A model for management of patients with stroke during the acute phase. Outcome and economic implications

How do inpatients' costs, length of stay, and quality of care vary across age groups after a new case-based payment reform in China? An interrupted time series analysis

CONTEXT

A patient classification-based payment system called diagnosis-intervention packet (DIP) was piloted in a large city in southeast China in 2018.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the impact of DIP payment reform on total costs, out-of-pocket (OOP) payments, length of stay (LOS), and quality of care in hospitalised patients of different age.

METHODS

An interrupted time series model was employed to examine the monthly trend changes of outcome variables before and after the DIP reform in adult patients, who were stratified into a younger (18-64 years) and an older group (≥ 65 years), further stratified into young-old (65-79 years) and oldest-old (≥ 80 years) groups.

RESULTS

The adjusted monthly trend of costs per case significantly increased in the older adults (0.5%, P = 0.002) and oldest-old group (0.6%, P = 0.015). The adjusted monthly trend of average LOS decreased in the younger and young-old groups (monthly slope change: -0.058 days, P = 0.035; -0.025 days, P = 0.024, respectively), and increased in the oldest-old group (monthly slope change: 0.107 days, P = 0.030) significantly. The changes of adjusted monthly trends of in-hospital mortality rate were not significant in all age groups.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of the DIP payment reform associated with increase in total costs per case in the older and oldest-old groups, and reduction in LOS in the younger and young-old groups without deteriorating quality of care.

Factors Associated with Risk of Stroke-Associated Pneumonia in Patients with Dysphagia: A Systematic Review

Dysphagia is associated with increased risk of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). However, it is unclear what other factors contribute to that risk or which measures may reduce it. This systematic review aimed to provide evidence on interventions and care processes associated with SAP in patients with dysphagia. Studies were screened for inclusion if they included dysphagia only patients, dysphagia and non-dysphagia patients or unselected patients that included dysphagic patients and evaluated factors associated with a recorded frequency of SAP. Electronic databases were searched from inception to February 2017. Eligible studies were critically appraised. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2. The primary outcome was SAP. Eleven studies were included. Sample sizes ranged from 60 to 1088 patients. There was heterogeneity in study design. Measures of immunodepression are associated with SAP in dysphagic patients. There is insufficient evidence to justify screening for aerobic Gram-negative bacteria. Prophylactic antibiotics did not prevent SAP and proton pump inhibitors may increase risk. Treatment with metoclopramide may reduce SAP risk. Evidence that nasogastric tube (NGT) placement increases risk of SAP is equivocal. A multidisciplinary team approach and instrumental assessment of swallowing may reduce risk of pneumonia. Patients with impaired mobility were associated with increased risk. Findings should be interpreted with caution given the number of studies, heterogeneity and descriptive analyses. Several medical interventions and care processes, which may reduce risk of SAP in patients with dysphagia, have been identified. Further research is needed to evaluate the role of these interventions and care processes in clinical practice.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of the water swallow test for screening aspiration in stroke patients

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the water swallow test for screening aspirations in stroke patients.

BACKGROUND

The water swallow test is a simple bedside screening tool for aspiration among stroke patients in nursing practice, but results from different studies have not been combined before.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to provide a synthetic and critical appraisal of the included studies.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic literature in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and other sources were searched systemically in this study. Databases and registers were searched from inception up to 30 April 2015.

REVIEW METHODS

This systematic review was conducted using the recommendations from Cochrane Collaboration for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy. Bivariate random-effects models were used to estimate the diagnostic accuracy across those studies. The tool named Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) was used to evaluate the quality of the studies.

RESULTS

There were 770 stroke patients in the 11 studies for the meta-analysis. The water swallow test had sensitivities between 64-79% and specificities between 61-81%. Meta-regression analysis indicated that increasing water volume resulted in higher sensitivity but lower specificity of the water swallow test.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review showed that the water swallow test was a useful screening tool for aspiration among stroke patients. The test accuracy was related to the water volume and a 3-oz water swallow test was recommended for aspiration screening in stroke patients.

Rapid Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke: Part 1: Development and Validation

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a nurse-administered screening tool to identify aspiration risk in patients with suspected stroke.

DESIGN

Validity study comparing evidence-based swallowing screening items with the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) results.

SETTING

A certified primary stroke center in a major metropolitan medical facility.

PARTICIPANTS

Consecutive patients (N=250) admitted with suspected stroke.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were administered evidence-based swallowing screening items by nurses. A VFSS was completed within 2 hours of swallowing screening.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Validity relative to identifying VFSS-determined aspiration for each screening item and for various combinations of items.

RESULTS

Aspiration was identified in 29 of 250 participants (12%). Logistic regression revealed that age (P=.012), dysarthria (P=.001), abnormal volitional cough (P=.030), and signs related to the water swallow trial (P=.021) were significantly associated with aspiration. Validity was then determined on the basis of the best combination of significant items for predicting aspiration. The results revealed that age >70 years, dysarthria, or signs related to the water swallow trial (ie, cough, throat clear, wet vocal quality, and inability to continuously drink 90mL water) yielded 93% sensitivity and 98% negative predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS

The final validated tool, Rapid Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke, is a valid nurse-administered tool to detect risk of aspiration in patients presenting with suspected stroke.

Organising health care services for people with an acquired brain injury: an overview of systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is the leading cause of disability worldwide yet there is little information regarding the most effective way to organise ABI health care services. The aim of this review was to identify the most up-to-date high quality evidence to answer specific questions regarding the organisation of health care services for people with an ABI.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of English papers using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library. We included the most recently published high quality systematic reviews and any randomised controlled trials, non-randomised controlled trials, controlled before after studies or interrupted time series studies published subsequent to the systematic review. We searched for papers that evaluated pre-defined organisational interventions for adults with an ABI. Organisational interventions of interest included fee-for-service care, integrated care, integrated care pathways, continuity of care, consumer engagement in governance and quality monitoring interventions. Data extraction and appraisal of included reviews and studies was completed independently by two reviewers.

RESULTS

A total of five systematic reviews and 21 studies were included in the review; eight of the papers (31%) included people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or ABI and the remaining papers (69%) included only participants with a diagnosis of stroke. We found evidence supporting the use of integrated care to improve functional outcome and reduce length of stay and evidence supporting early supported discharge teams for reducing morbidity and mortality and reducing length of stay for stroke survivors. There was little evidence to support case management or the use of integrated care pathways for people with ABI. We found evidence that a quality monitoring intervention can lead to improvements in process outcomes in acute and rehabilitation settings. We were unable to find any studies meeting our inclusion criteria regarding fee-for-service care or engaging consumers in the governance of the health care organisation.

CONCLUSIONS

The review found evidence to support integrated care, early supported discharge and quality monitoring interventions however, this evidence was based on studies conducted with people following stroke and may not be appropriate for all people with an ABI.

Implementation of stroke Dysphagia screening in the emergency department

Early detection of dysphagia is critical in stroke as it improves health care outcomes. Administering a swallowing screening tool (SST) in the emergency department (ED) appears most logical as it is the first point of patient contact. However, feasibility of an ED nurse-administered SST, particularly one involving trial water swallow administration, is unknown. The aims of this pilot study were to (1) implement an SST with a water swallow component in the ED and track nurses' adherence, (2) identify barriers and facilitators to administering the SST through interviews, and (3) develop and implement a process improvement plan to address barriers. Two hundred seventy-eight individuals with stroke symptoms were screened from October 2009 to June 2010. The percentage of patients screened increased from 22.6 in October 2009 to a high of 80.8 in March 2010, followed by a decrease to 61.9% in June (Cochran-Armitage test z = −5.1042,  P < 0.0001). The odds of being screened were 4.0 times higher after implementation compared to two months before implementation. Results suggest that it is feasible for ED nurses to administer an SST with a water swallow component. Findings should facilitate improved quality of care for patients with suspected stroke and improve multidisciplinary collaboration in swallowing screening.

How has the impact of 'care pathway technologies' on service integration in stroke care been measured and what is the strength of the evidence to support their effectiveness in this respect?

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

BACKGROUND

Across the developed world, we are witnessing an increasing emphasis on the need for more closely coordinated forms of health and social care provision. Integrated care pathways (ICPs) have emerged as a response to this aspiration and are believed by many to address the factors which contribute to service integration. ICPs map out a patient's journey, providing coordination of services for users. They aim to have: 'the right people, doing the right things, in the right order, at the right time, in the right place, with the right outcome'. The value for ICPs in supporting the delivery of care across organisational boundaries, providing greater consistency in practice, improving service continuity and increasing collaboration has been advocated by many. However, there is little evidence to support their use, and the need for systematic evaluations in order to measure their effectiveness has been widely identified. A recent Cochrane review assessed the effects of ICPs on functional outcome, process of care, quality of life and hospitalisation costs of inpatients with acute stroke, but did not specifically focus on service integration or its derivatives. To the best of our knowledge, no such systematic review of the literature exists.

OBJECTIVES

• To systematically review all high-quality studies which have evaluated the impact of care pathway technologies on 'service integration' and its derivatives in stroke care • To examine how elements of service integration are defined in such studies • To examine the type of evidence utilised to measure service integration • To analyse the weight of evidence used to support claims about the effectiveness of ICPs on improving service integration • To produce recommendations for ICP developers, users and evaluators.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Types of participants The review focused on the care of adult patients who had suffered a stroke. It included the full spectrum of services - acute care, rehabilitation and long-term support - in hospital and community settings. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest Integrated care pathways were the intervention of interest, defined for the purpose of this review as 'a multidisciplinary tool to improve the quality and efficiency of evidence based care and is used as a communication tool between professionals to manage and standardise the outcome orientated care' Here 'multidisciplinary' is taken to refer to the involvement of two or more disciplines. Types of outcomes 'Service integration' was the outcome of interest however, this was defined and measured in the selected studies. Types of studies This review was concerned with how 'service integration' was defined in evaluations of ICPs; the type of evidence utilised in measuring the impact of the intervention and the weight of evidence to support the effectiveness of care pathway technologies on 'service integration'. Studies that made an explicit link between ICPs and service integration were included in the review. Evidence generated from randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental, qualitative and health economics research was sought. The search was limited to publications after 1980, coinciding with the emergence of ICPs in the healthcare context. Assessment for inclusion of foreign papers was based on the English-language abstract, where available. These were included only if an English translation was available.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

This review excluded studies that: • focused only on a single aspect of stroke care (e.g. dysphasia) • evaluated ICPs as part of a wider program of service development • did not make an explicit link between ICPs and service integration • did not meet the definition of ICP utilised for the purposes of the review • focused exclusively on the outcomes of variance analysis

SEARCH STRATEGY

In order to avoid replication, the Joanna Briggs Institute for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery Database and the Cochrane Library were searched to establish that no systematic reviews existed and none were in progress. A three-stage search strategy was then used to identify both published and unpublished studies (see Appendix III).

DATA COLLECTION

Our search strategy located 2123 papers, of which 39 were retrieved for further evaluation. We critically appraised seven papers, representing five studies. These were all evaluation studies and, as is typical in this field, comprised a range of study designs and data collection methods. Owing to the diversity of the study types included in the review, we developed a single-appraisal checklist and data-extraction tool which could be applied to all research designs.(32) The tool drew on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal checklists for experimental studies and interpretive and critical research, and also incorporated specific information and issues which were relevant for our purposes (see Appendix VI). This extends the thinking outlined in Lyne et al.(31) in which, drawing on Campbell and Stanley's classic paper, the case is made for developing an appraisal tool which is applicable to all types of evaluation, irrespective of study design. In assessing the quality of the papers, we were sympathetic to the methodological challenges of evaluating complex interventions such as ICPs. We were also cognisant of the very real constraints in which service evaluations are frequently undertaken in healthcare contexts. In accordance with the aims of this particular review, we have included studies, which are methodologically weaker than is typical of many systematic reviews because, in our view, in the absence of stronger evidence, they yield useful information.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Given the heterogeneity of the included studies, meta-analysis and/or qualitative synthesis was not possible. A narrative summary of the study findings is presented.

RESULTS

1 ICPs can be effective in ensuring that patients receive relevant clinical interventions and/or assessments in a timely manner, although these improvements may reflect better documentation rather than actual changes in practice. 2 ICPs can be effective in improving the documentation of rehabilitation goals, documentation of communication with patients, carers (diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up arrangements) and documentation of notification of primary care physicians of discharge. However, this can create additional burdens of work for staff. 3 Early studies of ICP-managed care in the acute stroke context have demonstrated reduced length of stay without any associated adverse effects on discharge destination, morbidity or mortality. These effects do not reach statistical significance, however, and may reflect wider changes in service provision and a general trend towards reduced length of hospital stay. While later studies in the acute and rehabilitation contexts do not reveal any significant reduction in length of stay, they do report greater documented use of certain clinical interventions and assessments, suggesting that ICPs can be effective in mobilising hospital resources around the patient. 4 ICPs implemented in the context of acute stroke care can be effective in reducing the occurrence of urinary tract infections, although we do not know whether this can be attributed to improved service integration. 5 ICP management in stroke rehabilitation may not be flexible enough to meet diverse patient needs and can result in insufficient attention to higher-level functioning and carer needs influencing perceptions of quality of life. 6 ICP management may assist in clarifying role boundaries and a shared understanding of the work, but this can result in some members of the disciplinary team perceiving that their contribution is not appropriately reflected in the documentation. 7 There is some evidence that ICPs may be effective in changing professional behaviours in the desired direction where there is scope for improvement, but in situations in which multidisciplinary working is effective, their positive effects may be limited. Furthermore, it is far from clear what the active ingredients of ICPs actually are. Kwan et al. suggest that it was the process of ICP development that had most impact on behaviours rather than the use of the artefact per se.(20) 8 None of the studies assessed the balance of costs and benefits of ICP use. Therefore, we do not know whether the costs of ICP development and implementation are justified by any of the reported benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Implications for practice There is some evidence that ICPs may support certain elements of service integration in the context of stroke care. This seems to be as a result of their ability to support the timely implementation of clinical interventions and the mobilisation of resources around the patient without incurring additional increases in length of stay. ICPs appear to be most successful in improving service coordination in the acute stroke context where patient care trajectories are predictable. Their value in the context of rehabilitation settings in which recovery pathways are more variable is less clear. There is some evidence that ICPs may be effective in bringing about behavioural changes in contexts where deficiencies in service provision have been identified. Their value in contexts where inter-professional working is well established is less clear. While earlier before and after studies show a reduction in length of stay in ICP-managed care, this may reflect wider healthcare trends, and the failure of later studies to demonstrate further reductions suggests that there may be limits as to how far this can continue to be reduced. There is some evidence to suggest that ICPs bring about improvements in documentation, but we do not know how far documented practice reflects actual practice. It is unclear how ICPs have their effects and the relative importance of the process of development and the artefact in use. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Economic evidence on integrated care for stroke patients; a systematic review

Introduction

Given the high incidence of stroke worldwide and the large costs associated with the use of health care resources, it is important to define cost-effective and evidence-based services for stroke rehabilitation. The objective of this review was to assess the evidence on the relative cost or cost-effectiveness of all integrated care arrangements for stroke patients compared to usual care. Integrated care was defined as a multidisciplinary tool to improve the quality and efficiency of evidence-based care and is used as a communication tool between professionals to manage and standardize the outcome-orientated care.

Methods

A systematic literature review of cost analyses and economic evaluations was performed. Study characteristics, study quality and results were summarized.

Results

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria; six on early-supported discharge services, four on home-based rehabilitation, two on stroke units and three on stroke services. The follow-up per patient was generally short; one year or less. The comparators and the scope of included costs varied between studies.

Conclusions

Six out of six studies provided evidence that the costs of early-supported discharge are less than for conventional care, at similar health outcomes. Home-based rehabilitation is unlikely to lead to cost-savings, but achieves better health outcomes. Care in stroke units is more expensive than conventional care, but leads to improved health outcomes. The cost-effectiveness studies on integrated stroke services suggest that they can reduce costs. For future research we recommend to focus on the moderate and severely affected patients, include stroke severity as variable, adopt a societal costing perspective and include long-term costs and effects.

Stroke Units: Many Questions, Some Answers

Background The development of specialized stroke units has been a landmark innovation in acute stroke care. However, the high scientific evidence level for the recommendation for stroke units to provide clinical attention for acute stroke patients does not correspond to the level of stroke unit implementation. A narrative, nonsystematic review on published studies on stroke units was conducted, with special emphasis on those demonstrating their efficacy and effectiveness. We also attempt to provide some answers to several open questions regarding practical issues of stroke units.

Eficácia da fonoterapia em disfagia neurogênica usando a escala funcional de ingestão por via oral (FOIS) como marcador

OBJETIVO: avaliar a eficácia da fonoterapia e a interferência dos fatores de risco para disfagia no atendimento de pacientes adultos internados com doença neurológica e sintoma de disfagia, tendo a escala funcional de ingestão por via oral como marcador da progressão segura da dieta por via oral. MÉTODOS: foi realizado estudo retrospectivo de 49 prontuários de pacientes com disfagia neurogênica, atendidos em fonoterapia no leito hospitalar e comparada a escala de ingestão de alimentação por via oral antes e depois da terapia - FOIS, (mede a quantidade e tipo de alimento que o paciente consegue ingerir por via oral de forma segura). Foram estudados também possíveis fatores de interferência na melhora via ingestão oral na fonoterapia como: doença de base, idade, condições respiratórias, condições clínicas, estado de consciência, tempo de terapia e número de sessões. RESULTADOS: dos 49 pacientes, 36 apresentaram melhora na FOIS após a fonoterapia. Quanto aos possíveis fatores de interferência nessa melhora, foram constatados: a piora clínica do doente, as intercorrências clínicas e o rebaixamento do nível de consciência, como estatisticamente significantes para a não evolução em fonoterapia visando à ingestão de alimentos por via oral. Os outros fatores analisados como: doença de base, idade, condições respiratórias, tempo e numero de sessões não demonstraram significância estatística, sugerindo não interferir na melhora ou piora do paciente. CONCLUSÃO: observa-se melhora efetiva da ingestão de alimentos por via oral nos pacientes com disfagia neurogênica atendidos em ambiente hospitalar em fonoterapia, salvo se apresentarem intercorrências clínicas e rebaixamento do nível de consciência durante o processo.

How has the impact of 'care pathway technologies' on service integration in stroke care been measured and what is the strength of the evidence to support their effectiveness in this respect?

BACKGROUND

Across the developed world, we are witnessing an increasing emphasis on the need for more closely coordinated forms of health and social care provision. Integrated care pathways (ICPs) have emerged as a response to this aspiration and are believed by many to address the factors which contribute to service integration. ICPs map out a patient's journey, providing coordination of services for users. They aim to have: 'the right people, doing the right things, in the right order, at the right time, in the right place, with the right outcome'. The value for ICPs in supporting the delivery of care across organisational boundaries, providing greater consistency in practice, improving service continuity and increasing collaboration has been advocated by many. However, there is little evidence to support their use, and the need for systematic evaluations in order to measure their effectiveness has been widely identified. A recent Cochrane review assessed the effects of ICPs on functional outcome, process of care, quality of life and hospitalisation costs of inpatients with acute stroke, but did not specifically focus on service integration or its derivatives. To the best of our knowledge, no such systematic review of the literature exists.

OBJECTIVES

INCLUSION CRITERIA: Types of participants The review focused on the care of adult patients who had suffered a stroke. It included the full spectrum of services - acute care, rehabilitation and long-term support - in hospital and community settings.Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest Integrated care pathways were the intervention of interest, defined for the purpose of this review as 'a multidisciplinary tool to improve the quality and efficiency of evidence based care and is used as a communication tool between professionals to manage and standardise the outcome orientated care'. Here 'multidisciplinary' is taken to refer to the involvement of two or more disciplines.Types of outcomes Service integration' was the outcome of interest however, this was defined and measured in the selected studies.Types of studies This review was concerned with how 'service integration' was defined in evaluations of ICPs; the type of evidence utilised in measuring the impact of the intervention and the weight of evidence to support the effectiveness of care pathway technologies on 'service integration'. Studies that made an explicit link between ICPs and service integration were included in the review. Evidence generated from randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental, qualitative and health economics research was sought. The search was limited to publications after 1980, coinciding with the emergence of ICPs in the healthcare context. Assessment for inclusion of foreign papers was based on the English-language abstract, where available. These were included only if an English translation was available.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

This review excluded studies that: SEARCH STRATEGY: In order to avoid replication, the Joanna Briggs Institute for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery Database and the Cochrane Library were searched to establish that no systematic reviews existed and none were in progress. A three-stage search strategy was then used to identify both published and unpublished studies (see ).

DATA COLLECTION

Our search strategy located 2123 papers, of which 39 were retrieved for further evaluation. We critically appraised seven papers, representing five studies. These were all evaluation studies and, as is typical in this field, comprised a range of study designs and data collection methods. Owing to the diversity of the study types included in the review, we developed a single-appraisal checklist and data-extractiontool which could be applied to all research designs. The tool drew on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal checklists for experimental studies and interpretive and critical research, and also incorporated specific information and issues which were relevant for our purposes (see ). This extends the thinking outlined in Lyne et al. in which, drawing on Campbell and Stanley's classic paper, the case is made for developing an appraisal tool which is applicable to all types of evaluation, irrespective of study design.In assessing the quality of the papers, we were sympathetic to the methodological challenges of evaluating complex interventions such as ICPs. We were also cognisant of the very real constraints in which service evaluations are frequently undertaken in healthcare contexts. In accordance with the aims of this particular review, we have included studies, which are methodologically weaker than is typical of many systematic reviews because, in our view, in the absence of stronger evidence, they yield useful information.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Given the heterogeneity of the included studies, meta-analysis and/or qualitative synthesis was not possible. A narrative summary of the study findings is presented.

RESULTS

Therefore, we do not know whether the costs of ICP development and implementation are justified by any of the reported benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Implications for practice There is some evidence that ICPs may support certain elements of service integration in the context of stroke care. This seems to be as a result of their ability to support the timely implementation of clinical interventions and the mobilisation of resources around the patient without incurring additional increases in length of stay. ICPs appear to be most successful in improving service coordination in the acute stroke context where patient care trajectories are predictable. Their value in the context of rehabilitation settings in which recovery pathways are more variable is less clear. There is some evidence that ICPs may be effective in bringing about behavioural changes in contexts where deficiencies in service provision have been identified. Their value in contexts where inter-professional working is well established is less clear. While earlier before and after studies show a reduction in length of stay in ICP-managed care, this may reflect wider healthcare trends, and the failure of later studies to demonstrate further reductions suggests that there may be limits as to how far this can continue to be reduced. There is some evidence to suggest that ICPs bring about improvements in documentation, but we do not know how far documented practice reflects actual practice. It is unclear how ICPs have their effects and the relative importance of the process of development and the artefact in use. As none of the studies reviewed included an economic evaluation, moreover, it remains unclear whether the benefits of ICPs justify the costs of their implementation.

The medical management of central nervous system infections in Uganda and the potential impact of an algorithm-based approach to improve outcomes

BACKGROUND

In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV has increased the spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) infections. The etiological diagnosis is often difficult. Mortality from CNS infections is higher in sub-Saharan Africa compared to Western countries. This study examines the medical management of CNS infections in Uganda. We also propose a clinical algorithm to manage CNS infections in an effective, systematic, and resource-efficient manner.

METHODS

We prospectively followed 100 consecutive adult patients who were admitted to Mulago Hospital with a suspected diagnosis of a CNS infection without any active participation in their management. From the clinical and outcome data, we created an algorithm to manage CNS infections, which was appropriate for this resource-limited, high HIV prevalence setting.

RESULTS

Only 32 patients had a laboratory confirmed diagnosis and 23 of these were diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis. Overall mortality was 39%, and mortality trended upward when the diagnosis was delayed past 3 days. The initial diagnoses were made clinically without significant laboratory data in 92 of the 100 patients. Because HIV positive patients have a unique spectrum of CNS infections, we created an algorithm that identified HIV-positive patients and diagnosed those with cryptococcal meningitis. After cryptococcal infection was ruled out, previously published algorithms were used to assist in the early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis, tuberculous meningitis, and other common central nervous system infections. In retrospective comparison with current management, the CNS algorithm reduced overall time to diagnosis and initiate treatment of cryptococcal meningitis from 3.5 days to less than 1 day.

CONCLUSIONS

CNS infections are complex and difficult to diagnose and treat in Uganda, and are associated with high in-hospital mortality. A clinical algorithm may significantly decrease the time to diagnose and treat CNS infections in a resource-limited setting.

Critical pathways for the management of stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage: a survey of US hospitals

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Thirty-day mortality rates in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) range from 35% to 50%, with only 10-20% of the survivors regaining functional independence. This high mortality and morbidity argues for the optimization of emergency medical services (EMS), emergency department (ED), and in-patient treatment paradigms. With the development of interventional strategies for ICH, both pharmacologic and surgical, time to treatment will be critical to improving outcomes. Similar to acute ischemic stroke care, proper preparation and role definition will be critical for efficient evaluation and treatment. We studied the existence and structure of ICH management protocols in US hospitals.

METHODS

A national survey of Emergency Medicine physicians was conducted to gather information regarding the existence of stroke and ICH treatment protocols at their institutions.

RESULTS

A clearly established pathway for the management of ischemic stroke exists in most hospitals (78%). By contrast, only 30% of hospitals have a clearly defined pathway for ICH. Thus, while most hospitals are able to perform rapid computed tomography (CT) scans to diagnose ICH, the management of these patients post-CT is more fragmented and variable. Few hospitals have comprehensive protocols that include treatment policies for raised intracranial pressure or formal policies for the transfer of patients to centers with neurocritical care/neurosurgical resources.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Integration of ICH critical pathways into stroke protocols could potentially improve the high mortality and disability associated with this condition and might facilitate ongoing studies of ICH-specific interventions. With stroke neurologists and neurocritical care specialists showing an increasing interest in ICH management, development of critical pathways may allow for a standardized approach to best treatment practices within institutions and networks as evidence grows for new treatments and management strategies. This may also allow a redefinition of the roles of team members, including ED and critical care physicians, neurologists, and neurosurgeons.

Dysphagia in acute ischaemic stroke: severity, recovery and relationship to stroke subtype

Dysphagia in stroke is linked with increased risk of pneumonia, increased length of stay and poorer outcomes. This study followed a cohort of 88 acute ischaemic stroke patients admitted to hospitals in Perth, Western Australia, over 30 days. There were 8/88 deaths (9%). Infections were treated in 25/80 survivors (31%). Presence and severity of dysphagia were measured at 2 and 7 days post-stroke. Respiratory tract infections occurred at significantly higher rates for dysphagics (p<0.05). At 2 days post-stroke, the odds ratio (OR) of chest infection for dysphagics was 1.45 (95% CI=1.07-1.98). Survivors who were "nil by mouth" 2 days post-stroke were significantly more likely to develop pneumonia (p=0.01). At 7 days post-stroke, dysphagics were again more likely to develop pneumonia (p=0.014) with OR=1.77 (95% CI=1.26-2.49). The total anterior circulation infarcts demonstrated more severe and prolonged dysphagia than other stroke subtypes.

Care pathways for acute stroke care and stroke rehabilitation: from theory to evidence

Care pathways aim to promote evidence- and guideline-based care, improve the organisation and efficiency of care, and reduce cost. In the past decade, care pathways have been increasingly implemented as a tool in acute stroke care and stroke rehabilitation. In the most recent Cochrane systematic review, which included three randomised and 12 non-randomised studies, patient management with stroke care pathways was found to have no significant benefit on functional outcome, and patient satisfaction and quality of life might actually be worse. On the other hand, it was associated with a higher proportion of patients receiving investigations and a lower risk of developing certain complications such as infections and readmissions. Overall, the evidence supports the use of care pathways in acute stroke but not stroke rehabilitation. Future developments, including electronic care pathways, patient pathways, and pre-hospital care pathways for hyperacute stroke, will be discussed.

Disfagia orofaríngea pós-acidente vascular encefálico no idoso

Resumo A deglutição é um processo complexo, que envolve estruturas relacionadas à cavidade oral, faringe, laringe e esôfago, submetidas a um controle neural que permite a condução do conteúdo oral até o estômago. Dessa maneira, uma lesão neurológica, tal como o acidente vascular encefálico (AVE), ao comprometer qualquer uma dessas estruturas, pode acarretar um distúrbio de deglutição, denominado de disfagia. O termo AVE refere-se aos déficits neurológicos decorrentes de alterações na circulação encefálica, que podem ser divididos em isquêmico e hemorrágico. A idade avançada é um dos maiores fatores de risco. A disfagia pode trazer déficits nutricionais e de hidratação ao indivíduo, bem como comprometimentos do seu estado pulmonar. Este trabalho propõe apresentar uma revisão bibliográfica na qual serão enfocados pontos e questões importantes da atuação do fonoaudiólogo na disfagia orofaríngea pós-AVE no idoso.

In-hospital care pathways for stroke

BACKGROUND

Stroke care pathways have the potential to promote organised and efficient patient care that is based on best evidence and guidelines, but evidence to support their use is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the effects of care pathways, compared with standard medical care, among patients with acute stroke who had been admitted to hospital.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched in June 2003), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2003), MEDLINE (1975 to June 2003), EMBASE (1980 to June 2003), CINAHL (1982 to June 2003), ISI Proceedings: Science & Technology (1990 to November 2003), and HealthSTAR (1994 to May 2001). We also handsearched the Journal of Integrated Care Pathways (2001 to 2003), formerly Journal of Managed Care (1997 to 1998) and Journal of Integrated Care (1998 to 2001). Reference lists of articles were searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies that compared care pathway care with standard medical care.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

One reviewer selected studies for inclusion and the other independently checked the decisions. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the studies. One reviewer extracted the data and the other checked the extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Three randomised controlled trials (340 patients) and 12 non-randomised studies (4081 patients) were included. There was significant statistical heterogeneity in the analysis of many of the outcomes. We found no significant difference between care pathway and control groups in terms of death or discharge destination. Patients managed with a care pathway were: (a) more dependent at discharge (P = 0.04); (b) less likely to suffer a urinary tract infection (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.51, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.34 to 0.79); (c) less likely to be readmitted (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.39); and (d) more likely to have neuroimaging (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.12 to 5.25). Evidence from randomised trials suggested that patient satisfaction and quality of life were significantly lower in the care pathway group (P = 0.02 and P < 0.005 respectively).

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

Use of stroke care pathways may be associated with positive and negative effects. Since most of the results have been derived from non-randomised studies, they are likely to be influenced by potential biases and confounding factors. There is currently insufficient supporting evidence to justify the routine implementation of care pathways for acute stroke management or stroke rehabilitation.

In-hospital care pathways for stroke

BACKGROUND

Stroke care pathways have the potential to promote organised and efficient patient care that is based on best evidence and guidelines, but evidence to support their use is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the effects of care pathways, compared with standard medical care, among patients with acute stroke who had been admitted to hospital.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched in June 2003), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2003), MEDLINE (1975 to June 2003), EMBASE (1980 to June 2003), CINAHL (1982 to June 2003), ISI Proceedings: Science & Technology (1990 to November 2003), and HealthSTAR (1994 to May 2001). We also handsearched the Journal of Integrated Care Pathways (2001 to 2003), formerly Journal of Managed Care (1997 to 1998) and Journal of Integrated Care (1998 to 2001). Reference lists of articles were searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies that compared care pathway care with standard medical care.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

One reviewer selected studies for inclusion and the other independently checked the decisions. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the studies. One reviewer extracted the data and the other checked the extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Three randomised controlled trials (340 patients) and 12 non-randomised studies (4081 patients) were included. There was significant statistical heterogeneity in the analysis of many of the outcomes. We found no significant difference between care pathway and control groups in terms of death or discharge destination. Patients managed with a care pathway were: (a) more dependent at discharge (P = 0.04); (b) less likely to suffer a urinary tract infection (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.51, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.34 to 0.79); (c) less likely to be readmitted (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.39); and (d) more likely to have neuroimaging (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.12 to 5.25). Evidence from randomised trials suggested that patient satisfaction and quality of life were significantly lower in the care pathway group (P = 0.02 and P < 0.005 respectively).

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

Use of stroke care pathways may be associated with positive and negative effects. Since most of the results have been derived from non-randomised studies, they are likely to be influenced by potential biases and confounding factors. There is currently insufficient supporting evidence to justify the routine implementation of care pathways for acute stroke management or stroke rehabilitation.

[Impact of a clinical pathway for stroke patients]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of the implementation of a clinical pathway for stroke patients.

METHODS

We performed a controlled intervention study without random allocation that compared two non-concomitant cohorts of stroke patients corresponding to the periods immediately before (control group) and after (intervention group) the implementation of a clinical pathway. The main outcome measures were: a) quality of care indicators; b) improvements in functional capacity (Barthel score) and neurological function (Canadian scale); c) nosocomial complications; d) satisfaction, and e) mean length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-nine patients were recruited. Sixty-nine corresponded to the period before implementation of the pathway and 70 corresponded to the period after implementation. There were no significant differences between the two groups on admission. A 36.5% reduction in the time from admission to mobilization was observed. No significant differences were observed between the groups for the other quality of care indicators, or in improvements in functional and neurological capacity. Nosocomial complications occurred in 44.5% of patients in the control group compared with 28.6% in the intervention group (p = .039). No significant differences were observed in the overall satisfaction assessment, but patients in the intervention group showed greater satisfaction in the dimensions of "information" and "trust and professionalism". The mean length of hospital stay was reduced from 11 to 10 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of the stroke clinical pathway contributed to reducing the length of hospital stay and the number of inpatient complications, as well as to improving some quality of care indicators.

Modern stroke unit

The modern stroke unit is making significant contributions to the care of stroke victims and is proving to be an effective, cost-saving enterprise. The precise factors that contribute to the efficacy of these units have yet to be identified, but a combination of protocolized approaches to patient care, critical paths, a focus of expertise, and heightened index of suspicion for comorbidities all probably play a role. This article outlines the basic features of a modern stroke unit and surveys the literature on stroke unit outcomes.

Treating patients with medically unexplained symptoms in primary care

BACKGROUND

There are no proven, comprehensive treatments in primary care for patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) even though these patients have high levels of psychosocial distress, medical disability, costs, and utilization. Despite extensive care, these common patients often become worse.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify an effective, research-based treatment that can be conducted by primary care personnel.

DESIGN

We used our own experiences and files, consulted with experts, and conducted an extensive review of the literature to identify two things: 1). effective treatments from randomized controlled trials for MUS patients in primary care and in specialty settings; and 2). any type of treatment study in a related area that might inform primary care treatment, for example, depression, provider-patient relationship.

MAIN RESULTS

We developed a multidimensional treatment plan by integrating several areas of the literature: collaborative/stepped care, cognitive-behavioral treatment, and the provider-patient relationship. The treatment is designed for primary care personnel (physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners) and deployed intensively at the outset; visit intervals are progressively increased as stability and improvement occur.

CONCLUSION

Providing a comprehensive treatment plan for chronic, high-utilizing MUS patients removes one barrier to treating this common problem effectively in primary care by primary care personnel.

Changes in the status of hospitalized stroke patients since inception of the prospective payment system in 1983

OBJECTIVE

To describe epidemiologically the changes in acute-care delivery services for stroke victims since the inception of the 1983 prospective payment system (PPS).

DESIGN

A cross-sectional comparison of 2 acute-care hospitalized samples of stroke patients before and after implementation of PPS.

SETTING

Fifteen acute-care hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1992 stroke patients discharged from 15 acute care hospitals in 1995-1996 were compared with 1665 patients studied in the same geographic area in 1981-1982.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence rates, length of stay (LOS), discharge destinations, in-hospital transfers, and mortality.

RESULTS

Incidence rates between the 2 time periods remained similar (1.13-1.14/1000). Major changes between 1981-1982 and 1995-1996 included reengineering of hospitals to establish subacute units with an increased use of rehabilitation units, a 63% decrease in acute hospital LOS, a 44% increase in discharges to long-term care facilities, a 39% decrease in mortality, and a 5% decrease in discharge to home. Age (avg, 71y), gender, and living arrangements confounded discharge destinations. Significantly more men in 1995-1996 had strokes at younger ages, but overall 53% were women.

CONCLUSIONS

Institution of the PPS has dramatically influenced hospital LOS, location of treatment, and discharge destinations with no improvement in home discharges.

In-hospital care pathways for stroke

BACKGROUND

Care within a stroke unit reduces death or dependency after stroke. However, studies have found significant variations in clinical practice, access to stroke unit care, organisation of patient care, and clinical outcome. Stroke care pathways have been introduced as a method to promote organised and efficient patient care that is based on best evidence and guidelines.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the effects of care pathways, as compared to standard medical care, among patients with acute stroke who had been admitted to hospital.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Specialised Trials Register (last searched in May 2001), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 4, 2000), MEDLINE (1975-2000), EMBASE (1980-2000), CINAHL (1982-2000), the Index to Scientific and Technical Proceedings (ISTP, May 2001), and HealthSTAR (May 2001). We also handsearched the Journal of Managed Care (1997 to 1998), which was later renamed the Journal of Integrated Care (1998 to 2001). Reference lists of articles were searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies (quasi-randomised trials, comparative studies, controlled and uncontrolled before and after studies, and interrupted time series) that compared care pathway care with standard medical care.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

One reviewer selected studies for inclusion and the other independently checked the decisions. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the studies. One reviewer extracted the data and the other checked the extracted data. Data from randomised and non-randomised studies were analysed separately. We found significant statistical heterogeneity in the analysis of two outcomes (computed tomography brain scanning and duration of stay).

MAIN RESULTS

There were three randomised controlled trials (total of 340 patients) and seven non-randomised studies (total of 1673 patients) that compared care pathway care with standard medical care. We found no difference between care pathway and control groups in terms of death, dependency, or discharge destination. Evidence from mainly non-randomised studies suggests that patients managed using a care pathway may be: a) less likely to suffer a urinary tract infection (OR 0.38, CI 0.18 to 0.79), b) less likely to be readmitted (OR 0.11, CI 0.03 to 0.39), and c) more likely to have a computed tomography brain scan (OR 3.66, CI 1.45 to 9.27) or carotid duplex study (OR 2.45, CI 1.3 to 4.61). Evidence from randomised trials suggests that patient satisfaction and quality of life may be significantly lower in the care pathway group (P=0.02 and P<0.005 respectively).

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

The use of care pathways to manage stroke patients in hospital may be associated with both positive and negative effects on the process of care and clinical outcomes. Since most of the results have been derived from non-randomised studies, they are likely to be influenced by potential biases and confounding factors. There is currently insufficient supporting evidence to justify routine implementation of care pathways for acute stroke management or stroke rehabilitation.

A practical stroke severity scale predicts hospital outcomes

GOAL

To develop a practical severity scale (Wake Forest Stroke Severity Scale [WFSSS]) to predict acute hospital outcomes and resource use after acute ischemic stroke based on the admission neurologic exam.

BACKGROUND

A useful scheme enabling physicians and other health care providers to stratify stroke severity on admission to predict acute hospital outcomes and improve efficiency of inpatient care has not been described.

METHODS

The study subjects consisted of 271 consecutive acute stroke patients admitted to the neurology department from July 1995 to June 1996 who were prospectively examined and whose stroke severity was classified on the basis of admission neurologic exam (level of consciousness, strength, dysphasia, neglect, and gait) as mild, moderate, or severe, based on the WFSSS. National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) was performed early in admission (70% within 24 hours). Discharge disposition (home, inpatient rehabilitation [rehab], skilled nursing facility [SNF], or death); length of stay (LOS); and hospital charges were associated with initial stroke severity ratings using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

Fifty-percent (136) of strokes were classified as mild, 22% (60) as moderate, and 28% (75) as severe. Initial severity ratings were significantly related to discharge disposition, LOS, and hospital charges (all P values <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A practical clinical severity scale (WFSSS) for acute ischemic stroke patients based on admission neurologic examination predicts hospital disposition, LOS, and hospital charges, and may allow more accurate severity-adjusted comparisons among institutions.

Mining time dependency patterns in clinical pathways

Clinical pathways are widely adopted by many large hospitals around the world in order to provide high-quality patient treatment and reduce the length of hospital stay of each patient. The development of clinical pathways is a lengthy process, and may require the collaboration among physicians, nurses, and staffs in a hospital. However, the individual differences cause great variances in the execution of clinical pathways. It calls for a more dynamic and adaptive process to improve the performance of clinical pathways. This paper reports a data mining technique we have developed to discover the time dependency pattern of clinical pathways for managing brain stroke. The mining of time dependency pattern is to discover patterns of process execution sequences and to identify the dependent relation between activities in a majority of cases. By obtaining the time dependency patterns, we can predict the paths for new patients when he/she is admitted into a hospital; in turn, the health care procedure will be more effective and efficient.

A framework for care during the stroke experience

This article describes a model we developed to guide the selection and design of nursing activities that will facilitate the health of persons with stroke and their families. Care in the context of stroke has been structured by the medical model's focus on functional ability. As a result, nursing is viewed as ancillary to other professions; yet, studies of the stroke experience from the patient's view suggest that distinctive nursing interventions are needed. Current models of illness do not sufficiently address the nature of stroke and thus cannot serve as a framework for nursing care. Our model conceptualizes stroke as a progressive, holistic experience with physiological, psychological, and social dimensions. It was developed from a synthesis of research articles identified through searches of CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PSYCHLIT (1980-1999) indexes using the terms "stroke," "stress," "coping," "chronic illness," and "transitions and growth" and from our clinical experiences. Our research established that the stroke experience involves the deterioration of the whole person and the development of a new person through discovery and resynthesis. Each of these processes progressively dominates the experience and together they form a three-phase model. This model of the stroke experience suggests that nursing care should focus initially on limiting deterioration and then concentrate on facilitating growth. Selection of specific interventions requires an understanding of the uniqueness of each stroke experience, as well as the commonalities, among these experiences.

Outcome indicators for stroke: application of an algorithm treatment across the continuum of postacute rehabilitation services

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility and utility of applying a case-mix adjusted algorithm for treatment across the continuum of stroke rehabilitation.

DESIGN

Implementation of a clinical algorithm developed through national expert panels to standardize rehabilitation assessment and treatment of veterans with stroke. Stroke patients were stratified into initial severity groups using FIM instrument-Function Related Groups (FIM-FRG) classifications and were followed up from first rehabilitation referral to completion of all active restorative functional goals. FIM-FRG assignments were used to establish case-mix adjusted outcome indicators for the continuum of rehabilitation services.

SETTING

Rehabilitation services in medical and surgical units, intermediate care units, inpatient rehabilitation bed units, and outpatient settings in 10 participating Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers.

PATIENTS

Stroke patients (n = 421) who received rehabilitation in the 10 participating VA centers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients' functional gains, length of treatment (LOT), functional status at discharge, LOT efficiency, costs, cost efficiency, and disposition location.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-three patients began rehabilitation while in acute medical or surgical units, 171 in inpatient rehabilitation units, 24 in intermediate care, and the remainder while in other settings. With cases compiled across all settings, average total rehabilitation costs for patients in the lowest FRG class (most severe disabilities) were more than twice those for patients assigned to the highest FRG class (least severe disabilities). FIM gains were greatest in the subset of younger stroke patients with the most severe disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing a standard algorithm of rehabilitation care that includes outcome indicators adjusted to patients' disability severity is feasible. The algorithm's utility is evident because it encompasses rehabilitation care provided across the full continuum, promotes access to care by advocating assessment of all stroke patients, encourages early initiation of treatment, and promotes a smooth transition though various levels of care while encouraging cost containment.

Role of registered dietitians in dysphagia screening

OBJECTIVE

To examine the ability of registered dietitians to identify patients at risk for dysphagia and make appropriate diet/feeding recommendations in comparison with the speech-language pathologist, and to determine screening criteria for the registered dietitian to use for prediction of dysphagia risk.

DESIGN

The dietitian and speech-language pathologist performed dysphagia screening on subjects independently through questioning and/or mealtime observation to identify signs and symptoms of dysphagia. Presence of dysphagia risk and diet/feeding recommendations were determined and results from the dietitian and speech-language pathologist were compared.

SUBJECTS/SETTING

Thirty-four patients admitted during a 2-month period to a neuroscience unit at an urban teaching hospital were analyzed prospectively.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

kappa Statistics were used to assess agreement between the dietitian and speech-language pathologist. A kappa level of less than 0.4 indicated weak agreement, 0.4 to 0.7 indicated moderate agreement, and greater than 0.7 indicated strong agreement. Logistic regression methods were used to evaluate screening criteria as potential predictors of dysphagia risk.

RESULTS

Moderate agreement (0.61) was found between the dietitian and speech-language pathologist in determination of dysphagia risk. The dietitian predicted the ability of the patient to consume an oral diet with strong agreement with the speech-language pathologist (1.0); various diet consistencies with moderate agreement (0.61); and the need for liquid restrictions with strong agreement (1.0). The most significant screening variables for prediction of dysphagia risk (P < .05) were age (P = .018), history of dysphagia (P = .042), difficulty swallowing solids (P = .0007), observed facial weakness (P < .0001), and a change in voice quality (P = .0007). Self-reported screening variables significantly related to dysphagia risk included drooling of liquids (P = .0009) and solids (P = .0080), facial weakness (P = .0006), change in voice quality (P = .0010), and prolonged eating time (P = .0157).

APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS

Dietitians can effectively identify patients with dysphagia. Screening for dysphagia can be implemented as part of standard nutrition assessments and may aid in decreasing dysphagia-related complications.

What's happening in quality improvement at the local hospital: a state-wide study from the Cooperative Cardiovascular Project

The objective of this study was to investigate what happened to improve the quality of care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at all 32 nonfederal hospitals in Connecticut and to assess the impact of the Cooperative Cardiovascular Project (CCP) on quality improvement (QI) activities for AMI. We performed a questionnaire study with secondary analyses using the CCP database. On-site interviews were conducted with QI directors at all 32 Connecticut nonfederal hospitals that participated in the Health Care Financing Administration's Cooperative Cardiovascular Project (CCP) in 1992-93 and 1995. The interviews sought information about the makeup of QI departments, specific approaches used to improve the care of patients with AMI, and the perceived value of the CCP to each individual hospital. Results showed that the number of full-time equivalents (FTEs) and FTEs per beds employed in QI departments ranged from 1 to 30 and from 0.4 to 7.9, respectively, with a registered nurse most often serving as the department head (27/32). Over half of the departments (17/32) had additional responsibilities. The majority (25/32) used some combination of physician champions, multidisciplinary QI teams, standing orders, or critical pathways to effect change in AMI care. Finally, 26 of the 32 hospitals believed the CCP was valuable because it provided credible benchmark data, a catalyst for change, or a specific focus on processes of care needing improvement in AMI. Despite great variability in institutional resources, all 32 hospitals used a similar combination of QI approaches to effect change in AMI care. However, there is variable scientific evidence supporting these approaches. Externally sponsored projects such as the CCP appear to play a useful role for individual hospitals. Defining the optimal methods of QI is difficult given that hospitals are using complex combinations of nonstandardized improvement interventions.

Use of critical pathways to improve the care of patients with acute myocardial infarction

PURPOSE

While critical pathways have become a popular strategy to improve the quality of care, their effectiveness is not well defined. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a critical pathway on processes of care and outcomes for Medicare patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study was made of Medicare patients aged 65 years and older hospitalized at 32 nonfederal Connecticut hospitals with a principal diagnosis of myocardial infarction during two periods: June 1, 1992, to February 28, 1993, and August 1, 1995, to November 30, 1995. The main endpoints of the cross-sectional analyses for the 1995 cohort were the proportion of patients without contraindications who received evidence-based medical therapies, length of stay, and 30-day mortality. Hospitals with specific critical pathways for patients with myocardial infarction were compared with hospitals without critical pathways. The main endpoints of the longitudinal analyses were change between 1992-93 and 1995 in the proportion of patients receiving evidence-based medical therapies, length of stay, and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Ten hospitals developed critical pathways between 1992-93 and 1995. Eighteen of 22 nonpathway hospitals employed some combination of standard orders, multidisciplinary teams, or physician champions. Patients admitted to hospitals with critical pathways did not have greater use of aspirin within the first day, during hospitalization, or at discharge; beta-blockers within the first day or at discharge; reperfusion therapy; or use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors at discharge in 1995. The mean (+/- SD) length of stay in 1995 was not significantly different between pathway (7.8 +/- 4.6 days) versus nonpathway hospitals (8.0 +/- 4.2 days), and the change in length of stay between 1992-93 and 1995 was 2.2 days for pathway hospitals and 2.3 days for nonpathway hospitals. Patients admitted to critical pathway hospitals had lower 30-day mortality in 1995 (8.6% versus 11.6% for nonpathway hospitals, P = 0.10) and in 1992-93 (12.6% versus 13.8%, P = 0.39), but the differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitals that instituted critical pathways did not have increased use of proven medical therapies, shorter lengths of stay, or reductions in mortality compared with other hospitals that commonly used alternative approaches to quality improvement among Medicare patients with myocardial infarction.

Medical complications of ischemic stroke and length of hospital stay: Experience in Seattle, Washington

BACKGROUND

Medical complications of ischemic stroke can increase length of hospital stay (LOS). Stroke clinical pathways aim to reduce costs by decreasing LOS through standardization of care and avoidance of complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a population-based, state-mandated, hospital discharge database, we sought to analyze the effects of common medical complications of incident ischemic stroke on LOS in Seattle, Washington from 1990 to 1994. All nonstroke medical complications listed in the discharge diagnoses with a 5% or greater frequency were entered with age and gender into linear regression models. LOS was the dependent variable.

RESULTS

The inclusion criteria was met by 4,757 hospitalizations. Congestive heart failure (9.5%), urinary tract infection (9.3%), pneumonia (7.1%), age (mean, 75), and gender (57% female) were all entered into the linear regression models. The presence of congestive heart failure was associated with an increased LOS of 24% (15% to 33%), urinary tract infection of 41% (31% to 51%), and pneumonia of 52% (40% to 65%). Multiplying the increases in LOS by the prevalence of the complications led to estimated LOS savings of 9.8% (7.1% to 12.4%). Pneumonia was associated with an odds ratio of 3.7 (2.8 to 4.8), congestive heart failure 2.0 (1.5 to 2.6), and urinary tract infection 0.6 (0.4 to 0.8) for hospital fatality.

CONCLUSIONS

Each complication was associated with large and significant increases in the LOS. The potential LOS savings in these patients may be 10%, if all such complications could be avoided. Associations with increased LOS and risk of in-hospital death indicate a strong need to continue to avoid such medical complications of ischemic stroke.

Epidemiologic determination of community-based nursing case management for stroke

Efforts to control costs, especially those resulting from the 1997 Balanced Budget Act, have resulted in profound opportunities for futuristic community-based nursing care. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 1,992 stroke patients discharged from 15 Cincinnati hospitals from July 1, 1995, to June 30, 1996. Determinants and descriptors of stroke distribution were identified. This study shows how nurses can plan cost-effective care while maintaining quality through an epidemiologic assessment of patient, family, and community needs.

Implementation and evaluation of stroke clinical pathways and the impact on cost of stroke care

Saint Luke's Hospital is a 642-bed urban, tertiary, teaching hospital in metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri. In 1992, Saint Luke's developed a "Collaborative Care" program supported by tools such as clinical paths as a means to assure quality stroke care and to continually improve outcomes. This article describes the development of a comprehensive Collaborative Care Program for stroke patients, highlights the development of a dedicated stroke unit, and stroke clinical path, and describes the clinical and fiscal outcomes from these efforts.