evaluating impact of discharge phone calls on 30-day readmission rates revealed a significant reduction of 17.3% to 12.4% (p = 0.007). One hundred forty-three medication safety event(s) were potentially prevented by the TOC pharmacist. Lastly, 562 prescriptions were captured at the MOP as a result of the TOC initiative. Conclusions: Pharmacy-based TOC models can improve patient satisfaction, prevent hospital readmissions, and generate revenue.

Intravenous Immune Globulin Stewardship Program at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan A. Rocchio ◽  
James W. Schurr ◽  
Aaron P. Hussey ◽  
Paul M. Szumita
Keyword(s):  
Immune Globulin ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Intravenous Immune Globulin ◽  
Solid Organ ◽  
Organ Rejection ◽  
Guideline Compliance ◽  
Stewardship Program ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Number Of Patients

Background: In October 2010, a pharmacist-driven stewardship program was implemented at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital to ensure continued adherence to the prescribing guideline, focusing on indications for intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) use and dosing per ideal body weight. Objective: The primary objective was to describe an IVIG stewardship program at a tertiary academic medical center. Methods: This was a prospective, observational study from January 2013 through December 2014. All patients ordered to receive IVIG during the defined study period were included. The intervention assessed describes a pharmacist-driven IVIG stewardship program for medication approval. The primary end point was guideline compliance based on indication, dose, dosing weight, and frequency. Secondary end points included the number of patients receiving IVIG, indications, orders discontinued as a result of guideline nonadherence, and total amount dispensed. Results: A total of 418 patients were identified during the study time frame. The top indications were: hypogammaglobulinemia in bone marrow transplantation and hematological malignancy (50.7%), acute solid organ rejection (11.8%), and immune thrombocytopenia with bleeding (10.1%). In all, 12 patients (2.9%) received IVIG for an indication nonadherent with the IVIG prescribing guideline; 9 patients (2.2%) and 2 patients (0.5%), respectively, received a different dose or frequency per the prescribed indication; and 12 orders (2.9%) for indications nonadherent to the guideline were discontinued. A total of 26 033 g of IVIG were dispensed during the study period. Conclusions: An IVIG stewardship program, including an institution-specific prescribing guideline and a pharmacist-driven stewardship program, may ensure guideline compliance for appropriateness of indication and dose at an academic medical center.

scholarly journals A Single Virtual Consult Reduces Severe Hyperglycemia in Patients Admitted with COVID19 Infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A335-A335
Author(s):  
Diana Athonvarangkul ◽  
Felona Gunawan ◽  
Kathryn Nagel ◽  
Leigh Bak ◽  
Kevan C Herold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Treatment Plans ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Glucose Management ◽  
And Control ◽  
Glycemic Management

Abstract Diabetes and hyperglycemia are risk factors for morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID19. Subspecialty consultative resources to help front-line clinicians treat these conditions is often limited. We implemented a “Virtual Hyperglycemia Surveillance Service (VHSS)” to guide glucose management in COVID19 patients admitted to our 1541-bed academic medical center. From April 22 to June 9, 2020, hospitalized adult patients with COVID19 and 2 or more blood glucose (BG) values greater than 250 mg/dl over 24-h were identified using a daily BG report. The VHSS reviewed BGs and treatment plans, then made recommendations for future glycemic management via a one-time note, visible to all providers. Some patients with re-admission or persistently elevated BG after 1 week received a second VHSS note. We compared BGs from 24-h pre- and 72-h post-intervention starting at 6AM on the day following VHSS review. We also evaluated for hypoglycemia, insulin infusion use and use of formal diabetes consults. A subgroup analysis was performed on patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). At the end of the intervention, we identified a retrospective control cohort admitted to the same hospital from March 21 to April 21, 2020 who met the inclusion criteria for a VHSS assessment. The VHSS group consisted of 100 patients with 126 individual VHSS encounters, and the control group comprised 50 patients. Baseline characteristics in the VHSS and control groups, respectively, were: mean age 62.5 vs 62.1 years, % male 58 vs 56, mean weight 91.4 vs 93.4 kg, BMI 31.8 vs 33.0 kg/m2, and HbA1c 9.1 vs 8.8 %. There were fewer patients in the ICU in the VHSS than control group (44% vs 66%). In the VHSS group, mean BG pre- vs. post-intervention was 260.3 ±21.7 and 227.4 ±25.3 mg/dl (p&lt;0.001). In the control group, mean BG pre-and post- the day they met assessment criteria was 264.8 ± 6.5 mg/dl and 250.6 ± 8.6 mg/dl (p=0.18). There was no difference in the use of insulin infusions or diabetes consults between the two groups. More hypoglycemia (BG&lt;70 mg/dl) occurred in the VHSS than control group (8.3% vs 0%, p=0.04). Within the VHSS group, the average change in BG was significantly greater in ICU than non-ICU patients (-51.8 ±8.7 vs -19.6 ±5.0 mg/dl, p&lt;0.01) and the reduction in the % of BG over 250 mg/dl was also significantly greater in the ICU (-32.2% vs -16.8%, p=0.02). Implementation of a single virtual consult for severely hyperglycemic hospitalized COVID19 patients was associated with rapidly reduced BG concentrations, especially in the ICU. The mean reduction in BG with VHSS intervention was more than 2-fold greater than that observed in our control group. Glucose control remained suboptimal, however, suggesting the need for subsequent input from this specialty service.

Feasibility of Implementing Opioid Stewardship Recommendations for Sinonasal Surgery

2020 ◽  
pp. 019459982096915
Author(s):  
Jaxon W. Jordan ◽  
Christopher Spankovich ◽  
Scott P. Stringer
Keyword(s):  
Breakthrough Pain ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Inferior Turbinate ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Sinus Surgery ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After

Objective The objective of our study was to review the current literature pertaining to perioperative opioids in sinus surgery and to determine the effects of implementing opioid stewardship recommendations in the setting of endoscopic sinonasal surgery. Study Design Single-institution retrospective case-control study. Setting Academic medical center outpatient area. Methods This retrospective review comprised 163 patients who underwent routine functional endoscopic sinus surgery, septoplasty, and/or inferior turbinate reduction before and after implementation of a standardized pain control regimen based on published opioid stewardship recommendations. The regimen consisted of an oral dose of gabapentin (400 mg) and acetaminophen (1000 mg) at least 30 minutes prior to surgery, absorbable nasal packing soaked in 0.5% tetracaine intraoperatively, and a postoperative regimen of acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Tramadol tablets (50 mg) were prescribed postoperatively for breakthrough pain. The primary outcome measure for the study was the average number of hydrocodone equivalents (5 mg) prescribed before and after the new protocol. Results The average number of opioid medications prescribed, measured as hydrocodone equivalents (5 mg), decreased from 24.59 preprotocol to 18.08 after the initiation of the new perioperative regimen ( P < .001). There was no significant difference between the periods ( P > .05) in number of postoperative phone calls regarding pain or in patient satisfaction scores. Conclusion Opioid stewardship recommendations can be instituted for sinonasal surgery, including multimodal perioperative pain management and substitution of tramadol for breakthrough pain, as a method to decrease the volume of opioids prescribed, without increasing patient phone calls or affecting the likelihood of physician recommendation Press Ganey scores.

Evaluation of inpatient cancer pain management at an academic medical center.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (34_suppl) ◽  
pp. 128-128
Author(s):  
Michael Mearis ◽  
Joseph Shega ◽  
Randall Knoebel
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Cancer Pain Management ◽  
Nccn Guidelines ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cancer Network

128 Background: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines on cancer pain management were developed to direct pain assessment and management. The purpose of this study was to assess whether adherence to guidelines was associated with improved outcomes. Methods: One-hundred and nine patients admitted to the inpatient hematology oncology service that received at least one dose of morphine, oxycodone, or hydromorphone were evaluated and allocated into groups based on adherence to the NCCN guidelines. Safety and achievement of analgesia (pain score ≤ 4) at 24-hours after opioid initiation were compared between the two groups. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of opioid regimens non-adherent to guidelines. Results: Sixty-four percent of patients were initiated on regimens adherent to the NCCN guidelines. 63% of patients initiated on regimens adherent to NCCN guidelines reached the endpoint of analgesia at 24 hours compared to 41% of those who were not (p = 0.028). Adverse events were infrequent (p > 0.5). Opioid tolerance was the variable most predictive of being initiated on regimens non-adherent to guideline recommendations (OR 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.24-7.82). Conclusions: A significant number of patients presenting with cancer pain are initiated on regimens non-adherent to NCCN guidelines, leading to reduced attainment of adequate analgesia. Opioid tolerant patients are at an increased risk of inadequate analgesia, and should be identified and initiated on proper pain regimens taking home opioid usage into consideration.

Abstract 247: Process Improvement Initiatives to Reduce No Show Rates in Rural Communities

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara Haskell ◽  
Melissa Cushman
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Private Practice ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Recommended Care ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Data Tracking

Objective: A large pediatric academic medical center (AMC) acquired an out-of-state private cardiology practice serving rural communities and without an EMR. No show rates at the private practice consistently ranged from 20-40%, compared to 11% at the AMC. No shows contribute to inefficient use of clinician time and access to care challenges for other patients. Upon acquisition, process improvement efforts began with the goal of decreasing the abnormally high no show rates. Methods/Findings: Under private practice, staff scheduled patient appointments without inquiring for their availability and then notified patients of their appointment date and time via letter 10 days prior to the scheduled appointment and then by phone 2 days prior to the appointment. Immediately following the acquisition in December 2018, staff began calling patients to inquire when they would like to be scheduled based on their availability. Patients were scheduled six months out, so the true impact of this process change would be fully realized in May 2019. Once an EMR was implemented, a dashboard was created to monitor no show rate data and identify trends. After six months, no show rates only slightly improved, so in addition to the automated emails, calls, or text reminders from the scheduling center, a dedicated staff member began making reminder calls to patients the day before their appointment. As a result of the process improvement efforts, no show rates decreased from a high of 42% to 16% in eight months. Further, to better understand why patients were not showing for their appointments, staff began calling patients after a no-show appointment to determine if there were barriers for not showing and offering to reschedule the appointment. Data collected shows that out of 470 no show appointments from May 2019 to December 2019, 117 patients had disconnected phone numbers, 230 had appointment reminder messages left on their voicemail, 68 did not answer the call and did not have voicemail to leave a message and 55 patients confirmed their appointment with staff, but did not show for the appointment. Of the 470 no shows, 394 were pediatric patients and 76 were adults. Data shows 185 out of 470, or 39% of reminders never reached the patient, and an additional 49% went to voicemail and may not have been heard. Conclusion: No show appointments negatively impact clinic efficiencies and the ability to provide care to the greatest number of patients. When a patient doesn’t show for their appointment, they are non-compliant with their recommended care and reserve a clinic appointment that another patient may need. Small tests of change were made in phases to ensure appointments were convenient for patients and families and metrics were set and tracked to monitor improvement. By implementing new patient-centric processes and data tracking, more patients in rural communities receive the required follow up CHD care, leading to improved outcomes.

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