scholarly journals P065: Surveying ED transition of care: satisfaction, awareness of risks and barriers to the implementation of a standardized protocol

CJEM ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S100-S100
Author(s):  
M. Iseppon ◽  
J. Chauny ◽  
A. Cournoyer ◽  
I. Montplaisir ◽  
R. Daoust ◽  
...  

Introduction: Patient handoffs have been identified as the primary cause of error affecting patient safety. The lack of standardization - and the often-avoidable errors that occur as a result - profoundly affect patient care and emergency department (ED) administration. Our study set out to evaluate emergency doctors’ awareness of these safety concerns, as well as their satisfaction with handoff practices currently used in their respective EDs. We also aimed to identify the potential barriers to the use of a standardized approach to patient transition of care. Methods: Guided by a modified Delphi method, a 29-question survey was developed by a panel of experts on patient transition of care. A printed version of the survey was distributed to ED doctors attending a local emergency medicine conference. An electronic version was subsequently distributed to all ED doctors registered as members of our provincial professional organizations. Results: We achieved a 68% response rate. Amongst the 309 participants, 51% (95%CI 44-56%) acknowledged that handoffs between emergency doctors are a frequent cause of error related to patient care. Frequent interruptions (77% (95%CI 72-82%)) and heavy workloads (73% (95%CI 68-79%)) were identified as the main factors negatively influencing the quality of handoffs. Despite 61% (95%CI 56-68%) satisfaction with the currently employed methods, 74% (95%CI 68-79%) of the respondents believe that handoffs would benefit from standardization and 83% (95%CI 79-88%) are open to changing their current practices. In addition, 53% (95%CI 48-60%) believe that the tools used for transition of care can be improved. Apprehension regarding the increase of handoff burden (86% (95%CI 81-90%)) was identified as the primary barrier to the implementation of a standardized handoff protocol. Conclusion: Doctors are generally satisfied with current handoff practices used in the ED. Nevertheless, their awareness of the possible risks associated with transition of care may be driving their openness to adapting their practice, potentially towards a more standardized approach given the conceivable benefits to patient safety. In light of these results, we aim to develop a comprehensive, standardized handoff protocol, and to evaluate its applicability in the ED with a prospective study.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Dameff ◽  
Jordan Selzer ◽  
Jonathan Fisher ◽  
James Killeen ◽  
Jeffrey Tully

BACKGROUND Cybersecurity risks in healthcare systems have traditionally been measured in data breaches of protected health information but compromised medical devices and critical medical infrastructure raises questions about the risks of disrupted patient care. The increasing prevalence of these connected medical devices and systems implies that these risks are growing. OBJECTIVE This paper details the development and execution of three novel high fidelity clinical simulations designed to teach clinicians to recognize, treat, and prevent patient harm from vulnerable medical devices. METHODS Clinical simulations were developed which incorporated patient care scenarios with hacked medical devices based on previously researched security vulnerabilities. RESULTS Clinician participants universally failed to recognize the etiology of their patient’s pathology as being the result of a compromised device. CONCLUSIONS Simulation can be a useful tool in educating clinicians in this new, critically important patient safety space.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii1-iii16
Author(s):  
Claire Kavanagh ◽  
Eimear O'Dwyer ◽  
Róisín Purcell ◽  
Niamh McMahon ◽  
Morgan Crowe ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This study assessed the pharmacist role in an 80 bed residential care unit by: Quantifying the number and type of pharmacist interventions made and their acceptance rate.Assessing impact of pharmacist interventions on patient care.Assessing staff attitudes towards the clinical pharmacist service. Methods This was a non-blinded, non-comparative evaluation of the existing clinical pharmacist service in the unit. All residents were included. All pharmacist interventions over a 10-week period were recorded, then graded according to the Eadon scale1 by a consultant gerontologist and an experienced pharmacist to assess their impact on patient care. Results There were 615 pharmacist interventions. The most common interventions were: Drug Therapy Review, 34% (n=209) Technical Prescription, 26.5% (n=163) Administration, 15.3% (n=94) Drug Interaction, 10.4% (n=64) Medication Reconciliation, 8.5% (n=52) 98% (n=596) of interventions were rated as having significance to patient care, of which: 48.4% (n=298) and 41.8% (n=257) of the interventions rated as ‘significant and resulting in an improvement in the standard of care’1% (n=6) and 0.5% (n=3) rated as ‘very significant and preventing harm’. There was a statistically significant agreement between the evaluators, κw = 0.231 (95% CI, 0.156 to 0.307), p < .0005. The strength of agreement was fair. Of interventions requiring acceptance by medical team (n=335), 89.9% (n=301) were accepted. 95% (n=36) of staff who responded agreed or strongly agreed that improved patient safety resulted from the pharmacist’s involvement in multidisciplinary medication reviews. Over 92% (n=35) agreed or strongly agreed that their experience of the pharmacist was positive. Conclusion The pharmacist has an important role in our residential care unit. Their involvement in the medicines optimisation process positively impacts patient outcomes and prevents harm. Staff perceived a positive impact of the clinical pharmacist service provided on patient care and patient safety.


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dick E. Zoutman ◽  
B. Douglas Ford

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine quality improvement (QI) initiatives in acute care hospitals, the factors associated with success, and the impacts on patient care and safety. Design/methodology/approach An extensive online survey was completed by senior managers responsible for QI. The survey assessed QI project types, QI methods, staff engagement, and barriers and factors in the success of QI initiatives. Findings The response rate was 37 percent, 46 surveys were completed from 125 acute care hospitals. QI initiatives had positive impacts on patient safety and care. Staff in all hospitals reported conducting past or present hand-hygiene QI projects and C. difficile and surgical site infection were the next most frequent foci. Hospital staff not having time and problems with staff prioritizing QI with other duties were identified as important QI barriers. All respondents reported hospital leadership support, data utilization and internal champions as important QI facilitators. Multiple regression models identified nurses’ active involvement and medical staff engagement in QI with improved patient care and physicians’ active involvement and medical staff engagement with greater patient safety. Practical implications There is the need to study how best to support and encourage physicians and nurses to become more engaged in QI. Originality/value QI initiatives were shown to have positive impacts on patient safety and patient care and barriers and facilitating factors were identified. The results indicated patient care and safety would benefit from increased physician and nurse engagement in QI initiatives.


CJEM ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S44-S44 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Atkinson ◽  
J. Bowra ◽  
J. Milne ◽  
M. Lambert ◽  
B. Jarman ◽  
...  

Introduction: Point of care ultrasound has become an established tool in the initial management of patients with undifferentiated hypotension. Current established protocols (RUSH, ACES, etc) were developed by expert user opinion, rather than objective, prospective data. We wished to use reported disease incidence to develop an informed approach to PoCUS in hypotension using a “4 F’s” approach: Fluid; Form; Function; Filling. Methods: We summarized the incidence of PoCUS findings from an international multicentre RCT, and using a modified Delphi approach incorporating this data we obtained the input of 24 international experts associated with five professional organizations led by the International Federation of Emergency Medicine. The modified Delphi tool was developed to reach an international consensus on how to integrate PoCUS for hypotensive emergency department patients. Results: Rates of abnormal PoCUS findings from 151 patients with undifferentiated hypotension included left ventricular dynamic changes (43%), IVC abnormalities (27%), pericardial effusion (16%), and pleural fluid (8%). Abdominal pathology was rare (fluid 5%, AAA 2%). After two rounds of the survey, using majority consensus, agreement was reached on a SHoC-hypotension protocol comprising: A. Core: 1. Cardiac views (Sub-xiphoid and parasternal windows for pericardial fluid, cardiac form and ventricular function); 2. Lung views for pleural fluid and B-lines for filling status; and 3. IVC views for filling status; B. Supplementary: Additional cardiac views; and C. Additional views (when indicated) including peritoneal fluid, aorta, pelvic for IUP, and proximal leg veins for DVT. Conclusion: An international consensus process based on prospectively collected disease incidence has led to a proposed SHoC-hypotension PoCUS protocol comprising a stepwise clinical-indication based approach of Core, Supplementary and Additional PoCUS views.


2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Telma de Almeida Busch Mendes ◽  
Paola Bruno de Araújo Andreoli ◽  
Leny Vieira Cavalheiro ◽  
Claudia Talerman ◽  
Claudia Laselva

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess patient's level of oxygenation by means of pulse oximetry, avoiding hypoxia (that causes rapid and severe damage), hyperoxia, and waste. Methods: Calculations were made with a 7% margin of error and a 95% confidence interval. Physical therapists were instructed to check pulse oximetry of all patients with prescriptions for physical therapy, observing the scheduled number of procedures. Results: A total of 129 patients were evaluated. Hyperoxia predominated in the sectors in which the patient was constantly monitored and hypoxia in the sectors in which monitoring was not continuous. Conclusions: Professionals involved in patient care must be made aware of the importance of adjusting oxygen use and the risk that non-adjustment represents in terms of quality of care and patient safety.


Author(s):  
Rachmadya Nur Hidayah

ABSTRACT Background: National examinations in Indonesia (UKMPPD) has been implemented since 2007 as a quality assurance method for medical graduates and medical schools. The impact of UKMPPD has been studied since then, where one of the consequences were related to how it affected medical education and curricula. This study explored the consequences of UKMPPD, focusing on how the students, teachers, and medical schools’ leaders relate the examination with patient care. This study aimed to explore the impact of UKMPPD on medical education, which focusing on the issue of patient safety. Methods: This study was part of a doctoral project, using a qualitative method with a modified grounded theory approach. The perspectives of multiple stakeholders on the impact of the UKMPPD were explored using interview and focus groups. Interviews were conducted with medical schools’ representatives (vice deans/ programme directors), while focus groups were conducted with teachers and students. A sampling framework was used by considering the characteristics of Indonesian medical schools based on region, accreditation status, and ownership (public/ private). Data was analysed using open coding and thematic framework as part of the iterative process. Results: The UKMPPD affected how the stakeholders viewed this high-stakes examination and the education delivered in their medical schools. One of the consequences revealed how stakeholders viewed the UKMPPD and its impact on patient care. Participants viewed the UKMPPD as a method of preparation for graduates’ real clinical practice. The lack of reference for patient safety as the impact of the UKMPPD in this study showed that there were missing links in how stakeholders perceived the examination as part of quality assurance in health care. Conclusion: The UKMPPD as a high-stakes examination has a powerful impact in changing educational policy and programmes in Indonesia. However, in Indonesia, the examination brought in the reflection on how the “patient” element was lacking from medical education. This research offers an insight on the concept of patient safety in Indonesia and how the stakeholders could approach the issue. Keywords: UKMPPD, national licensing examination, impact, competence, patient safety, curriculum 


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Allison Brandt Anbari

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that an increased number of bachelor's prepared nurses at the bedside improves patient safety and outcomes. However, these studies do not stratify their sample into four-year BSNs and ADN to BSN graduates. There must be underlying reasons why the BSN degree as an entirety (BSN, accelerated BSN, and ADN to BSN completion) improves patient care and outcomes, but a gap in the literature remains. To begin to address this gap, a qualitative study was conducted to investigate potential differences in patient safety meaning among differently educated nurses, specifically BSNs and ADN to BSNs graduates and to better understand how/if the advanced BSN education for ADNs enhanced their understanding of patient safety. Guided by the theory of Language Convergence/Meaning Divergence, interview data from 8 BSN and 8 ADN to BSN graduates were analyzed. Findings indicate there are two meaning levels, including understanding the meaning of patient safety at the local level as well as at the systemic level. The local level was where the meaning of patient safety is focused at the patient's bedside is regulated by the nurse. The systemic level encompasses the local level, but also includes the notion that health system factors such as policies and staffing are paramount to keeping patients safe. More frequently, ADN to BSN graduates' meaning of patient safety was at the local level, while BSNs' meaning centered at the systemic level. In addition, ADN to BSN graduates were asked to discuss components of their degree programs that they perceived to influence their ability to keep patients safe. The graduates pursued their degrees for career advancement purposes, and did not correlate the advanced degree with their ability to keep patients safe. Additional research is needed to further explore patient safety meaning differences among differently educated nurses and the potential impact those differences might have on patient care and outcomes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak C. Bajracharya ◽  
Kshitij Karki ◽  
Chhiring Yangjen Lama ◽  
Rajesh Dhoj Joshi ◽  
Shankar Man Rai ◽  
...  

AbstractGlobally, medical errors are associated with an estimated $42 billion in costs to healthcare systems. A variety of errors in the delivery of healthcare have been identified by the World Health Organization and it is believed that about 50% of all errors are preventable. Initiatives to improve patient safety are now garnering increased attention across a range of countries in all regions of the world. From June 28--29, 2019, the first International Patient Safety Conference (IPSC) was held in Kathmandu, Nepal and attended by over 200 healthcare professionals as well as hospital, government, and non-governmental organization leaders. During the conference, presentations describing the experience with errors in healthcare and solutions to minimize future occurrence of adverse events were presented. Examples of systems implemented to prevent future errors in patient care were also described. A key outcome of this conference was the initiation of conversations and communication among important stakeholders for patient safety. In addition, attendees and dignitaries in attendance all reaffirmed their commitment to furthering actions in hospitals and other healthcare facilities that focus on reducing the risk of harm to patients who receive care in the Nepali healthcare system. This conference provides an important springboard for the development of patient-centered strategies to improve patient safety across a range of patient care environments in public and private sector healthcare institutions.


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