Reducing ER Visits and Readmissions after Head and Neck Surgery Through a Phone-based Quality Improvement Program

2020 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-31
Author(s):  
Mitali Shah ◽  
Jennifer Douglas ◽  
Ryan Carey ◽  
Manvav Daftari ◽  
Teresa Smink ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Wound Care ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Postoperative Bleeding ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Improvement Program ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
The Impact

Objective: Evaluate the impact of a patient phone calls and virtual wound checks within 72 hours of discharge on reducing emergency room (ER) visits and readmissions. Methods: Single arm trial with comparison to historical control data of patients undergoing multi subsite head and neck cancer operations or laryngectomy between July 2017 and June 2018 at a tertiary academic medical center. Patients were contacted within 72 hours of hospital discharge. As a supplement to the call, patients were given the opportunity to video conference with and/or send pictures to the provider with additional questions via a designated wound care phone. Results: Ninety-one patients met inclusion criteria, of whom 83 (91.2%) were contacted. Six patients (7%) were readmitted, of whom three had not been able to be reached. The patients who had been unable to be contacted were readmitted for dysphagia (2), and a urinary tract infection (1). The contacted patients were advised to go the ER during the call for concerns for postoperative bleeding (2) and gastrointestinal bleeding (1). Twenty-five patients (30%) utilized the wound care phone. 18 patients (21.7%) reported that the phone call survey prevented them from going to the ER. When compared to the prior year, there was as statistically significant decrease in ER visits ( P < .05), and no change in readmissions. Conclusions: Implementation of a phone call in the early postoperative period has the potential to decrease unnecessary ER visits and enhance patient satisfaction. This may decrease strain on the health care system and improve patient care. Level of Evidence: 4

scholarly journals Impact of p16 Status and Anatomical Site in Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy-Treated Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 4861
Author(s):  
Kate Clancy ◽  
Chelsea S. Hamill ◽  
Wendi Q. O’Neill ◽  
Brandon Vu ◽  
Jason Thuener ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Anatomical Site ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
The Impact

In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), anti-PD-1 inhibitors are approved for recurrent/metastatic (R/M) disease and anticipated to expand to other indications. The impact of p16 status and anatomical site on overall survival (OS) in immunotherapy-treated HNSCC patients remains unresolved. We performed a retrospective analysis of R/M HNSCC patients receiving anti-PD-1 immunotherapy at our academic medical center with an extensive community satellite network. Fifty-three R/M HNSCC patients were treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy and had a median OS of 6 months. Anatomical site was associated with distinct OS; oropharynx and larynx patients have superior OS compared to oral cavity patients. Analysis of the OPSCC subset showed p16+ status as a favorable, independent prognostic biomarker (HR 7.67 (1.23–47.8); p = 0.029). Further studies to assess the link between anatomical site, p16 status, and anti-PD-1 treatment outcomes in large cohorts of R/M HNSCC patients managed in real-world clinical practices and clinical trials should be prioritized.

Evaluation of the head and neck cancer patient population and the incidence of hospitalization at an academic medical center

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay A Hazelden ◽  
Matthew J Newman ◽  
Stephanie Shuey ◽  
Julie M Waldfogel ◽  
Victoria T Brown
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Chemotherapy Agent ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Patients with head and neck cancer are at risk for disease- and treatment-related toxicities that may be severe enough to require hospitalization. The risk factors associated with hospitalization in these patients are not well defined. Methods We conducted a single-center, retrospective observational study of patients with head and neck cancer receiving chemotherapy at an academic medical center infusion clinic in a one-year period. The primary objective was to characterize the head and neck cancer population at an academic medical center. Secondary objectives included describing the clinical and social factors associated with hospitalization. Results There were 109 patients with head and neck cancer included in the analysis. Of these patients, 38 (35%) were hospitalized. The factors that were significantly associated with hospitalization on univariable logistic regression were former alcohol abuse, being on a nonstandard of care chemotherapy regimen, and having a chemotherapy agent discontinued. On multivariable logistic regression, the factor that was significantly associated with hospitalization was having a chemotherapy agent discontinued. The most common reasons for hospitalization included shortness of breath/respiratory failure, fever/neutropenic fever, and infection. The most common new supportive care medications prescribed at discharge were stool softeners or laxatives and opioids. Conclusion This study identified several factors which may be useful to identify patients as high risk for hospitalization and the next steps will be to determine and study the role of the pharmacist in preventing hospitalization of these patients. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of adding a pharmacist to the head and neck cancer multidisciplinary team.

Cleft Palate in Newborns Diagnosed With Prematurity

2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110021
Author(s):  
Jennifer N. Shehan ◽  
David O’Neil Danis ◽  
Ashank Bains ◽  
Krystyne Basa ◽  
Alexander P. Marston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cleft Lip ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
The United States ◽  
Nutritional Deficiencies ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Data Set ◽  
The Impact

Objective Cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is the most common major congenital malformation of the head and neck. Although numerous genetic features, syndromes, nutritional deficiencies, and maternal exposures have been implicated in the etiology of CLP, the impact of prematurity on the pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. This study seeks to evaluate the associations between prematurity and the development of CLP in the United States. Study Design Cross-sectional. Setting Academic medical center. Methods The Kids’ Inpatient Database (2016) was used to identify weighted in-hospital births with diagnoses of prematurity or CLP. Demographic information was obtained. Odds ratios were used to determine associations between prematurity and CLP. Results Among patients included in our data set, 8.653% (n = 326,147) were preterm; 0.136% (n = 5115) had CLP; and 0.021% (n = 808) were preterm and had CLP. Preterm infants had 1.90 times the odds (95% CI, 1.74-2.07) of developing CLP when compared with the nonpreterm population. The binary logistic regression model accounting for possible confounding variables produced an odds ratio of 1.83 (95% CI, 1.66-2.01) for the association between prematurity and CLP. Conclusion Infants who are born preterm are more likely to have CLP than full-term infants. The current results will allow for improved risk stratification, maternal counseling, and interventions in the case of prematurity. Level of Evidence: 4.

scholarly journals Implementation and first-year operating costs of an academic medical center-based syringe services program

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler S. Bartholomew ◽  
Hardik Patel ◽  
Kathryn McCollister ◽  
Daniel J. Feaster ◽  
Hansel E. Tookes
Keyword(s):  
Wound Care ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Unit Cost ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Cost Data ◽  
First Year ◽  
Policy Action ◽  
Cost Component ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Syringe services programs (SSPs) remain highly effective, cost-saving interventions for the prevention of blood-borne infections among people who inject drugs. However, there have been restrictions regarding financial resources allocated to these programs, particularly in the US South. This study aimed to provide cost data regarding the implementation and first-year operations of an academic-based SSP utilizing fixed and mobile strategies, including the integration of onsite wound care. Methods We conducted a micro-costing study that retrospectively collected detailed resource utilization and unit cost data for both the fixed and mobile SSP strategies, including onsite wound care, from both healthcare and societal perspectives. A three-step approach was used to identify, measure, and value intervention costs, and cost components were categorized into implementation, variable program, and time-dependent costs. Sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the impact of SSP operational changes (i.e., needs-based distribution and opt-out HIV/HCV testing) on the cost-per-participant. Cost data we presented as overall cost and cost-per-participant adjusted to 2017 US dollars. Results A total of 452 and 129 participants enrolled in fixed and mobile SSP services, respectively. The total cost associated with implementation and first year operations for the fixed site was $407,217.22 or $729.72 per participant and $311,625.52 or $2415.70 per participant for the mobile unit. The largest cost component for both modalities was time-dependent costs (personnel and overhead), while intervention materials (syringes, injection equipment, naloxone) were less than 15% of the total program cost. Discussion/conclusion Implementation and operation of new SSP models continue to be low cost compared to treatment for the multitude of harms PWID face without access to evidence-based prevention. Future cost-effectiveness and cost–benefit analyses integrating a comprehensive SSP model within an academic institution, including onsite wound care and other medical services, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of this model, and state-level policy action must be taken to lift the prohibition of state and local funds for the implementation, sustainability, and maintenance of these programs in Florida.

Extending Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocols to the Post-Discharge Setting: A Phone Call Intervention to Support Patients after Expedited Discharge after Pancreaticoduodenectomy

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-48
Author(s):  
Rony Takchi ◽  
Gregory A. Williams ◽  
David Brauer ◽  
Tina Stoentcheva ◽  
Crystal Wolf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transitional Care ◽  
Enhanced Recovery ◽  
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Additional Patient ◽  
Phone Calls

The goal of this pilot study was to track patient outcomes after an expedited discharge after enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). A quantitative content analysis approach was used. All PD patients in a single academic medical center between February 2017 and June 2018 were called twice by specialized physician extenders after discharge. A semi-structured interview approach was used to identify patient's symptoms or concerns, proactively educate them, and provide outpatient management when indicated. A detailed narrative of the conversation was documented. Ninety patients (mean age 66.3; 58.1% males) were included in the study. Of all, 88.9 per cent of the patients received follow-up phone calls in accordance with our PD ERAS protocol. Among the 80 patients called, 71 (88.8%) reported at least one symptom, issue, or self-care need. The most common issues involved bowel movements and nutrition. A total of 147 interventions were performed to address patient needs including medication management, local care coordination, and outpatient referral to a healthcare provider. The intervention led to the identification of 15 patients for earlier evaluation. This identification was associated with the total number of reported symptoms ( X2 = 15.6, P = 0.004). Most patients require additional care after discharge after traditional ERAS pathways. ERAS transitional care protocols uncovered an unmet need for additional patient support after PD.

scholarly journals Deferring Routine Wrist Radiography Does Not Affect Management of de Quervain Tendinopathy Patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 07 (02) ◽  
pp. 115-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany Liu ◽  
Chia Wu ◽  
David Steinberg ◽  
David Bozentka ◽  
L. Levin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Examination ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Diagnostic Study ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
De Quervain ◽  
Clinical Records ◽  
Surgical Release

Background Obtaining wrist radiographs prior to surgeon evaluation may be wasteful for patients ultimately diagnosed with de Quervain tendinopathy (DQT). Questions/Purpose Our primary question was whether radiographs directly influence treatment of patients presenting with DQT. A secondary question was whether radiographs influence the frequency of injection and surgical release between cohorts with and without radiographs evaluated within the same practice. Patients and Methods Patients diagnosed with DQT by fellowship-trained hand surgeons at an urban academic medical center were identified retrospectively. Basic demographics and radiographic findings were tabulated. Clinical records were studied to determine whether radiographic findings corroborated history or physical examination findings, and whether management was directly influenced by radiographic findings. Frequencies of treatment with injection and surgery were separately tabulated and compared between cohorts with and without radiographs. Results We included 181 patients (189 wrists), with no differences in demographics between the 58% (110 wrists) with and 42% (79 wrists) without radiographs. Fifty (45%) of imaged wrists demonstrated one or more abnormalities; however, even for the 13 (12%) with corroborating history and physical examination findings, wrist radiography did not directly influence a change in management for any patient in this series. No difference was observed in rates of injection or surgical release either upon initial presentation, or at most recent documented follow-up, between those with and without radiographs. No differences in frequency, types, or total number of additional simultaneous surgical procedures were observed for those treated surgically. Conclusion Wrist radiography does not influence management of patients presenting DQT. Level of Evidence This is a level III, diagnostic study.

577 The Collaboration of Burn Outreach and Wound Care Nurses

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S140-S140
Author(s):  
Ekta Vohra
Keyword(s):  
Wound Care ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Knowledge Gap ◽  
Burn Wound ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Burn Wounds

Abstract Introduction Certified wound care nurses perform a vital role in skin health and management in the hospital setting. During the certification process, minimal time is spent on burn wound education, despite the fact that wound care nurses are consulted for various wound etiologies; one of those being burns. This construct created a need for collaboration between the burn team and wound care nurses. Although all burns are essentially wounds, the reality is that all wounds are not burns. The management of the burn wound is often different from the management of pressure injuries or surgical wounds. In speaking with the wound care nurses at this large urban academic medical center, a knowledge gap was identified in burn wound care education as well as appropriate and timely consultation of the burn team. Methods This knowledge improvement project focused on educating the wound care nurses in assessment and treatment of burns, and the process for burn service consultation. Burn education was provided through in-person didactic presentations. The lecture included burn wound photos with opportunities to classify the potential depth of burn wounds as well as typical complications. Additionally, it discussed when a burn consult is needed. A basic knowledge retrospective pre-posttest method was utilized. Results An educational plan was tailored to meet the learning needs of the wound care nurses to address the knowledge gap. Post test data results were tracked. Post scores were increased, indicating a successful educational intervention. Also, while providing the education, the burn outreach coordinator identified an opportunity to expand the burn center’s presence among colleagues through collaboration with the wound care nurses. The wound nurses made excellent ambassadors for the mission of the burn service. Conclusions Provision of burn education across disciplines may improve recognition of burn wounds and facilitate definitive treatment.

scholarly journals Alcohol Hand Rub Significantly Reduces Overall Bacterial Bioburden on Stethoscopes in a Real-World Clinical Setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s114-s115
Author(s):  
Alexandra Johnson ◽  
Bobby Warren ◽  
Deverick John Anderson ◽  
Melissa Johnson ◽  
Isabella Gamez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Clinical Workflow ◽  
Provider Type ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Rn Students ◽  
The Impact

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

Evaluation of Cost-effectiveness and Clinical Value of Routine Histopathologic Examination of Septoplasty Specimens

2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110129
Author(s):  
Randall S. Ruffner ◽  
Jessica W. Scordino
Keyword(s):  
Chart Review ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Significant Pathology ◽  
National Model ◽  
Routine Histopathologic Examination

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.

scholarly journals Communications and Screening for 2019 Novel Coronavirus at a Tertiary-Care Medical Center

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s84-s84
Author(s):  
Lorinda Sheeler ◽  
Mary Kukla ◽  
Oluchi Abosi ◽  
Holly Meacham ◽  
Stephanie Holley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Screening Tool ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Communication Campaign ◽  
Electronic Screening ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

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

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