Advancing Patient Safety through the Creation of a Mobile Usability Lab

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-133
Author(s):  
K. Miller ◽  
R. Kowalski ◽  
S. Coffey-Zern ◽  
G. Ebbert ◽  
J. Learish ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interaction Design ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Testing System ◽  
Clinical Environment ◽  
Simulation Techniques ◽  
Mobile Usability ◽  
Preventable Harm

The demand for usability testing is becoming increasingly important as healthcare moves toward a commitment to zero patient harm and higher value of care provided. Usability testing and simulation, techniques used in user-centered interaction design to evaluate healthcare systems, promote safe, high-quality care for patients. We propose the concept of a “Mobile Usability Lab”, a novel way to conduct usability testing system-wide. The Mobile Usability Lab describes a unique opportunity to step away from the standard state-of-the-art usability lab and take a creative approach to usability testing. To demonstrate the utility of this concept, we present a case study detailing a hospital-wide comparative device evaluation of new defibrillators. We recommend that research and clinical teams explore the concept of a mobile usability lab to evaluate products in the clinical environment. This work can reduce preventable harm through the optimization of health care delivery.

Health system characteristics of quality care delivery: A comparative case study examination of palliative care for cancer patients in four regions in Ontario, Canada

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 322-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Sussman ◽  
Lisa Barbera ◽  
Daryl Bainbridge ◽  
Doris Howell ◽  
Jinghao Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Health System ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Pattern Analysis ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Care Utilization

Background: A number of palliative care delivery models have been proposed to address the structural and process gaps in this care. However, the specific elements required to form competent systems are often vaguely described. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore whether a set of modifiable health system factors could be identified that are associated with population palliative care outcomes, including less acute care use and more home deaths. Design: A comparative case study evaluation was conducted of ‘palliative care’ in four health regions in Ontario, Canada. Regions were selected as exemplars of high and low acute care utilization patterns, representing both urban and rural settings. A theory-based approach to data collection was taken using the System Competency Model, comprised of structural features known to be essential indicators of palliative care system performance. Key informants in each region completed study instruments. Data were summarized using qualitative techniques and an exploratory factor pattern analysis was completed. Results: 43 participants (10+ from each region) were recruited, representing clinical and administrative perspectives. Pattern analysis revealed six factors that discriminated between regions: overall palliative care planning and needs assessment; a common chart; standardized patient assessments; 24/7 palliative care team access; advanced practice nursing presence; and designated roles for the provision of palliative care services. Conclusions: The four palliative care regional ‘systems’ examined using our model were found to be in different stages of development. This research further informs health system planners on important features to incorporate into evolving palliative care systems.

Real-time locating systems to improve healthcare delivery: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin M Overmann ◽  
Danny T Y Wu ◽  
Catherine T Xu ◽  
Shwetha S Bindhu ◽  
Lindsey Barrick
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Clinical Environment ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Objective Modern health care requires patients, staff, and equipment to navigate complex environments to deliver quality care efficiently. Real-time locating systems (RTLS) are local tracking systems that identify the physical locations of personnel and equipment in real time. Applications and analytic strategies to utilize RTLS-produced data are still under development. The objectives of this systematic review were to describe and analyze the key features of RTLS applications and demonstrate their potential to improve care delivery. Materials and Methods We searched MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and IEEE following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Inclusion criteria were articles that utilize RTLS to evaluate or influence workflow in a healthcare setting. We summarized aspects of relevant articles, identified key themes in the challenges of applying RTLS to workflow improvement, and thematically reviewed the state of quantitative analytic methodologies. Results We included 42 articles in the final qualitative synthesis. The most frequent study design was observational (n = 24), followed by descriptive (n = 12) and experimental (n = 6). The most common clinical environment for study was the emergency department (n = 12), followed by entire hospital (n = 7) and surgical ward (n = 6). Discussion The focus of studies changed over time from early experience to optimization to evaluation of an established system. Common narrative themes highlighted lessons learned regarding evaluation, implementation, and information visibility. Few studies have developed quantitative techniques to effectively analyze RTLS data. Conclusions RTLS is a useful and effective adjunct methodology in process and quality improvement, workflow analysis, and patient safety. Future directions should focus on developing enhanced analysis to meaningfully interpret RTLS data.

scholarly journals A COMBINED MULTI-OBJECTIVE SIMULATION-OPTIMIZATION AND AHP APPROACH: A HEALTHCARE CASE STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Dehghanimohammadabadi ◽  
Nihan Kabadayi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Simulation Optimization ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Patients Satisfaction ◽  
Combined Simulation ◽  
The Impact

Quality of care is crucial for patients' satisfaction and safety in healthcare centers. The majority of hospitals attempt to implement facility-wide improvements to ensure high-quality care delivery. This study aims to propose a combined Simulation-Optimization and MCDM approach to accurately assess the impact of quality improvement initiatives on different facets of healthcare systems. In this framework, first, the importance (weights) of the different healthcare criteria is determined by health providers’ using an AHP approach. Then, the weights provided by AHP are applied in a simulation-optimization environment to determine the most efficient action with the most desirable quality of care. Simulation provides a platform to examine the effectiveness of different improvement efforts and calculate their impact on the system performance measures.

Saving Lives following the Expansion of Centralized Remote Telemetry Monitoring

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Rubino ◽  
Kathleen Kracht ◽  
Lori Burnell ◽  
Judy Davidson ◽  
Joseph Carney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Care Delivery ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Nursing Unit ◽  
Wireless Telemetry ◽  
Patient Status ◽  
Quality Of Patient Care

Continuous monitoring of patients throughout the hospital is a desirable method to ensure the continuity of quality care. Hospitals looking to improve the manner in which they maintain such continuity without compromising efficiency must explore the benefits of implementing monitoring technology to its fullest potential. This case study chronicles the journey of a level-one trauma hospital during the expansion of remote wireless telemetry monitoring and the telemetry technician role. The lives saved as a result of this expansion were primarily attributable to the installation of remote wireless telemetry monitoring in the emergency department. The expansion of the telemetry technician role improved not only the quality of the monitoring signal and recognition, but also the ability to identify changes in trended data. The next step for improving care delivery includes the addition of a patient locator system within the facility, which will provide the most accurate information regarding patient location during transfer. Accurately identifying patient location in addition to alerting staff to changes in patient status will ensure that care providers respond promptly and that the highest quality of patient care is delivered while patients are away from the nursing unit.

scholarly journals Leaning Into Whole Health: Sustaining System Transformation While Supporting Patients and Employees During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 216495612110210
Author(s):  
Eileen M Dryden ◽  
Rendelle E Bolton ◽  
Barbara G Bokhour ◽  
Juliet Wu ◽  
Kelly Dvorin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare System ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
System Transformation ◽  
Virtual Technology ◽  
Exogenous Shock

Background The US Veterans Health Administration (VA) is transforming its healthcare system to create a Whole Health System (WHS) of care. Akin to such reorganization efforts as creating patient-centered medical homes and primary care behavioral health integration, the WHS goes beyond by transforming the entire system to one that takes a proactive approach to support patient and employee health and wellness. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic disrupted the VA’s healthcare system and added stress for staff and patients, creating an exogenous shock for this transformation towards a WHS. Objective We examined the relationship between VA’s WHS transformation and the pandemic to understand if transformation was sustained during crisis and contributed to VA’s response. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted as part of a multi-year study of WHS transformation. A single multi-person interview was conducted with 61 WHS leaders at 18 VA Medical Centers, examining WH transformation and use during the pandemic. Data were analyzed using rapid directed content analysis. Results While the pandemic initially slowed transformation efforts, sites intentionally embraced a WH approach to support patients and employees during this crisis. Efforts included conducting patient wellness calls, and, for patients and employees, promoting complementary and integrative health therapies, self-care, and WH concepts to combat stress and support wellbeing. A surge in virtual technology use facilitated innovative delivery of complementary and integrative therapies and promoted continued use of WH activities. Conclusion The pandemic called attention to the need for healthcare systems to address the wellbeing of both patients and providers to sustain high quality care delivery. At a time of crisis, VA sites sustained WH transformation efforts, recognizing WH as one strategy to support patients and employees. This response indicates cultural transformation is taking hold, with WH serving as a promising approach for promoting wellbeing among patients and employees alike.

A journey towards integrated person-centred care: a case study of a mental health perspective in the voluntary sector

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Kermode
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Voluntary Sector ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care

PurposePerson-centred care is a fundamental component of any service. This case study aims to explore the delivery of person-centred care in the voluntary sector, discussing how integrating support can be achieved to benefit individuals. It identifies challenges, best practice and learning that can be applied across sectors and promotes further enquiry.Design/methodology/approachThis case study is the result of a service audit at a mental health charity. The findings are a blend of reflections, observations and examples from service delivery, synthesised with national policy to provide evidence of best practice and processes that enable person-centred care.FindingsA focus on need not diagnosis, creating accessible and inclusive services, employing dual trained practitioners, having a varied skill mix along with holistic self-assessment tools are all enablers for integrated person-centred support. Multi-agency assessment frameworks, collaboration across services, cross-agency supervision and a shared vision for integration and person-centred care support services to coordinate more effectively. Barriers to integrated person-centred support include complex physical and mental health needs and harmful risk and safeguarding. The diversity of the voluntary sector, a lack of resources along with complex and competitive funding also hinder integration.Originality/valueThis case study provides a valuable insight into the voluntary sector and shares its findings to enhance best practice. It aims to promote interest and invites further research into health and social care delivery by the voluntary sector. As this delivery continues to increase, it is vital to examine the interface between the voluntary and statutory sector. Through better understanding and further research across all sectors, the author can identify how they can achieve person-centred outcomes and deliver the national policies.

scholarly journals Nursing care time and quality indicators for adult intensive care: correlation analysis

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 651-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Carlos Garcia ◽  
Fernanda Maria Togeiro Fugulin
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Quality Indicators ◽  
Nursing Care ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Descriptive Study

The objective of this quantitative, correlational and descriptive study was to analyze the time the nursing staff spends to assist patients in Adult Intensive Care Units, as well as to verify its correlation with quality care indicators. The average length of time spent on care and the quality care indicators were identified by consulting management instruments the nursing head of the Unit employs. The average hours of nursing care delivered to patients remained stable, but lower than official Brazilian agencies' indications. The correlation between time of nursing care and the incidence of accidental extubation indicator indicated that it decreases with increasing nursing care delivered by nurses. The results of this investigation showed the influence of nursing care time, provided by nurses, in the outcome of care delivery.

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