Prescribers' perceptions on the impact of hydrocodone rescheduling on geriatric pain management: A qualitative study

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 317-326
Author(s):  
Julianna Fernandez, PharmD, BCPS, CGP ◽  
James Douglas Thornton, PhD, PharmD, BCPS ◽  
Sanika Rege, MS ◽  
Benjamin Lewing, MS ◽  
Shweta Bapat, BPharm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Term Care ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To qualitatively assess prescribers’ perceptions regarding the consequences associated with hydrocodone rescheduling among geriatric patients being discharged from inpatient settings.Design: This was a cross-sectional study.Setting: Two focus groups were conducted by a trained facilitator in a metropolitan academic medical center in January 2016.Participants: Prescribers who manage noncancer pain for geriatric patients were recruited. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed using ATLAS.ti Qualitative Data Analysis software. Codes were derived from six primary research questions and results were summarized into key themes regarding the impact of rescheduling.Main outcome measures: Prescribers’ perceptions regarding hydrocodone rescheduling.Results: Prescribers mentioned that they review the prescription monitoring program (PMP) more often before prescribing opioids after rescheduling. They expressed concern regarding the required special serialized prescription forms needed to issue schedule II prescriptions. This led to substituting hydrocodone with potentially less effective pain medications, the inability to issue refills on hydrocodone prescriptions, and an ethical concern over prescribing hydrocodone to patients not under their direct care. Additionally, rescheduling has affected the coordination of care upon discharge, as patients moving to long-term care or skilled nursing facilities may not have adequate pain management when transferred.Conclusions: The majority of physicians felt rescheduling negatively impacted both practical and ethical aspects of patient care related to pain management after discharge. Rescheduling has changed physicians’ hydrocodone prescribing patterns, leading to more caution when prescribing hydrocodone and greater use of the PMP. Future studies should assess geriatric patients’ satisfaction and quality of life regarding pain management since hydrocodone was rescheduled.

scholarly journals Variability of Antibiotic Prescribing in a Large Healthcare Network Despite Adjusting for Patient-Mix: Reconsidering Targets for Improved Prescribing

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia Jung ◽  
Mary Elizabeth Sexton ◽  
Sallie Owens ◽  
Nathan Spell ◽  
Scott Fridkin
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Prescription ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Primary Care Clinic ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Comorbid Condition ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background In the outpatient setting, the majority of antibiotic prescriptions are for acute respiratory infections (ARIs), but most of these infections are viral and antibiotics are unnecessary. We analyzed provider-specific antibiotic prescribing in a group of outpatient clinics affiliated with an academic medical center to inform future interventions to minimize unnecessary antibiotic use. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients who presented with an ARI to any of 15 The Emory Clinic (TEC) primary care clinic sites between October 2015 and September 2017. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the impact of patient, provider, and clinic characteristics on antibiotic prescribing. We also compared provider-specific prescribing rates within and between clinic sites. Results A total of 53.4% of the 9600 patient encounters with a diagnosis of ARI resulted in an antibiotic prescription. The odds of an encounter resulting in an antibiotic prescription were independently associated with patient characteristics of white race (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47–1.73), older age (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.20–1.46 for patients 51 to 64 years; aOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.20–1.46 for patients ≥65 years), and comorbid condition presence (aOR = 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09–1.30). Of the 109 providers, 13 (12%) had a rate significantly higher than predicted by modeling. Conclusions Antibiotic prescribing for ARIs within TEC outpatient settings is higher than expected based on prescribing guidelines, with substantial variation in prescribing rates by site and provider. These data lay the foundation for quality improvement interventions to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.

scholarly journals Healthcare workers’ perspectives on coronavirus testing availability: a cross sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Byhoff ◽  
Jessica K. Paulus ◽  
Rubeen Guardado ◽  
Julia Zubiago ◽  
Alysse G. Wurcel
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Patient Support ◽  
Hospital Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hospital Employees ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Studies on the impact of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID) for healthcare workers (HCWs) rarely include the full spectrum of hospital workers, including less visible patient support roles. In the early days of the pandemic, COVID testing was preferentially available to HCWs. The objective of this study was to understand how individual experiences for all HCWs during the pandemic were associated with perceptions of access to, and receipt of COVID testing . Methods All hospital employees (n = 6736) in a single academic medical center in Boston, Massachusetts were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey regarding perceived access to, and receipt of COVID testing during the first wave of the pandemic (March – August 2020). Responses were linked to human resources data. Log binomial univariate and multivariable models were used to estimate associations between individual and employment variables and COVID testing. Results A total of 2543 employees responded to the survey (38 %). The mean age was 40 years (± 14). Respondents were female (76 %), white (55 %), worked as nurses (27 %), administrators (22 %) and patient support roles (22 %); 56 % of respondents wanted COVID testing. Age (RR 0.91, CI 0.88–0.93), full time status (RR 0.85, CI 0.79–0.92), employment tenure (RR 0.96, CI 0.94–0.98), changes in quality of life (RR 0.94, CI 0.91–0.96), changes in job duties (RR 1.19, CI 1.03–1.37), and worry about enough paid sick leave (RR 1.21, CI 1.12–1.30) were associated with interest in testing. Administrators (RR 0.64, CI 0.58–0.72) and patient support staff (RR 0.85, CI 0.78–0.92) were less likely than nurses to want testing. Age (RR 1.04, CI 1.01–1.07), material hardships (RR 0.87, CI 0.79–0.96), and employer sponsored insurance (RR 1.10, CI 1.00-1.22) were associated with receiving a COVID test. Among all employees, only administrative/facilities staff were less likely to receive COVID testing (RR 0.69, CI 0.59–0.79). Conclusions This study adds to our understanding of how hospital employees view availability of COVID testing. Hazard pay or other supports for hospital workers may increase COVID testing rates. These findings may be applicable to perceived barriers towards vaccination receipt.

scholarly journals 391. Outcomes of Empiric Antimicrobial Therapy in COVID-19 Positive Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S264-S265
Author(s):  
Corey J Medler ◽  
Lejla Jakupovic ◽  
Allison J Weinmann ◽  
Rachel Kenney ◽  
Susan L Davis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Drug Effects ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed new challenges for antimicrobial stewardship. Optimal medical treatment is not completely understood at this time. The epidemiology and outcomes of bacterial co-infections are not well-established; however, empiric antibiotic (abx) use is anecdotally common. The purpose of this study is to characterize empiric antimicrobial drug selection and timing in COVID-19 and evaluate the impact on patient outcomes. Methods Cross-sectional cohort study for COVID-19 positive inpatients from March 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020 at an academic medical center and 4 community hospitals. Inclusion: patients with a documented positive COVID-19 PCR nasopharyngeal swab. Exclusion: patients less than 18 years; deceased or transitioned to hospice within 24 hours of admission. Primary endpoint: empiric abx drug, initiation, duration and indication. Additional data collected: severity of illness, co-infection diagnosis, microbiology, and adverse drug effects (ADE). Clinical outcomes included time to recovery by COVID-19 ordinal outcome, clinical status at day 15, and readmission. Results 400 patients were included with 27% from the ICU. COVID symptom category included mild (23.8%), moderate (53%), severe (15%), and critical (8.3%). 322 (80.5%) received abx at any time during hospital stay, 301 (93.5%) started within 1 day of admission. Most common documented indication community-acquired pneumonia (69%). Identified 43 (10.8%) microbiologically confirmed co-infections, including 5 MRSA and 7 Pseudomonas. Median duration of initial abx 4 days. 54/322 (16.8%) had abx restarted after discontinuation. Median days to recovery without abx was 10 days (7 – 14) and 14 days (9 – 20) with abx. Patient characteristics and outcomes described in table 1. 74 abx related ADE were identified: gastrointestinal 37 and renal 22. Conclusion It’s difficult to distinguish bacterial and Covid-19 in coinfections in patients ill enough to be hospitalized. Longer courses of empiric abx therapy were prevalent as the severity of illness increased. However, the low frequency of microbiologically confirmed bacterial co-infections results in potentially unnecessary abx exposure. This exposure increases risk of abx ADE and may not improve clinical outcome. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Impact of a Revised Curriculum Focusing on Clinical Neurology and Musculoskeletal Care on a Required Fourth-Year Medical Student Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clerkship

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
John W. Norbury ◽  
Clinton E. Faulk ◽  
Kelly M. Harrell ◽  
Luan E. Lawson ◽  
Daniel P. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Medical Student ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Clinical Neurology ◽  
Physical Medicine ◽  
Specific Content ◽  
Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation ◽  
Musculoskeletal Care ◽  
The Impact

Background. A Required Fourth-Year Medical Student Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Clerkship was found to increase students’ knowledge of PM&R; however the students’ overall rotation evaluations were consistently lower than the other 8 required clerkships at the medical school. Objective. To describe the impact of a revised curriculum based upon Entrustable Professional Activities and focusing on basic pain management, musculoskeletal care, and neurology. Setting. Academic Medical Center. Participants. 73 fourth-year medical students. Methods. The curriculum changes included a shift in the required readings from rehabilitation specific topics toward more general content in the areas of clinical neurology and musculoskeletal care. Hands-on workshops on neurological and musculoskeletal physical examination techniques, small group case-based learning, an anatomy clinical correlation lecture, and a lecture on pain management were integrated into the curriculum. Main Outcome Measurements. Student evaluations of the clerkship. Results. Statistically significant improvements were found in the students’ evaluations of usefulness of lecturers, development of patient interviewing skills, and diagnostic and patient management skills (p≤0.05). Conclusions. This study suggests that students have a greater satisfaction with a required PM&R clerkship when lecturers utilize a variety of pedagogic methods to teach basic pain, neurology and musculoskeletal care skills in the rehabilitation setting rather than rehabilitation specific content.

Assessment of Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy Knowledge among Non-Otolaryngology Physicians

2019 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsung-yen Hsieh ◽  
Leah Timbang ◽  
Maggie Kuhn ◽  
Hilary Brodie ◽  
Lane Squires
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Tertiary Institution ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Knowledge Deficits ◽  
The Impact

Objective: Identify knowledge deficits about alternate airways (AAs) (tracheostomy and laryngectomy) among physicians across multiple specialties a tertiary institution and to assess the impact of an educational lecture on improving deficits. Methods: Study Design: Cross-sectional assessment. Setting: Academic medical center. Subjects and Methods: An anonymous 10-item, multiple choice assessment was given to physicians at a tertiary care center in the departments of Otolaryngology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. An educational lecture on AAs was presented. Scores between a pre-lecture and a 3-month post-lecture assessment were compared. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and chi-squared analysis. Results: Otolaryngology physicians scored an average of 97.8%, while non-otolaryngology physicians scored 58.3% ( P < .05). Non-otolaryngology surgical physicians scored 68.4% while non-surgical physicians were lower at 55.1% ( P < .0001). Comparing pre-lecture to post-lecture scores, all non-otolaryngology physicians improved their scores significantly from 58.3% to 86.5% ( P < .005). Non-surgical physicians had significant improvement after the instructional lecture, closing the score gap with surgical physicians for the post-lecture assessment. Discussion: The care of patients with AAs requires an understanding of their basic principles. Our findings identify significant knowledge deficits among non-otolaryngologists. Through an instructional lecture, we demonstrated improvement in knowledge among non-otolaryngology physicians and durability of the knowledge after 3 months. Conclusions: Through an instructional lecture, we found tracheostomy and laryngectomy knowledge deficits can be identified and improved upon. Periodic reinforcement of basic principles for non-otolaryngology physicians may be a promising strategy to ensure the proper care of patients with AAs.

scholarly journals The Impact of Inpatient Telemedicine on Personal Protective Equipment Savings During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reem Halabi ◽  
Geoffrey Smith ◽  
Marc Sylwestrzak ◽  
Brian Clay ◽  
Christopher A Longhurst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Telemedicine Technology ◽  
The Impact

UNSTRUCTURED With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and shortage of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), hospitals implemented inpatient telemedicine measures to ensure operational readiness and a safe working environment for clinicians. The utility and sustainability of inpatient telemedicine initiatives need to be evaluated as the number of COVID-19 inpatients is expected to continue declining. In this viewpoint, we describe the use of a rapidly deployed inpatient telemedicine workflow at a large academic medical center and discuss the potential impact on PPE savings. In early 2020, videoconferencing software was installed on patient bedside iPads at two academic medical center teaching hospitals. An internal website allowed providers to initiate video calls with patients in any patient room with an activated iPad, including both COVID-19 and non–COVID-19 patients. Patients were encouraged to use telemedicine technology to connect with loved ones via native apps or videoconferencing software. We evaluated the use of telemedicine technology on patients’ bedside iPads by monitoring traffic to the internal website. Between May 2020 and March 2021, there were a total of 1240 active users of the Video Visits website (mean 112.7, SD 49.0 connection events per month). Of these, 133 (10.7%) connections were made. Patients initiated 63 (47.4%) video calls with family or friends and sent 37 (27.8%) emails with videoconference connection instructions. Providers initiated a total of 33 (24.8%) video calls with the majority of calls initiated in August (n=22, 67%). There was a low level of adoption of inpatient telemedicine capability by providers and patients. With sufficient availability of PPE, inpatient providers did not find a frequent need to use the bedside telemedicine technology, despite a high census of patients with COVID-19. Compared to providers, patients used videoconferencing capabilities more frequently in September and October 2020. We did not find savings of PPE associated with the use of inpatient telemedicine.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Impact of Accounting Information Systems (AIS) on Organizational Effectiveness

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Mouhamadou T Sow
Keyword(s):  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Performance Optimization ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Accounting Information ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
System Utilization ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of the study was to examine how AIS is observed by its users within an academic medical center where financial transactions are critical in managing patient care and research operations. A cross-sectional qualitative research design was applied using interviews, the convenience sampling method was used to select study participants, and a thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns in the responses given. Based on the results provided in the interviews, 1) AIS design and specifications are associated with user satisfaction and performance in the workplace environment. 2) Organizations must focus on delivering AIS that offers the resources required for employees to perform their roles and being as effective as possible. 3) User needs should be identified as part of any AIS implementation or upgrade to support performance optimization with ongoing system utilization. The study questions were validated under the subject matter of job-related tasks and performance as related to the use of accounting information system. The study will aid the future business environment by obtaining employee feedback regarding future changes to the system that will address their specific roles and responsibilities so that the system promotes greater efficiency and will enhance performance.

Impact of a formal pharmacist-run oral antineoplastic monitoring program: A pilot study in an adult genitourinary oncology clinic

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 777-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brette Conliffe ◽  
Lindsay Figg ◽  
Padmini Moffett ◽  
Leslie Lauterwasser ◽  
Laura Beth Parsons
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Cohort Analysis ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Disease States ◽  
The Impact

Background In recent years, there has been a changing paradigm in the management of oncologic disease states from the use of intravenous therapies, requiring a visit to the infusion center or hospitalization, to new therapies that can be administered orally.1,2 Several publications have evaluated the role pharmacists may play in the initial prescribing of oral chemotherapy, however the impact of a formalized pharmacist follow-up program has not been well defined. This study evaluates the impact of a pilot pharmacist-run oral antineoplastic monitoring program. Methods This retrospective cohort analysis evaluated patients prescribed an oral antineoplastic in the genitourinary oncology clinic at an academic medical center between 1 July 2014 and 15 March 2017. Patients enrolled in the program were compared to a historical control group. The primary objective was adherence to pre-defined standards for monitoring. Secondary objectives include persistence on therapy, need to seek medical care, analysis of pharmacist interventions, patient satisfaction, and financial impact for the on-site retail pharmacy. Results In total, 33 patients were evaluated (11 cases, 22 controls). Average adherence to monitoring recommendations was significantly higher in the case group compared to controls (89% vs. 61%; p = 0.008). In total, 67 interventions were made by the clinical pharmacist with an average of 6 per patient. Conclusions This study shows that formalized pharmacist follow-up programs can improve patients’ adherence with antineoplastic monitoring standards. Additionally, pharmacists made clinically significant interventions and had high patient satisfaction, providing justification for expansion into other disease states.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study on the Impacts of Perceived Job Value, Job Maintenance, and Social Support on Burnout among Long-Term Care Staff in Hawaii

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 476
Author(s):  
Bum Jung Kim ◽  
Sun-young Lee
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Term Care ◽  
The Impact

Extensive research has demonstrated the factors that influence burnout among social service employees, yet few studies have explored burnout among long-term care staff in Hawaii. This study aimed to examine the impact of job value, job maintenance, and social support on burnout of staff in long-term care settings in Hawaii, USA. This cross-sectional study included 170 long-term care staff, aged 20 to 75 years, in Hawaii. Hierarchical regression was employed to explore the relationships between the key independent variables and burnout. The results indicate that staff with a higher level of perceived job value, those who expressed a willingness to continue working in the same job, and those with strong social support from supervisors or peers are less likely to experience burnout. Interventions aimed at decreasing the level of burnout among long-term care staff in Hawaii may be more effective through culturally tailored programs aimed to increase the levels of job value, job maintenance, and social support.

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

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