High Rate of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Found in Small Community Hospitals
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most frequent healthcare-associated infections found in intensive-care units (ICUs). New research on the prevalence of VAP in community hospitals shows small hospitals (less than 30,000 patient-days/year) have a higher rate of VAP than their larger counterparts, despite less use of ventilators.
Pilot Program Using Telemedicine to Decrease Emergency Room Wait Times
Emergency department (ED) overcrowding has been a major issue nationally for 20 years and continues to increase in severity. To address this issue, a pilot study has been launched at UC San Diego Health System’s ED to use telemedicine as a way to help address crowding and decrease patient wait times. The study is the first of its kind in California to use cameras to bring on-call doctors who are outside of the hospital to the patient in need.
Program Integrates Data Patients Collect at Home with Medical Records
The Center for Connected Health, a division of Partners HealthCare, has launched a pioneering program to support a re-designed care delivery system. Patient data collected at home, including vital signs such as blood pressure, weight and blood glucose, are now being transmitted electronically and viewable through the Partners HealthCare medical records system, making this important data accessible within the established clinical workflow.
New AACN Practice Alert Aims to Improve Patient Safety, Minimize Alarm Fatigue
Clinical alarms designed to alert nurses to changes in their patients’ conditions have become a continual barrage of noise that poses a significant threat to patient safety, according to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). A new AACN Practice Alert outlines evidence-based protocols to reduce false or non-actionable alarms and improve the effective use of these monitoring aids.
PCORI, NIA Partner on Developing Study of Prevention of Falls Injuries in Older Adults
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has announced an agreement with the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to form a partnership to fund a major intervention study aimed at preventing injuries from falls in older adults.
From the Bedside to the Boardroom: Partnering with Patients and Families in the Healthcare Environment
Imagine a setting where patients and families feel confident and comfortable asking questions, providing valuable historical information, and discussing their health priorities in open dialogue with their providers. How many adverse medical events could be avoided? How many duplicated tests could be eliminated?
PCORI Launches “Engagement Awards” Program to Advance Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has launched a funding initiative designed to grow a national community of patients, clinicians, researchers, and other healthcare stakeholders who will advance patient-centered outcomes research.
ECRI Institute Names Top 10 Health IT Success Strategies to Manage Risks
In honor of Healthcare Risk Management Week, ECRI Institute, an independent, nonprofit organization that researches the best approaches to improving patient care, will provide access to “Risk Managers’ 10 Strategies for Health IT Success,” from the June 2013 Risk Management Reporter newsletter.
Irisys Technology Aims to Enhance Hand-Hygiene Compliance by Improving Monitoring Process
Infrared technology could be a key strategy to improving healthcare workers’ hand-hygiene compliance – and a high-tech weapon in helping to reduce the spread of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs), according to the results of a trial in a U.K.-based general medical unit.
OpenNotes Program Expands Access to Personal Health Information
I know I’m spoiled about access to personal health information. I get most of my medical care through Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, which offers PatientSite, a patient portal where I’ve been able to see my laboratory and imaging results, correspond with my doctor by email, manage my medications, request appointments, and so on for many years. (Developers and physicians Danny Sands and John Halamka describe the PatientSite project in a book chapter available online from the Commonwealth Fund.)