Securing discharge follow-up appointments in a women’s cancer program.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (34_suppl) ◽  
pp. 81-81
Author(s):  
Carole Dalby ◽  
Susana M. Campos ◽  
Lisa Doverspike ◽  
Melissa Spinks ◽  
Joseph O. Jacobson
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Outpatient Services ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Discharge Data ◽  
Patient Dissatisfaction ◽  
Hospital Readmission Rates

81 Background: Ensuring patients have a follow-up appointment scheduled prior to discharge is one of several key interventions shown to reduce hospital readmission rates (Hansen L.O., Young R.S., Hinami K., et al. [2011, October]. Interventions to reduce 30-day rehospitalization: a systematic review. Annals of Internal Medicine, 155[8], 520-528). Lack of follow-up diminishes continuity between the inpatient and outpatient setting, can lead to patient dissatisfaction, as well as delays in proposed therapy. Methods: A three-month review of discharge data highlighted 49% of Women’s Cancer Gynecologic patients at an academic medical center were discharged from the hospital without securing a follow-up appointment. A multidisciplinary team involved in the scheduling process was assembled and determined failure to schedule appointments was attributed to a lack of communication between the inpatient and outpatient services, a complicated scheduling process, as well as ambiguity regarding when patient’s should return. Several rapid PDSA cycles were implemented over a three month period of time. The intervention created a standardized electronic template, including the establishment of standard time frames for follow-up appointments post discharge (7 to 10 days). The template details all required scheduling elements such as services requested, required laboratory studies, and patient preferences. Within the electronic template is the ability to directly email essential staff through a centralized email address embedded within the form. Staff engaged through reviewing of data, identification of the importance of securing a follow-up appointment, and weekly huddles. Results: Post intervention, the rate of compliance of scheduled discharge follow-up appointments rose from 49% to 87%. Staff reported high satisfaction with the new process, highlighting its simplicity and efficiency. Conclusions: Securing a follow-up appointment prior to discharge is feasible as evidence by increased compliance from baseline 49% to 87%. Future endeavors will implement this process across other disease programs in hopes of obtaining similar results.

Abstract 248: Initiation and Assessment of Timekeeping Roles During In-Hospital Cardiac Arrests to Track Rhythm Checks and Epinephrine Dosing

Circulation ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 140 (Suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Conor Crowley ◽  
Peter Clardy ◽  
Jessica McCannon ◽  
Rebecca Logiudice
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Epinephrine Administration ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Minute Post ◽  
Chaotic Nature ◽  
Strongly Agree

Introduction: Compliance to ACLS cardiac arrest algorithm is low and associated with worse outcomes from in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA). Reasons for non-compliance include reduced communication due to chaotic nature of IHCAs and difficulty timing epinephrine administration and rhythm check intervals. Hypothesis: Delegating two separate code team members for rhythm and epinephrine timing will increase adherence to ACLS algorithm during IHCAs. Methods: This is a pre-post interventional study of IHCAs at a single academic medical center. Two stopwatches were placed on all code carts and two new timekeeping roles were created. Education was provided to staff regarding the alteration of existing code team member roles for the use of stopwatches. Algorithm adherence was analyzed pre and post implementation of timekeeper roles. Deviation from the 2-minute rhythm check or 3-5-minute epinephrine administration was counted as one deviation. Anonymous surveys were delivered to evaluate providers perceived benefits of timekeeper roles for IHCAs. Results: Data from 13 pre intervention IHCAs were compared to 12 IHCAs post intervention. The initial rhythm was PEA/asystole in 69% pre-intervention vs 83% post intervention. Prior to implementation 82 deviations vs. 11 deviations post implementation occurred (p=0.006). The mean time until first dose of epinephrine was administered pre intervention was 2.3 ± 3.3 minutes vs 0.4 ±1 minute post. Pre-implementation ROSC rate was 53.8% vs. 66.7% post intervention. Surveys were delivered to 100% of code team members post intervention, with a 79% response rate. Surveys demonstrate providers felt time keeping roles made it easier to track epinephrine administration and rhythm checks. On a Likert scale, 78% of providers “strongly agree” that the use of timekeeping roles and devices improved code team communication. Conclusion: Two separate timekeeper roles during IHCAs improved algorithm compliance, code team function and communication, and was favored by code team members. Timekeeper roles may be associated with improved rates of ROSC and less time until the first dose of epinephrine is administered. This study is limited by its small sample size, single center and requires validation.

Abstract T P168: A Wake-up Call for Wake-up Strokes

Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josephine F Huang ◽  
Jennifer E Fugate ◽  
Alejandro A Rabinstein
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
Good Outcome ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Stroke Mechanism

INTRODUCTION: Studies suggest 8%-28% of ischemic strokes present as wake-up strokes (WUS). The unknown time of symptom onset precludes these patients from approved treatments for acute ischemic stroke, but a substantial proportion of patients may be deemed candidates for treatment if other factors are considered. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics associated with clinical outcomes of WUS patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical record of patients with ischemic stroke admitted to a large academic medical center between January 2011 and May 2012. We identified patients with stroke symptoms upon awakening or those who were found with stroke symptoms with an unknown time of onset. Baseline demographics, stroke mechanism, presenting NIHSS, Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores on discharge and at 3-month follow-up were obtained. A good outcome was defined as mRS 0-2. RESULTS: WUS patients comprised 22% (162/731) of all patients with ischemic stroke at our institution during this time period. Median age was 74 years (range 15-100), median presenting NIHSS was 5 (range 0-28), and median initial ASPECTS 10 (range 0-10). A cardioembolic mechanism was identified in 68 patients (42%). Predictors of good outcome at hospital discharge were lower initial NIHSS (3.5 versus 12.0, p<0.0001) and higher ASPECTS (9.8 versus 8.1, p=0.0002). The predictors of good outcomes at 3 months were younger age (69.1 versus 75.8, p=0.009), lower initial NIHSS (5.0 versus 12.6, p<0.0001), and higher ASPECTS (9.5 versus 8.1, p=0.0006). One hundred and eleven patients (68.5%) had initial ASPECTS of 10. Of those, 19 had NIHSS≥10 and 7 were treated with acute recanalization therapies. Four of the 7 treated patients had good outcomes, and 2 of the 12 untreated patients had good outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Few patients with strokes of unknown onset and severe deficits have good outcomes without acute stroke treatment. Patients with NIHSS≥10 and ASPECTS 10 may be candidates for acute recanalization therapy.

Abstract 204: Echocardiographic Evidence for Systemic Atherosclerosis, Atrial Fibrillation, and Long-Term Prognosis in Stroke Patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Pieper ◽  
Michael Ashamalla ◽  
Neil Yager ◽  
Daniel Sedhom ◽  
Khetan Gate ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Hemorrhagic Stroke ◽  
Normal Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Long Term Prognosis ◽  
Echocardiographic Evidence

Background: Echocardiography is routinely performed for evaluation of cardiac embolic causes in stroke patients. We sought to examine the association of echocardiographic evidence of atherosclerosis with atrial fibrillation and long-term outcomes. Materials and methods: Retrospective chart review was performed in 756 consecutive patients treated for non-hemorrhagic stroke at a single academic medical center. Transthoracic echocardiograms were reviewed for presence of mitral annular calcifications, aortic valve sclerosis, or aortic atherosclerosis. Admission ECG and telemetry recordings were evaluated for documented dysrhythmias. Mean follow up length was 46+/- 20 months. Results: A significant number (57.7%) of patients with non-hemorrhagic stroke diagnosed with atrial fibrillation had evidence of cardiac and systemic atherosclerosis on transthoracic echocardiogram, which was less likely in patients with normal sinus rhythm (35.4%) or non-sinus non-atrial fibrillation rhythms (37.1%, p<0.05). Findings of cardiac and systemic atherosclerosis were more common in older patients (75+/- 11 vs 60+/- 16 years old, p<.001), with lower BMI (27.4+/- 6.0 vs. 29+/- 6.5, p<.001), and hypertension (71.9% vs. 59.2 %, p=.002). Patients with findings of cardiac and systemic atherosclerosis were more likely to die during follow-up (56.1% vs. 43.9%, p<.001). Conclusion: In patients with non-hemorrhagic stroke, cardiac and systemic evidence of atherosclerosis was strongly associated with atrial fibrillation and portended poor long-term prognosis. In stroke patients with cardiac and systemic evidence of atherosclerosis and rhythms other than atrial fibrillation, extended ECG monitoring may be warranted.

Abstract NS5: Use of a Multidisciplinary Approach to Successfully Improve Inpatient Diabetes Self-Management Education and Diabetes Medication Reconciliation at Discharge for Persons With Diabetes and Stroke at a Major Academic Medical Center

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Stone ◽  
Nancy Drobycki ◽  
Mark Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Medication Reconciliation ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Diabetes Education ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Blood Pressure Reduction ◽  
Diabetes Medication ◽  
Effective Discharge ◽  
Inpatient Diabetes ◽  
Patients With Diabetes

Background: Persons with diabetes are 1.5 times more likely to have a stroke. Research shows that there is a correlation between increasing diabetes and stroke. Education for stroke patients, however, continues to focus on medication management and blood pressure reduction. American Diabetes Association indicates, “There should be a structured discharge plan tailored to the individual patient with diabetes.” Transitioning from the acute care is risky for diabetics, recommendations now include individualized education for diabetics with stroke. 40% of the stroke population at our institution showed risk factors for diabetes, yet 11% received diabetes education, and only 59% had diabetes medication pre-prescribed at discharge. The stroke team initiated an inpatient diabetes education to increase patient awareness and medication adherence. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to identify and address barriers related to the provision of individualized inpatient diabetes education and outpatient diabetes medication reconciliation for persons with diabetes and stroke. Method: The Endocrinology team was consulted for patients with diabetes and stroke with an A1c level of 7%. These team worked collaboratively to establish a consult process. Endocrinology APPs provided diabetic education and advised the Neurology team on the appropriate discharge medication regimen and follow-up. The stroke coordinator provided reminders during rounds to assure that consults were ordered for patients with diabetes having A1c 7% or greater. Results: Inpatient diabetes education improved from 11% in 2017 to 96% in 2019. Diabetes medication reconciliation, with listing of diabetes medications on the after visit summary at discharge increased from 59% in 2017 to 93% in 2019. Conclusions: Both metrics reflect improvement over a 2-year period, showing that collaboration between the Endocrinology and Neurology teams is key to effective discharge planning, diabetes medication reconciliation and outpatient follow-up.

Growth and Management of Repaired Complete Tracheal Rings after Slide Tracheoplasty

2019 ◽  
Vol 161 (1) ◽  
pp. 164-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyndy J. Wilcox ◽  
Claudia Schweiger ◽  
Catherine K. Hart ◽  
Alessandro de Alarcon ◽  
Nithin S. Peddireddy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Balloon Dilation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Slide Tracheoplasty ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Operative Notes ◽  
Over Time

ObjectiveThis study documents the growth and course of repaired complete tracheal rings over time after slide tracheoplasty.Study DesignCase series with review.SettingTertiary pediatric academic medical center.Subjects/MethodsMedical records of pediatric patients with confirmed tracheal rings on bronchoscopy who underwent slide tracheoplasty between January 2001 and December 2015 were reviewed. Patients who had operative notes documenting tracheal sizing over time were included. Exclusion criteria included tracheal stenosis not caused by complete tracheal rings, surgical repair prior to presentation at our institution, or lack of adequate sizing information. The postoperative follow-up was examined and airway growth over time documented.ResultsOf 197 slide tracheoplasties performed during the study time period, 139 were for complete tracheal rings, and 40 of those children met inclusion criteria. The median age at time of surgery was 7 months, and the median initial airway size was 3.9 mm (n = 34). The median growth postoperatively was 1.9 mm over a median follow-up period of 57 months (0.42 mm/year), which is similar to growth rates of unrepaired complete tracheal rings ( P = .53). Children underwent a median of 10 postoperative endoscopies, with time between endoscopies increasing further out from surgery. The most commonly performed adjunctive procedure was balloon dilation.ConclusionsThis is the first study documenting continued growth of repaired complete tracheal rings after slide tracheoplasty. Postoperative endoscopic surveillance ensures adequate growth. Intervals between airway endoscopies can be increased as the child gets older, as the airway increases in size, and as long as symptoms are minimal.

scholarly journals Reducing Preventable Readmissions in a Neurosurgical Patient Population at an Academic Medical Center

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shayan Moosa ◽  
Lindsay Bowerman ◽  
Ellen Smith ◽  
Mindy Bryant ◽  
Natalie Krovetz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Patient Population ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Neurosurgical Patient ◽  
Neurosurgical Patients ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract INTRODUCTION Hospital readmissions are extremely costly in terms of time and resources and negatively impact patient safety and satisfaction. In this study, we performed a Pareto analysis of 30-day readmissions in a neurosurgical patient population in order to identify patients at high-risk for readmission. Using this information, we implemented a new practice parameter with the goal of reducing preventable readmissions. METHODS Patient characteristics and causes for readmission were prospectively collected for all neurosurgical patients readmitted to an academic medical center within 30 d of discharge between July and October 2018. A program was then initiated where postoperative neurosurgical spine patients were contacted by phone at standardized intervals before their 2-wk follow-up appointment, with the purpose of more quickly addressing surgical concerns and/or coordinating care for general medical issues. Finally, 30-d readmission rates were compared between the initial 4-mo period and January 2019 through April 2019. RESULTS Prior to intervention, the largest group of readmitted patients included those who had undergone recent spinal surgery (16/47, 34%). Among spine readmissions during this time, 47% were readmitted before their two-week follow-up appointment, 67% lived over 50 miles from the medical center, and 40% were Medicare-insured. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean rate of spine readmissions per month in the periods before (7.0%) and after (3.0%) the program onset (P = .029, 57% decline). The total number of surgically and medically related spine readmissions decreased between the pre- and postintervention periods from 10 to 3 (70%) and 3 to 1 (67%), respectively. CONCLUSION Our data suggests that a large number of neurosurgical readmissions may be prevented by the simple process of early follow-up and consistent communication via telephone. Readmission rates may be further reduced by standardizing the coordination of postoperative general medical follow-up and providing thorough wound care teaching for high-risk patients.

scholarly journals 1154. Impact of Educational Feedback on Reducing Hospital-Onset Catheter-Associated Urinary tract Infections at an Academic Medical Center

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S412-S412
Author(s):  
Bhagyashri D Navalkele ◽  
Nora Truhett ◽  
Miranda Ward ◽  
Sheila Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Frontline Staff ◽  
Post Intervention Period ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background High regulatory burden on hospital-onset (HO) infections has increased performance pressure on infection prevention programs. Despite the availability of comprehensive prevention guidelines, a major challenge has been communication with frontline staff to integrate appropriate prevention measures into practice. The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of educational intervention on HO CAUTI rates and urinary catheter days. Methods At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Infection prevention (IP) reports unit-based monthly HO infections via email to respective unit managers and ordering physician providers. Starting May 2018, IP assessed compliance to CAUTI prevention strategies per SHEA/IDSA practice recommendations (2014). HO CAUTI cases with noncompliance were labeled as “preventable” infections and educational justification was provided in the email report. No other interventions were introduced during the study period. CAUTI data were collected using ongoing surveillance per NHSN and used to calculate rates per 1,000 catheter days. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare pre- and post-intervention data. Results Prior to intervention (July 2017–March 2018), HO CAUTI rate was 1.43 per 1,000 catheter days. In the post-intervention period (July 2018–March 2019), HO CAUTI rate decreased to 0.62 per 1,000 catheter days. Comparison of pre- and post-intervention rates showed a statistically significant reduction in HO CAUTIs (P = 0.04). The total number of catheter days reduced, but the difference was not statistically significant (8,604 vs. 7,583; P = 0.06). Of the 14 HO CAUTIs in post-intervention period, 64% (8/14) were reported preventable. The preventable causes included inappropriate urine culturing practice in asymptomatic patients (5) or as part of pan-culture without urinalysis (2), and lack of daily catheter assessment for necessity (1). Conclusion At our institute, regular educational feedback by IP to frontline staff resulted in a reduction of HO CAUTIs. Feedback measure improved accountability, awareness and engagement of frontline staff in practicing appropriate CAUTI prevention strategies. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Depression Screening and Measurement-Based Care in Primary Care

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 215013272093126
Author(s):  
Kimberly A. Siniscalchi ◽  
Marion E. Broome ◽  
Jason Fish ◽  
Joseph Ventimiglia ◽  
Julie Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
The United States ◽  
Depression Screening ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Measurement Based Care

The health issue addressed is the unmet need to universally screen and treat depression, which is one of the most common mental health disorders among adults in the United States. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening adults for depression in primary care and using evidence-based protocols. This quality improvement project implemented VitalSign6, a measurement-based care program, to improve depression screening and treatment of adults in primary care at an academic medical center. A pre-post design was used to determine effectiveness of changes in screening, outcomes, and satisfaction. Of 1200 unique adult patients, 95.4% received initial screening. Providers diagnosed and administered measurement-based care to 236 patients. After 14 weeks, 27.5% returned for at least 1 follow-up. Results showed a statistically significant decrease in self-reported depression scores from baseline to follow-up. VitalSign6 was effective in improving identification and management of depression in primary care.

scholarly journals Impact of Changes in Urine Culture Ordering Practice on Antimicrobial Utilization in Intensive Care Units at an Academic Medical Center

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 448-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Sarg ◽  
Greer E. Waldrop ◽  
Mona A. Beier ◽  
Emily L. Heil ◽  
Kerri A. Thom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Urine Culture ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Antimicrobial Use ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Antimicrobial Utilization ◽  
Academic Medical

OBJECTIVETo assess antimicrobial utilization before and after a change in urine culture ordering practice in adult intensive care units (ICUs) whereby urine cultures were only performed when pyuria was detected.DESIGNQuasi-experimental studySETTINGA 700-bed academic medical centerPATIENTSPatients admitted to any adult ICUMETHODSAggregate data for all adult ICUs were obtained for population-level antimicrobial use (days of therapy [DOT]), urine cultures performed, and bacteriuria, all measured per 1,000 patient days before the intervention (January–December 2012) and after the intervention (January–December 2013). These data were compared using interrupted time series negative binomial regression. Randomly selected patient charts from the population of adult ICU patients with orders for urine culture in the presence of indwelling or recently removed urinary catheters were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and antimicrobial use characteristics, and pre- and post-intervention data were compared.RESULTSStatistically significant reductions were observed in aggregate monthly rates of urine cultures performed and bacteriuria detected but not in DOT. At the patient level, compared with the pre-intervention group (n=250), in the post-intervention group (n=250), fewer patients started a new antimicrobial therapy based on urine culture results (23% vs 41%, P=.002), but no difference in the mean total DOT was observed.CONCLUSIONA change in urine-culture ordering practice was associated with a decrease in the percentage of patients starting a new antimicrobial therapy based on the index urine-culture order but not in total duration of antimicrobial use in adult ICUs. Other drivers of antimicrobial use in ICU patients need to be evaluated by antimicrobial stewardship teams.Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2016;37(4):448–454

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