Understanding engagement and potential impact of an electronic drug repository: A mixed-methods study. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlene Soobiah ◽  
Michelle Phung ◽  
Mina Tadrous ◽  
Trevor Jamieson ◽  
R. Sacha Bhatia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Inappropriate Prescribing ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Secondary Information

BACKGROUND Centralized drug repositories can reduce adverse events and inappropriate prescribing by enabling access to dispensed medication data at the point-of-care, but how they achieve this goal is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE To understand 1) the perceived clinical value; 2) the barriers and enablers to adoption; and 3) for which clinician groups a provincial, centralized drug repository may provide the most benefit. METHODS A mixed-method approach, including an online survey and semi-structured interviews, was employed. Participants were clinicians (e.g., nurses, physicians, and pharmacists) in Ontario who were eligible to use the Digital Health Drug Repository (DHDR), irrespective of actual use. Survey data were ranked on a 7-point adjectival scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics and interviews were analyzed using qualitative description. RESULTS : Of 167 survey respondents, only 24% (n=40) were actively using the DHDR. Perceptions of the utility of the DHDR were neutral (mean scores ranged from 4.11-4.76). Of the 76% who were not using the DHDR, 98% rated access to medication information (e.g., dose, strength, frequency) as important. Reasons for not using the DHDR included the cumbersome access process and the perception that available data was incomplete or inaccurate. A total of 33 interviews were completed, of which 26 were active DHDR users. The DHDR was a satisfactory source of secondary information, but the absence of medication instructions and prescribed medications (that were not dispensed) limited its ability to provide a comprehensive profile in order to meaningfully support clinical decision-making. CONCLUSIONS Digital drug repositories must adjust to align with clinician needs to provide value. Ensuring (1) integration with point-of-care systems; (2) comprehensive clinical data; and (3) streamlined onboarding processes would optimize clinically meaningful use. The electronic provision of accessible drug information to providers across healthcare settings has the potential to improve efficiency and reduce medication errors. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

scholarly journals Assessing the utility and attitudes toward molecular testing in neuro-oncology: a survey of the Society for Neuro-Oncology members

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Fortin Ensign ◽  
Maya Hrachova ◽  
Susan Chang ◽  
Maciej M Mrugala
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Practice Patterns ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Tumor Boards ◽  
Oncology Practice

Abstract Background Molecular testing (MT) is utilized in neuro-oncology with increasing frequency. The aim of this study was to determine clinical practice patterns to acquire this information, interpret and utilize MT for patient care, and identify unmet needs in the practical clinical application of MT. Methods We conducted a voluntary online survey of providers within the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) membership database between March and April 2019. Results We received 152 responses out of 2022 SNO members (7.5% of membership). 88.8% of respondents routinely order MT for newly diagnosed gliomas. Of those who do not, testing is preferentially performed in younger patients or those with midline tumors. 82.8% use MT in recurrent gliomas. Other common indications included: metastatic tumors, meningioma, and medulloblastoma. Many providers utilize more than one resource (36.0%), most frequently using in-house (41.8%) over commercially available panels. 78.1% used the results for clinical decision-making, with BRAF, EGFR, ALK, and H3K27 mutations most commonly directing treatment decisions. Approximately, half (48.5%) of respondents have molecular tumor boards at their institutions. Respondents would like to see SNO-endorsed guidelines on MT, organized lists of targeted agents available for specific mutations, a database of targetable mutations and clinical trials, and more educational programs on MT. Conclusion This survey was marked by several limitations including response rate and interpretation of MT. Among respondents, there is routine use of MT in Neuro-Oncology, however, there remains a need for increased guidance for providers to effectively incorporate the expanding genomic data resulting from MT into daily Neuro-Oncology practice.

POCT errors can lead to false potassium results

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Buño ◽  
Paloma Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Clinical Intervention ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Whole Process ◽  
Severe Hyperkalemia ◽  
Wrong Diagnosis ◽  
Critical Patients

Abstract Point-of-care-testing (POCT) facilitates rapid availability of results that allows prompt clinical decision making. These results must be reliable and the whole process must not compromise its quality. Blood gas analyzers are one of the most used methods for POCT tests in Emergency Departments (ED) and in critical patients. Whole blood is the preferred sample, and we must be aware that hemolysis can occur. These devices cannot detect the presence of hemolysis in the sample, and because of the characteristics of the sample, we cannot visually detect it either. Hemolysis can alter the result of different parameters, including potassium with abnormal high results or masking low levels (hypokalemia) when reporting normal concentrations. Severe hyperkalemia is associated with the risk of potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia and demands emergency clinical intervention. Hemolysis can be considered the most frequent cause of pseudohyperkalemia (spurious hyperkalemia) or pseudonormokalemia and can be accompanied by a wrong diagnosis and an ensuing inappropriate clinical decision making. A complete review of the potential causes of falsely elevated potassium concentrations in blood is presented in this article. POCT programs properly led and organized by the clinical laboratory can help to prevent errors and their impact on patient care.

scholarly journals Shared clinical decision-making experiences in nursing: A qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fen-Fang Chung ◽  
Shu-Chuan Lin ◽  
Yu-Hsia Lee ◽  
Pao-Yu Wang ◽  
Hon-Yen Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Nursing Education ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Cultural Sensitivity ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Clinical Nursing ◽  
Basic Ability

Abstract Background Shared decision making (SDM) is a patient-centred nursing concept that emphasises the autonomy of the patient. It is a co-operative process of exchanging information, communication and response, and treatment decisions made between medical staff and patients. In this study, we explored the experience of clinical nursing staff participating in SDM. Methods We adopted a qualitative research method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 nurses at a medical centre in northern Taiwan. The data obtained from interview recordings were transferred to verbatim manuscripts. Content analysis was used to analyse and summarise the data. Results Clinical nursing staff should have basic professional skills, communication and response skills, respect and cultural sensitivity, the ability to form a co-operative team, the ability to search for and integrate empirical data, and the basic ability to edit media to participate in SDM. Conclusions The results of this study describe the experiences of clinical nursing staff participating in SDM, which can be used as a reference for nursing education and nursing administrative supervisors to plan and enhance professional nursing SDM in nursing education.

scholarly journals Point-of-Care Testing-the Key in the Battle against SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1464
Author(s):  
Florina Silvia Iliescu ◽  
Ana Maria Ionescu ◽  
Larisa Gogianu ◽  
Monica Simion ◽  
Violeta Dediu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Rapid Screening ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Point Of Care Testing ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
User Friendly

The deleterious effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic urged the development of diagnostic tools to manage the spread of disease. Currently, the “gold standard” involves the use of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Even though it is sensitive, specific and applicable for large batches of samples, qRT-PCR is labour-intensive, time-consuming, requires trained personnel and is not available in remote settings. This review summarizes and compares the available strategies for COVID-19: serological testing, Point-of-Care Testing, nanotechnology-based approaches and biosensors. Last but not least, we address the advantages and limitations of these methods as well as perspectives in COVID-19 diagnostics. The effort is constantly focused on understanding the quickly changing landscape of available diagnostic testing of COVID-19 at the clinical levels and introducing reliable and rapid screening point of care testing. The last approach is key to aid the clinical decision-making process for infection control, enhancing an appropriate treatment strategy and prompt isolation of asymptomatic/mild cases. As a viable alternative, Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) is typically low-cost and user-friendly, hence harbouring tremendous potential for rapid COVID-19 diagnosis.

Point of Care Ultrasound in Geriatric Patients: Prospective Evaluation of a Portable Handheld Ultrasound Device

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (03) ◽  
pp. 308-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eckhart Fröhlich ◽  
Katharina Beller ◽  
Reinhold Muller ◽  
Maria Herrmann ◽  
Ines Debove ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Handheld Device ◽  
Ultrasound Device ◽  
Handheld Ultrasound

Abstract Purpose The aim of the current study was to evaluate point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in geriatric patients by echoscopy using a handheld ultrasound device (HHUSD, VScan) at bedside in comparison to a high-end ultrasound system (HEUS) as the gold standard. Materials and Methods Prospective observational study with a total of 112 geriatric patients. The ultrasound examinations were independently performed by two experienced blinded examiners with a portable handheld device and a high-end ultrasound device. The findings were compared with respect to diagnostic findings and therapeutic implications. Results The main indications for the ultrasound examinations were dyspnea (44.6 %), fall (frailty) (24.1 %) and fever (21.4 %). The most frequently found diagnoses were cystic lesions 32.1 % (35/109), hepatic vein congestion 19.3 % (21/109) and ascites 13.6 % (15/110). HHUSD delivered 13 false-negative findings in the abdomen resulting in an “overall sensitivity” of 89.5 %. The respective “overall specificity” was 99.6 % (7 false-positive diagnoses). HHUSD (versus HEUS data) resulted in 13.6 % (17.3 %) diagnostically relevant procedures in the abdomen and 0.9 % (0.9 %) in the thorax. Without HHUSD (HEUS) 95.7 % (100 %) of important pathological findings would have been missed. Conclusion The small HHUSD tool improves clinical decision-making in immobile geriatric patients at the point of care (geriatric ward). In most cases, HHUSD allows sufficiently accurate yes/no diagnoses already at the bedside, thereby clarifying the leading symptoms for early clinical decision-making.

scholarly journals Factors affecting clinical decision-making in inflammatory bowel disease and the role of point-of-care calprotectin

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 1756283X1774473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yannick Derwa ◽  
Christopher J.M. Williams ◽  
Ruchit Sood ◽  
Saqib Mumtaz ◽  
M. Hassan Bholah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Medical Therapy ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Mucosal Inflammation ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Objectives: Patient-reported symptoms correlate poorly with mucosal inflammation. Clinical decision-making may, therefore, not be based on objective evidence of disease activity. We conducted a study to determine factors associated with clinical decision-making in a secondary care inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) population, using a cross-sectional design. Methods: Decisions to request investigations or escalate medical therapy were recorded from outpatient clinic encounters in a cohort of 276 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD). Disease activity was assessed using clinical indices, self-reported flare and faecal calprotectin ≥ 250 µg/g. Demographic, disease-related and psychological factors were assessed using validated questionnaires. Logistic regression was performed to determine the association between clinical decision-making and symptoms, mucosal inflammation and psychological comorbidity. Results: Self-reported flare was associated with requesting investigations in CD [odds ratio (OR) 5.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84–17.0] and UC (OR 10.8; 95% CI 1.8–64.3), but mucosal inflammation was not (OR 1.62; 95% CI 0.49–5.39; and OR 0.21; 95% CI 0.21–1.05, respectively). Self-reported flare (OR 7.96; 95% CI 1.84–34.4), but not mucosal inflammation (OR 1.67; 95% CI 0.46–6.13) in CD, and clinical disease activity (OR 10.36; 95% CI 2.47–43.5) and mucosal inflammation (OR 4.26; 95% CI 1.28–14.2) in UC were associated with escalation of medical therapy. Almost 60% of patients referred for investigation had no evidence of mucosal inflammation. Conclusions: Apart from escalation of medical therapy in UC, clinical decision-making was not associated with mucosal inflammation in IBD. The use of point-of-care calprotectin testing may aid clinical decision-making, improve resource allocation and reduce costs in IBD.

scholarly journals Clinical value of measurable residual disease testing for assessing depth, duration, and direction of response in multiple myeloma

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (14) ◽  
pp. 3295-3301
Author(s):  
Joaquin Martinez-Lopez ◽  
Sandy W. Wong ◽  
Nina Shah ◽  
Natasha Bahri ◽  
Kaili Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Measurable Residual Disease

Abstract Few clinical studies have reported results of measurable residual disease (MRD) assessments performed as part of routine practice. Herein we present our single-institution experience assessing MRD in 234 multiple myeloma (MM) patients (newly diagnosed [NDMM = 159] and relapsed [RRMM = 75]). We describe the impact of depth, duration, and direction of response on prognosis. MRD assessments were performed by next-generation sequencing of immunoglobulin genes with a sensitivity of 10−6. Those achieving MRD negativity at 10−6, as well as 10−5, had superior median progression-free survival (PFS). In the NDMM cohort, 40% of the patients achieved MRD negativity at 10−6 and 59% at 10−5. Median PFS in the NDMM cohort was superior in those achieving MRD at 10−5 vs <10−5 (PFS: 87 months vs 32 months; P < .001). In the RRMM cohort, 36% achieved MRD negativity at 10−6 and 47% at 10−5. Median PFS was superior for the RRMM achieving MRD at 10−5 vs <10−5 (PFS: 42 months vs 17 months; P < .01). Serial MRD monitoring identified 3 categories of NDMM patients: (A) patients with ≥3 MRD 10−6 negative samples, (B) patients with detectable but continuously declining clonal numbers, and (C) patients with stable or increasing clonal number (≥1 log). PFS was superior in groups A and B vs C (median PFS not reached [NR], NR, 55 respectively; P < .001). This retrospective evaluation of MRD used as part of clinical care validates MRD as an important prognostic marker in NDMM and RRMM and supports its use as an endpoint in future clinical trials as well as for clinical decision making.

scholarly journals Public views regarding the responsibility of patients, clinicians, and institutions to participate in research in the United States

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 574-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin P Weinfurt ◽  
Li Lin ◽  
Jeremy Sugarman
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
The United States ◽  
Robust Learning ◽  
Learning Health System ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Public Views

Background The need for more and better evidence to inform clinical decision making among all stakeholders has fueled calls for creating learning healthcare systems. The successful realization of a learning healthcare system seems to assume that various parties have a responsibility to participate in learning activities, including research. The objective of this study was to determine whether members of the general public perceive an ethical responsibility to participate in pragmatic clinical research that would be inherent to a learning health system. Methods A total of 2994 English-speaking adults completed a nationally representative online survey. Results About two-thirds of respondents were relatively neutral regarding a responsibility for themselves and others to participate in research; the remainder felt that they and others did not have a responsibility to participate in research. Conclusions Efforts to justify and develop a robust learning health system in an ethically acceptable fashion need to take these findings into account.

scholarly journals What is the role of technology in improving patient safety? A French, German and UK healthcare professional perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 219-224
Author(s):  
Alain Astier ◽  
Jean Carlet ◽  
Torsten Hoppe-Tichy ◽  
Ann Jacklin ◽  
Annette Jeanes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Working Group ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Cultural Changes ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Patient Pathways ◽  
Professional Perspective ◽  
Enhance Patient Safety

Patient safety in hospitals can be compromised by preventable adverse events (AE). Among the preventable AEs, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are one of the most burdensome, contributing to not only poorer patient outcomes but institutional burden through direct financial losses and increased patient length of stay.  Technological innovations can enhance patient safety by automating tasks, introducing medication alerts, clinical reminders, improved diagnostic and consultation reports, facilitating information sharing, improving clinical decision-making, intercepting potential errors, reducing variation in practice, and managing workforce shortages as well as making complete patient data available.  A multidisciplinary working group from three European countries was convened to discuss how to optimise the use of technology to reduce preventable AEs in acute care hospitals. The working group identified examples where they felt there were opportunities to streamline patient pathways, including antimicrobial stewardship, point of care testing, microbiology test reporting to streamline time from sample-taking to clinical decision and mobile automated dispensing systems, which can reduce the burden on overworked staff. The working group also discussed key factors that were critical to ensuring different stakeholders, both within and outside the hospital, could meaningfully contribute to improving patient safety. They agreed that technological approaches and advances would have limited impact without meaningful cultural changes at all levels of healthcare infrastructure to implement the benefits offered by current or future technologies.

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