scholarly journals Improving decision making, communication and documentation regarding advance resuscitation decisions in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka

Author(s):  
Shenal Appuhamy ◽  
Dinusha Hewage

Abstract BACKGROUND Resuscitation decisions made in advance are especially important to prevent negative patient outcomes at end-of-life. We conducted a clinical audit to assess the current practice of these decisions in Sri Lanka and then introduced interventions to improve the same. MATERIALS AND METHODS An auditor-administered questionnaire developed through a focused group discussion among experts was used to analyze the medical records of deaths during a period of sixty days focusing on advance resuscitation decisions and factors affecting them. The junior doctors directly involved in the care of each patient were interviewed regarding their retrospective judgement about the most appropriate resuscitation decision, which was later compared with the decision of an expert panel, who decided on the most appropriate resuscitation decision based on the medical records of the patient. An educational session for doctors was then conducted to improve their knowledge about advance resuscitation decisions including the importance of meticulous documentation of such decisions. The outcome was assessed after sixty days following the introduction of the intervention using the same questionnaire. RESULTS There was a significant improvement in the number of documented advance resuscitation decisions from 4/40 (10%) to 17/38 (44.73%) (Z = 3.5, P = 0.0006), with a significant increase in DNACPR decisions from 4/40 (10%) to 14/38 (36.8%) (Z = 2.8, P = 0.005) following the intervention. Unsuccessful CPR attempts decreased significantly from 31/40 (77.5%) to 14/38 (36.8%) (Z = 3.6, P = 0.0003) in the post-intervention period. The resuscitation decisions suggested by junior doctors that matched with expert decision increased significantly for both interns ((from 11/40 (27.5%) to 22/38 (57.9%) (Z = 2.7, P = 0.0066)) and registrars ((18/40 (45%) to 27/38 (71.05%) (Z = 2.3, P = 0.0202)) in the post-intervention period. CONCLUSION Documentation and practice regarding advance resuscitation decisions is suboptimal in Sri Lanka. This can be improved by interventions targeting improving the knowledge about the concept and its proper documentation among health care professionals.

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 3854-3854
Author(s):  
Ankit J. Kansagra ◽  
Saurabh Dahiya ◽  
Chester Andrzejewski ◽  
Robert Krushell ◽  
Andrew Lehman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and objective: Blood loss associated with total lower-extremity joint arthroplasty (TJA) often results in postoperative anemia and need for red blood cell transfusions (RBCT). We report the results of a quality improvement initiative to improve blood management and decrease transfusions in patients undergoing TJA in one tertiary hospital. Methods: Pre and post analysis after the implementation of a multifaceted intervention which included preoperative assessment for anemia, use of tranexamic acid, discouragement of autologous pre-operative blood collection and institution of more restrictive RBCT protocols. The results were stratified into three periods: I - pre-interventional (01/01/2013 -09/30/2013); II - peri-interventional (10/01/2013 -04/30/2014); and III - post-interventional (05/01/2014 -12/31/2014). We used fractional logistic regression with robust standard errors and regression modeling was configured using a segmented, or "piecewise", approach in which slope coefficients in each period were estimated. Results: During the study period 2511 patients underwent surgery. Compared with the pre-intervention period, the total number of RBC units transfused decreased from a total of 587 in the pre- to 107 in the post-intervention period (81.8% decrease). The percentage of patients receiving transfusion declined from 36.7% in pre-implementation period to 8.8% to post-intervention period. Depending upon the costing methodology used, annualized savings in RBC expenditure between time period 1 and 3 ranged from a low of $108,000 using the acquisition cost per unit (~$225/unit) to $480,000 when using activity based costing (~$1000/unit). Mean length of stay (days) and 30-day readmission rates remained stable during the study period. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach with proactive involvement of all the interested parties can be successful and sustainable in reducing RBCT and its associated costs, in patients undergoing TJA. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Author(s):  
Pallavi Admane ◽  
Sachin Hiware ◽  
Mohini Mahatme ◽  
Sujata Dudhgaonkar ◽  
Mukunda Bargade ◽  
...  

Background: Fixed drug combination (FDC) is a combination of two or more active drugs in a single dosage form. Rational fixed drug combination improves patient compliance, enhances the efficacy of combination and minimizes side effects. But unfortunately, many FDCs introduced in Indian market are irrational. Prescription of irrational FDCs increases morbidity, mortality, treatment failure, emergence of resistance and financial loss to community. Since junior doctors like residents and interns are the backbone in patient care in the tertiary care hospital, knowledge of FDC in them has paramount importance.Methods: A prospective, cross sectional, observational study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about the use of FDC by junior resident doctors and interns. A pre-validated questionnaire was given to two hundred doctors from various departments and data was analyzed. Questions were based on knowledge of National Essential List of Medicine (NELM), rational FDC and criteria of rationality.Results: Seventy six percent health care professionals had the knowledge of FDC. Only 48% were aware about FDCs mentioned in WHO Essential List of Medicine. Most of them were aware of advantages and disadvantages of FDCs. Common sources of information were medical representatives, textbooks and Current Index Of medical Specialities (CIMS). Fifty eight percent doctors preferred to prescribe FDC, and ninety two percent avoid use of irrational FDCs. Most commonly prescribed rational fixed drug combination was amoxicillin + clavulanic acid. Paracetamol + ibuprofen was the most commonly prescribed irrational FDC.Conclusions: There is need to improve knowledge of rational fixed drug combination, NELM list.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S362-S363
Author(s):  
Gaurav Agnihotri ◽  
Alan E Gross ◽  
Minji Seok ◽  
Cheng Yu Yen ◽  
Farah Khan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Although it is recommended that an OPAT program should be managed by a formal OPAT team that supports the treating physician, many OPAT programs face challenges in obtaining necessary program staff (i.e nurses or pharmacists) due to limited data examining the impact of a dedicated OPAT team on patient outcomes. Our objective was to compare OPAT-related readmission rates among patients receiving OPAT before and after the implementation of a strengthened OPAT program. Methods This retrospective quasi-experiment compared adult patients discharged on intravenous (IV) antibiotics from the University of Illinois Hospital before and after implementation of programmatic changes to strengthen the OPAT program. Data from our previous study were used as the pre-intervention group (1/1/2012 to 8/1/2013), where only individual infectious disease (ID) physicians coordinated OPAT. Post-intervention (10/1/2017 to 1/1/2019), a dedicated OPAT nurse provided full time support to the treating ID physicians through care coordination, utilization of protocols for lab monitoring and management, and enhanced documentation. Factors associated with readmission for OPAT-related problems at a significance level of p< 0.1 in univariate analysis were eligible for testing in a forward stepwise multinomial logistic regression to identify independent predictors of readmission. Results Demographics, antimicrobial indications, and OPAT administration location of the 428 patients pre- and post-intervention are listed in Table 1. After implementation of the strengthened OPAT program, the readmission rate due to OPAT-related complications decreased from 17.8% (13/73) to 6.5% (23/355) (p=0.001). OPAT-related readmission reasons included: infection recurrence/progression (56%), adverse drug reaction (28%), or line-associated issues (17%). Independent predictors of hospital readmission due to OPAT-related problems are listed in Table 2. Table 1. OPAT Patient Demographics and Factors Pre- and Post-intervention Table 2. Factors independently associated with hospital readmission in OPAT patients Conclusion An OPAT program with dedicated staff at a large academic tertiary care hospital was independently associated with decreased risk for readmission, which provides critical evidence to substantiate additional resources being dedicated to OPAT by health systems in the future. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
pp. 63-65
Author(s):  
Anuradha Pai ◽  
Shiksha Yadav

BACKGROUND- A 70 year old unknown male patient was found unconscious on road and was brought to tertiary care hospital. On investigations and clinical correlation, patient was diagnosed as a case of left hemiparesis secondary to acute middle cerebral artery infarct. Patient regained consciousness on next day and was in state of complete dependence for bed mobility and daily living activities. He was managed conservatively and was referred to occupational therapy department for further management. METHOD- Patient was evaluated by using uniform terminology. Modied Barthel index, Modied Rankin Scale, Basic MOCA scale and Stroke Specic QOL scales were administered. Patient was given intervention for 5 weeks. Enabling activities with self-care functional activities were practised. Accident prevention, activity promotion, Compensatory strategies and environmental modications were done. Scales were administered post intervention and comparative data was obtained. RESULT- Change of pre-intervention and post- intervention score indicates improvements in performing activities of daily living, reduced disability, improved cognition and quality of living. There were signicant improvement in activities like eating, drinking milk, in bed mobility dressing and coming to sit. Minimum to moderate improvement was seen in activities like toileting, walking, stair climbing and use of wheelchair. Despite his age and lack of family support, signicant functional improvements were documented in this elderly stroke patient, and he was discharged to old age home. CONCLUSION- Supplementing enabling activities with task oriented functional training is feasible and effective in improving independence for activity of daily living in elderly stroke


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seema Sachdeva seema sachdeva ◽  
Akshay Kumar Akshay Kumar ◽  
Parveen Aggarwal Parveen Aggarwal

Abstract BackgroundSevere exacerbation of asthma are potentially life-threatening and therefore require prompt care and frequent management. Important elements of early treatment includes recognition of early signs and symptoms of breathing difficulty and timely prescription and administration of therapeutic agents. A subsequent delay in receiving nebulization during an acute exacerbation of asthma can leads to cardiac arrest and even death. AimTo reduce the gap in administration of nebulization from its prescription time among red triaged patients by 50% from its baseline. Setting and designThis interventional study was conducted among red triaged patients in emergency department of tertiary care hospital, India . Material and MethodsBaseline information was collected during first 4 weeks to find gap in administration of nebulization from its prescription time. Fish bone analysis and process map were laid down to analyse the situation. The intervention using targeted bundles was done via 3 PDSA (PDSA1: indenting the nebulizers, PDSA 2: training of doctors and nurses, PDSA 3; introducing equipment checklist) to reduce the gap . A run chart using time series analysis model was used to compare the pre and post intervention nebulization gap. ResultsTotal 74 patients (30 in pre- intervention, 44 in post intervention) admitted in red triaged area were observed for nebulization gap from prescription to administration. Median time for nebulization gap before intervention was 46.5 minutes which reduced to 15 minutes in post intervention phase. ConclusionThis bundles of targeted interventions was successful to reduce the nebulization gap. Key words: nebulization gap, prescription time, administration time


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S440-S440
Author(s):  
Jorge A Ramos-Castaneda ◽  
Matthew L Faron ◽  
Joshua Hyke ◽  
Blake W Buchan ◽  
Rahul Nanchal ◽  
...  

Abstract Background New evidence shows the relevance of sink drains in the horizontal transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms. We recently demonstrated that a peroxide-based disinfectant (product B) was better than bleach at disinfecting sink drains; however, we did not determine the duration of this effect. In this study, we evaluate the duration of bacterial reduction in sink drains treated with product B and compared it to an enhanced hydrogen peroxide agent (product A). Methods Testing was performed in a 26-bed medical intensive care unit at a 566-bed tertiary care hospital in Milwaukee, WI. Two disinfectants were compared: product A (hydrogen peroxide, octanoic acid, and peroxyacetic acid; Virasept, Ecolab) and product B (hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant; Peroxide Multi Surface Cleaner and Disinfectant, Ecolab). Sinks were randomly assigned to product A, product B, and control (no disinfection). On day 0, baseline cultures were obtained and disinfectant agents were applied. On post-intervention days 1, 3, 5, and, 7, samples from each drain were collected using E-swabs (Copan, Italy). Quantitation of Gram-negative burden was determined by serial dilution in saline plated to MacConkey agar and dilutions that contained 20–200 colonies were used for bacterial colony-forming units (CFU). Multivariate multiple linear regression and analysis of variance were used to compare mean Ln(1+CFU) between groups using R v3.5.0. Environmental sampling, cultures, and statistical analyses were performed blinded to the disinfected used. Results All three groups had similar CFU counts at baseline (P > 0.05). On day 1, a statistically significant reduction in bacterial CFUs was observed in the group treated with product A compared with sinks treated with product B (P = 0.04) or the control group (P < 0.01). The same differences were observed on day 3 post-intervention. There were no significant reductions on days 5 and 7. Conclusion Product A was the most effective product at disinfecting sink drains but its effect disappeared at 5 days post-disinfection. These results suggest that treating sink drains every 5 days with a hydrogen peroxide mixture would be ideal for healthcare facilities dealing with sink drain contamination. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara E. Cosgrove ◽  
Polly Ristaino ◽  
Anne Caston-Gaa ◽  
Donna P. Fellerman ◽  
Elaine F. Nowakowski ◽  
...  

Objective.To describe a pseudo-outbreak associated with loose bronchoscope biopsy ports caused by inadequate bronchoscope repair practices by third-party vendors and to alert healthcare personnel to assess bronchoscope repair practices.Design.Outbreak investigation.Setting.A 925-bed tertiary care hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.Patients.Patients who underwent bronchoscopy with certain bronchoscopes after they had been repaired by a third-party vendor.Methods.An epidemiologic investigation was conducted to determine the cause ofPseudomonas putidagrowth in 4 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens within a 3-day period in May 2008. All bronchoscopes were inspected, and cultures were obtained from bronchoscopes and the environment. Bronchoscope cleaning and maintenance practices were reviewed. Microbiologic results from BAL specimens and medical records were reviewed to find additional cases.Results.All 4 case patients had undergone bronchoscopy with one of 2 bronchoscopes, both of which had loose biopsy ports. Bronchoscope cultures grewP. putida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,andStenotrophomonas.TheP. putidastrains from the bronchoscopes matched those from the patients. Specimens from 12 additional patients who underwent bronchoscopy with these bronchoscopes grewP. putida, P. aeruginosa,orStenotrophomonas.No patients developed clinical signs or symptoms of infection, but 7 were treated with antibiotics. Investigation revealed that the implicated bronchoscopes had been sent to an external vendor for repair; examination by the manufacturer revealed irregularities in repairs and nonstandard part replacements.Conclusions.Third-party vendors without access to proprietary information may contribute to mechanical malfunction of medical devices, which can lead to contamination and incomplete disinfection.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2012;33(3):224-229


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