scholarly journals Assessing the quality of medication documentation: development and feasibility of the MediDocQ instrument for retrospective chart review in the hospital setting

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e034609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antje Hammer ◽  
Anke Wagner ◽  
Monika A Rieger ◽  
Tanja Manser
Keyword(s):  
Development Process ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Medication Administration ◽  
Patient Records ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Medication Documentation

ObjectiveThe medication process requires clear and transparent documentation in patient records. Incomplete or incorrect medication documentation may contribute to inappropriate clinical decision-making and adverse events. To comprehensively assess the quality of in-hospital medication documentation, we developed a retrospective chart review (RCR) instrument. We report on the development process, the feasibility of the instrument and describe our application of the instrument to a sample of patient records.DesignCross-sectional study using an RCR instrument to evaluate paper-based, non-standardised prescription and medication administration charts (MediDocQ).SettingTwo German university hospitals.ParticipantsRecords from 1361 patients admitted between April and July 2015 were evaluated.MethodsThe MediDocQ development process comprised six consecutive stages: focused literature review, web-based search, initial patient record screening, review by project advisory board, focus groups with professionals and pilot testing. The final 54-item RCR instrument covers three key components of medication documentation: (1) completeness of documented information (including prescription, medication administration and pro re nata (PRN) medication), (2) quality of transcriptions and (3) compliance with chart structure, legibility, handling of deletions and chart corrections. Descriptive statistics are presented as mean values, SD, median and interquartile ranges for individual items.ResultsOverall, 33 out of 54 items resulted in mean values above 0.75, indicating high-quality medication documentation. Documentation quality was particularly compromised for verbal and PRN orders (which involve more steps than standard orders) and when documentation was not completed at the same time as medication administration.ConclusionsMediDocQ is a patient safety instrument that can be used to evaluate the quality of medication documentation and identify components of the process where intervention is required. In our setting, standardisation of medication documentation, particularly regarding medication administration and PRN medication is a priority.

Retrospective Chart Review of Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane for Knee Pain

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruben Berrocal Timmons
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Amniotic Membrane ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Objective: Treatment of joint pain with an injection of the amniotic membrane has not been adequately studied. This study retrospectively reviewed Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and analgesic usage data from patients treated with the injection of cryopreserved amniotic membrane (CAM) in their knees to determine the impact of treatment on patients’ pain, quality of life, and analgesic usage. Methods: Chart review was conducted on 40 patients. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained prior to initiation of the project. The membrane was utilized as per the FDA guidance of 21CFR1271. Retrospective data, including demographics, medical history, pain score, quality of life score, analgesic usage and adverse events, were collected from their medical records for each consenting patient through 6 months after CAM injection. Results: A total of 40 patients were considered in the final analysis. Mean VAS for pain level improved from 7.0 to 2.6 (p<0.001). WOMAC daily activity function score improved from a mean score of 52 to 28 (p<0.001). Opioid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage decreased from 97% to 25% (p<0.001). No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Mean values for VAS and WOMAC scores significantly improved at all time points and the number of patients who used analgesics decreased as compared to baseline. CAM injection into painful knee joints decreases pain, improves physical function, and decreases the use of analgesics in the absence of adverse events.

scholarly journals Development of a Multidisciplinary Aerodigestive Program: An Institutional Experience

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 535
Author(s):  
Seung Kim ◽  
Mireu Park ◽  
Eunyoung Kim ◽  
Ga Eun Kim ◽  
Jae Hwa Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Multidisciplinary Management ◽  
Neurologic Disease ◽  
Institutional Experience ◽  
Swallowing Difficulty ◽  
The Common ◽  
Chronic Comorbidities

We share our experience on the implementation of a multidisciplinary aerodigestive program comprising an aerodigestive team (ADT) so as to evaluate its feasibility. We performed a retrospective chart review of the patients discussed at the monthly ADT meetings and analyzed the data. A total of 98 children were referred to the ADT during the study period. The number of cases increased steadily from 3.5 cases per month in 2019 to 8.5 cases per month in 2020. The median age of patients was 34.5 months, and 55% were male. Among the chronic comorbidities, neurologic disease was the most common (85%), followed by respiratory (36%) and cardiac (13%) disorders. The common reasons for consultation were suspected aspiration (56%), respiratory difficulty (44%), drooling/stertor (30%), regurgitation/vomiting (18%), and feeding/swallowing difficulty (17%). Following discussions, 58 patients received active interventions, including fundoplication, gastrostomy, laryngomicrosurgery, tracheostomy, and primary dilatation of the airway. According to the questionnaire of the caregiver, the majority agreed that the main symptoms and quality of life of patients had improved (88%), reducing the burden on caregivers (77%). Aerodigestive programs may provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary management for children with complex airway and digestive tract disorders.

Cochlear Implantation in the Elderly: Results and Quality-of-Life Assessment

2002 ◽  
Vol 111 (10) ◽  
pp. 890-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid R. Djalilian ◽  
Sharon L. Smith ◽  
Timothy A. King ◽  
Samuel C. Levine
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Complication Rate ◽  
Cochlear Implantation ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Life Assessment ◽  
Test Results

To assess the efficacy, quality of life, and complication rate of cochlear implantation in patients over 60 years of age, we performed a retrospective chart review of 31 cochlear implant patients more than 60 years old at the time of surgery (mean, 70 years; range, 62 to 86 years). All patients had improvement in their audiological test results after operation. Twenty-eight patients (93%) are regular implant users at a median follow-up of 12 months. Major complications occurred in 2 patients (6%). We conclude that cochlear implantation in the elderly population has excellent results, with a complication rate similar to that in patients less than 60 years old, and yields an improved quality of life.

Appropriateness of Tympanostomy Tubes in the Boston Metropolitan Area: Are the AAO-HNSF Guidelines Being Met?

2017 ◽  
Vol 157 (6) ◽  
pp. 1041-1047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L. Hughes ◽  
David Roberson ◽  
Cassandra Bannos ◽  
Emily K. Trudell ◽  
Louis Vernacchio
Keyword(s):  
Chart Review ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Middle Ear Effusion ◽  
Tympanostomy Tubes ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Speech Learning ◽  
Ear Effusion

Introduction Otitis media (OM) is the most common reason children receive general anesthesia, with bilateral tympanostomy tube (TT) insertion the second most common surgery in children. Prior research suggests overuse of TT. As part of a project designed to improve appropriateness of OM referrals, we evaluated appropriateness of TT insertion in a patient cohort. Methods Patients younger than 9 years with initial otolaryngology (ORL) visits in academic and private office settings for OM from January 1, 2012, to August 31, 2013, were identified through claims database. A detailed retrospective chart review of patients undergoing TT insertion was performed to determine appropriateness of TT insertion per the 2013 American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) guidelines. Results A total of 120 patients undergoing TT insertion were randomly chosen for detailed chart review; 32 patients were excluded. Sixty-six (75%) of 88 patients available for analysis met AAO-HNSF guidelines for TT. Recurrent acute OM with middle ear effusion was the most common indication (56%). Other indications included chronic OME and TT in at-risk patients with speech, learning, or behavioral delays. Of the 22 patients undergoing TT insertion not meeting AAO-HNSF guidelines, 11(50%) had abnormal exams, but were 1 to 2 infections short of meeting guidelines; 7 (33%) had normal exams but met criteria for number of infections. Discussion Contrary to prior publications, 75% of patients undergoing TT insertion had an appropriate indication per AAO-HNSF guidelines. In only 5% was TT insertion a substantial departure from guidelines. Implications for Practice The study outcomes suggest appropriate clinical decision making, improved guideline adherence, and better guideline applicability from the previously published 1994 and 2004 guidelines.

scholarly journals Pregnant women admitted with urinary tract infections to a public sector hospital in South Africa: Are there lessons to learn?

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 79-83
Author(s):  
Francois Kamgang ◽  
Hopolang Maise ◽  
Jagidesa Moodley
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Public Health Facility ◽  
Public Sector Hospital ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Tract Infections

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is associated with poor maternal and foetal outcomes. There is little information on UTI in pregnancy in South Africa. Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of UTI admissions of pregnant women admitted to a public health facility; and, to describe the outcomes of pregnancies complicated by UTI in our study population. Methods: A retrospective chart review of pregnant women admitted with the diagnosis of UTI during the period of 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012 was conducted. A midstream urine sample of women admitted with symptoms suggestive of UTI was collected for culture. The diagnosis was confirmed if the culture was positive. The data was analysed using SPSS version 21 and descriptive statistics, viz. percentages, frequency and means were estimated. Results: Of 9,881 admissions, 494 (5%) had a diagnosis of UTI based on clinical features. Sixty had positive cultures and were confirmed as having UTI. Women with UTI had high rates of preterm ruptured membranes (n = 5, 8.3%), preterm deliveries (n = 19, 31.6%), anaemia (n = 26, 43.3%) and renal impairment (n = 4, 6.6%). Two cases of pyelonephritis required admission to an ICU because they developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. The most common pathogen isolated using cultures was Escherichia coli (n = 24, 40%). Only 10% had repeat urine cultures. Conclusion: UTI represents 5% of admissions at the study site. This study highlights the need to improve the quality of care of pregnant women with UTI.

scholarly journals Efficacy of botulinum toxin for treating cramps in peripheral neuropathy

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tejas Mehta ◽  
Richard Sommers ◽  
Raghav Govindarajan
Keyword(s):  
Botulinum Toxin ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Pain Score ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Botulinum Toxin A ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Safe Procedure

Abstract Introduction: Muscle cramps are a common occurrence in patients with peripheral neuropathy and are known to cause significant distress and decrease the quality of life. Although several drug formulations have been used in the management of cramps, there is significant variability in terms of efficacy and tolerability in patients with peripheral neuropathy. This study aims to assess the efficacy of botulinum toxin A in the management of lower limb cramps in patients with peripheral neuropathy.   Methods: This retrospective chart review included a total of ten patients with peripheral neuropathy with cramps. Relevant data such as age, gender, race, pain score and cause of peripheral neuropathy were documented. Statistical analyses to compare the variables was done using the Wilcoxon Test. The pain score before the administration, at 3-month, 6 month and 9 months follow up were compared.   Results All patients enrolled in the study showed improvement of pain assessed by visual pain analog scale. An improvement of 1.60 (95%CI, p<0.05), 2.70 (95%CI, p<0.05) and 3.50 (95%CI, p=0.05) was noted between test scores from before administration of botulinum toxin to 3-month, 6 months and 9 months follow up with a range of 6, 4 and 4 respectively.   Conclusion: Local BTX-A infiltration is a likely efficacious and safe procedure for improving pain associated with cramps in patients with peripheral neuropathy.

scholarly journals The Impact of Delaying Breast Reconstruction on Patient Expectations and Health-Related Quality of Life: An Analysis Using the BREAST-Q

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-56
Author(s):  
Alexander Morzycki ◽  
Joseph Corkum ◽  
Nadim Joukhadar ◽  
Osama Samargandi ◽  
Jason G. Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Patient Expectations ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Purpose: An understanding of patient expectations predicts better health outcomes following breast reconstruction. No study to date has examined how patient expectations for breast reconstruction and preoperative health-related quality of life vary with time since breast cancer diagnosis. Methods: Women consulting for breast reconstruction to a single surgeon’s practice over a 13-month period were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients were asked to prospectively complete the BREAST-Q expectations and preoperative reconstruction modules. A retrospective chart review was then performed on eligible patients, and patient demographics, cancer-related factors, and comorbidities were collected. BREAST-Q scores were transformed using the equivalent Rasch method. Multivariate linear regression models were constructed to assess the association between BREAST-Q scores and time since cancer diagnosis. Results: Sixty-five patients met inclusion criteria for analysis and are characterized by a mean age of 53 ± 11 (34-79) years and a mean body mass index of 28 ± 6 (19-49). Most patients were treated by mastectomy (58%) or lumpectomy (23%). At the time of retrospective chart review, 29 (43%) patients had undergone reconstruction, most of which were delayed (59%). The mean latency from cancer diagnosis to reconstruction was 685 ± 867 days (range: 28-3322 days). Latency from cancer diagnosis to reconstruction was associated with a greater expectation of pain (β = 0.5; standard error [SE] = 0.005; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.003-0.027; P < .05), and a slower expectation for recovery (β = −0.5; SE = 0.004; 95% CI: −0.021 to −0.001; P < .05) after breast reconstruction. Latency from cancer diagnosis to reconstruction was associated with an increase in preoperative psychosocial well-being (β = 0.578; SE 0.009; 95% CI: 0.002-0.046; P < .05). Conclusion: Delaying breast reconstruction may negatively impact patient expectations of postoperative pain and recovery. Educational interventions aimed at understanding and managing patient expectations in the preoperative period may improve health-related quality of life and patient-related outcomes following initial breast cancer surgery.

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