Hospital-wide impact of a standardized order set for the management of bacteremic severe sepsis

Electronic health record-supported implementation of an evidence-based pathway for perioperative surgical care

OBJECTIVES

Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) are evidence-based approaches to improving perioperative surgical care. However, the role of electronic health records (EHRs) in their implementation is unclear. We examine how EHRs facilitate or hinder ERP implementation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted interviews with informaticians and clinicians from US hospitals participating in an ERP implementation collaborative. We used inductive thematic analysis to analyze transcripts and categorized hospitals into 3 groups based on process measure adherence. High performers exhibited a minimum 80% adherence to 6 of 9 metrics, high improvers demonstrated significantly better adherence over 12 months, and strivers included all others. We mapped interrelationships between themes using causal loop diagrams.

RESULTS

We interviewed 168 participants from 8 hospitals and found 3 thematic clusters: (1) "EHR difficulties" with the technology itself and contextual factors related to (2) "EHR enablers," and (3) "EHR barriers" in ERP implementation. Although all hospitals experienced issues, high performers and improvers successfully integrated ERPs into EHRs through a dedicated multidisciplinary team with informatics expertise. Strivers, while enacting some fixes, were unable to overcome individual resistance to EHR-supported ERPs.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

We add to the literature describing the limitations of EHRs' technological capabilities to facilitate clinical workflows. We illustrate how organizational strategies around engaging motivated clinical teams with informatics training and resources, especially with dedicated technical support, moderate the extent of EHRs' support to ERP implementation, causing downstream effects for hospitals to transform technological challenges into care-improving opportunities. Early and consistent involvement of informatics expertise with frontline EHR clinician users benefited the efficiency and effectiveness of ERP implementation and sustainability.

Evaluating the Impact of Source-specific Order Sets for Sepsis on Empiric Antibiotic Selection in the Emergency Department

This retrospective cohort study found that implementing source-specific antibiotic order sets for sepsis in the emergency department increased appropriate empiric antibiotic selection from 51% to 74% (P = .01).

Order Set Usage is Associated With Lower Hospital Mortality in Patients With Sepsis

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends standard operating procedures for patients with sepsis. Real-world evidence about sepsis order set implementation is limited.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the effect of sepsis order set usage on hospital mortality.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-four acute care hospitals in the United States from December 1, 2020 to November 30, 2022 involving 104,662 patients hospitalized for sepsis.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Hospital mortality.

RESULTS

The sepsis order set was used in 58,091 (55.5%) patients with sepsis. Initial mean sequential organ failure assessment score was 0.3 lower in patients for whom the order set was used than in those for whom it was not used (2.9 sd [2.8] vs 3.2 [3.1], p < 0.01). In bivariate analysis, hospital mortality was 6.3% lower in patients for whom the sepsis order set was used (9.7% vs 16.0%, p < 0.01), median time from emergency department triage to antibiotics was 54 minutes less (125 interquartile range [IQR, 68-221] vs 179 [98-379], p < 0.01), and median total time hypotensive was 2.1 hours less (5.5 IQR [2.0-15.0] vs 7.6 [2.5-21.8], p < 0.01) and septic shock was 3.2% less common (22.0% vs 25.4%, p < 0.01). Order set use was associated with 1.1 fewer median days of hospitalization (4.9 [2.8-9.0] vs 6.0 [3.2-12.1], p < 0.01), and 6.6% more patients discharged to home (61.4% vs 54.8%, p < 0.01). In the multivariable model, sepsis order set use was independently associated with lower hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.70; 95% CI, 0.66-0.73).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In a cohort of patients hospitalized with sepsis, order set use was independently associated with lower hospital mortality. Order sets can impact large-scale quality improvement efforts.

Use of a Cirrhosis Admission Order Set Improves Adherence to Quality Metrics and May Decrease Hospital Length of Stay

INTRODUCTION

Quality metrics for inpatient cirrhosis management have been created to improve processes of care. We aimed to improve adherence to quality metrics by creating a novel clinical decision support (CDS) tool in the electronic health record (EHR).

METHODS

We developed and piloted an alert system in the EHR that directs providers to a cirrhosis order set for patients who have a known diagnosis of cirrhosis or are likely to have cirrhosis. Adherence to process measures and outcomes when the CDS was used were compared with baseline performance before the implementation of the CDS.

RESULTS

The use of the order set resulted in a significant increase in adherence to process measures such as diagnostic paracentesis (29.6%-51.1%), low-sodium diet (34.3%-77.8%), and social work involvement (36.6%-88.9%) ( P < 0.001 for all). There were also significant decreases in both intensive care and hospital lengths of stay ( P < 0.001) as well as in-hospital development of infection ( P = 0.002). There was no difference in hospital readmissions at 30 or 90 days between the groups ( P = 0.897, P = 0.640).

DISCUSSION

The use of CDS in EHR-based interventions improves adherence to quality metrics for patients with cirrhosis and could easily be shared by institutions through EHR platforms. Further studies and larger sample sizes are needed to better understand its impact on additional outcome measures.

The threat of multidrug-resistant/extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative respiratory infections: another pandemic

Antibiotic resistance is recognised as a global threat to human health by national healthcare agencies, governments and medical societies, as well as the World Health Organization. Increasing resistance to available antimicrobial agents is of concern for bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic pathogens. One of the greatest concerns is the continuing escalation of antimicrobial resistance among Gram-negative bacteria resulting in the endemic presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extremely drug-resistant (XDR) pathogens. This concern is heightened by the identification of such MDR/XDR Gram-negative bacteria in water and food sources, as colonisers of the intestine and other locations in both hospitalised patients and individuals in the community, and as agents of all types of infections. Pneumonia and other types of respiratory infections are among the most common infections caused by MDR/XDR Gram-negative bacteria and are associated with high rates of mortality. Future concerns are already heightened due to emergence of resistance to all existing antimicrobial agents developed in the past decade to treat MDR/XDR Gram-negative bacteria and a scarcity of novel agents in the developmental pipeline. This clinical scenario increases the likelihood of a future pandemic caused by MDR/XDR Gram-negative bacteria.

Clinician Acceptance of Order Sets for Pain Management: A Survey in Two Urban Hospitals

BACKGROUND

Order sets are a clinical decision support (CDS) tool in computerized provider order entry systems. Order set use has been associated with improved quality of care. Particularly related to opioids and pain management, order sets have been shown to standardize and reduce the prescription of opioids. However, clinician-level barriers often limit the uptake of this CDS modality.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the barriers to order sets adoption, we surveyed clinicians on their training, knowledge, and perceptions related to order sets for pain management.

METHODS

We distributed a cross-sectional survey between October 2020 and April 2021 to clinicians eligible to place orders at two campuses of a major academic medical center. Survey questions were adapted from the widely used framework of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. We hypothesize that performance expectancy (PE) and facilitating conditions (FC) are associated with order set use. Survey responses were analyzed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

The intention to use order sets for pain management was associated with PE to existing order sets, social influence (SI) by leadership and peers, and FC for electronic health record (EHR) training and function integration. Intention to use did not significantly differ by gender or clinician role. Moderate differences were observed in the perception of the effort of, and FC for, order set use across gender and roles of clinicians, particularly emergency medicine and internal medicine departments.

CONCLUSION

This study attempts to identify barriers to the adoption of order sets for pain management and suggests future directions in designing and implementing CDS systems that can improve order sets adoption by clinicians. Study findings imply the importance of order set effectiveness, peer influence, and EHR integration in determining the acceptability of the order sets.

Best practices in pediatric sepsis: building and sustaining an evidence-based pediatric sepsis quality improvement program

Pediatric sepsis is a common problem worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Best practice recommendations have been published by both the American College of Critical Care Medicine and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign to guide the recognition and treatment of pediatric sepsis. However, implementation of these recommendations can be challenging due to the complexity of the care required and intensity of resources needed to successfully implement programs. This paper outlines the experience with implementation of a pediatric sepsis quality improvement program at Primary Children's Hospital, a free-standing, quaternary care children's hospital in Salt Lake City. The hospital has implemented sepsis projects across multiple care settings. Challenges, lessons learned, and suggestions for implementation are described.PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARYSepsis is a life-threatening condition that results from an inappropriate response to an infection by the body's immune system. All children are potentially susceptible to sepsis, with nearly 8,000 children dying from the disease in the US each year. Sepsis is a complicated disease, and several international groups have published guidelines to help hospital teams treat children with sepsis appropriately. However, because recognizing and treating sepsis in children is challenging and takes a coordinated effort from many different types of healthcare team members, following the international sepsis guidelines effectively can be difficult and resource intensive. This paper describes how one children's hospital (Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah) approached the challenge of implementing pediatric sepsis guidelines, some lessons learned from their experience, and suggestions for others interested in implementing sepsis guidelines for children.

Unexpected clinical outcomes following the implementation of a standardised order set for hepatic encephalopathy

Objective

We evaluated the effect on clinical outcomes of implementing a standardised inpatient order set for patients admitted with hepatic encephalopathy (HE).

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with cirrhosis admitted with HE. Hospital admissions for HE for which the electronic health record (EHR) order set was used were compared with admissions where the order set was not used. Primary outcome was length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were 30-day readmissions, in-hospital complications, in-hospital and 90-day mortality.

Results

There were 341 patients with 980 admissions over the study period: 263 patients with 736 admissions where the order set was implemented, and 78 patients with 244 admissions where the order set was not implemented. Median LOS was 4 days (IQR 3–8) in the order set group compared with 3 days (IQR 2–7) (p<0.001); incidence rate ratio 1.37 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.57), p<0.001. 30-day readmissions rate was 56% in the order set group compared with 40%, p=0.01; OR for readmission was 1.88 (95% CI 1.04 to 3.43), p=0.04. Hypokalaemia occurred in 46% of admissions with order set use compared with 36%, when the order set was not used; p=0.003, OR 1.72 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.43), p=0.002. No significant differences were seen for in-hospital mortality and 90-day mortality.

Conclusion

Implementation of an inpatient EHR order set for use in patients with HE was associated with unexpected clinical outcomes including increased LOS and readmissions. The convenience and advantages of standardisation of patient care should be balanced with a degree of individualisation, particularly in the care of medically complex patients. Furthermore, standardised processes should be evaluated frequently after implementation to assess for unintended consequences.

Considerations for Empiric Antimicrobial Therapy in Sepsis and Septic Shock in an Era of Antimicrobial Resistance

Patients with sepsis present across a spectrum of infection sites and severity of illnesses requiring complex decision making at the bedside as to when prompt antibiotics are indicated and which regimen is warranted. Many hemodynamically stable patients with sepsis and low acuity of illness may benefit from further work up before initiating therapy, whereas patients with septic shock warrant emergent broad-spectrum antibiotics. The precise empiric regimen is determined by assessing patient and epidemiological risk factors, likely source of infection based on presenting signs and symptoms, and severity of illness. Hospitals should implement quality improvement measures to aid in the rapid and accurate diagnosis of septic patients and to ensure antibiotics are given to patients in an expedited fashion after antibiotic order.

Improving timely sepsis care using the surviving sepsis campaign one-hour bundle in a rural emergency department

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is deadly when not recognized and treated in a timely manner and leads to 270,000 deaths each year in America. Mortality increases eight percent for each hour treatment is delayed. Sepsis-related admission is the most expensive condition in the United States with a median cost per patient of $32,421.

LOCAL PROBLEM

Baseline data for patients with sepsis revealed that only 30% were recognized in triage, only 20% received correct amounts of fluids, and only 45% received antibiotics within one hour. The aim of this project was to improve timely sepsis care to 75% for patients in a rural emergency department within 90 days.

METHODS

A rapid cycle quality improvement project was completed, consisting of four plan-do-study-act cycles over 90 days. Each cycle included tests of change related to team and patient engagement, screening, and the use of timely sepsis orders. Data were collected three times weekly and analyzed using run charts.

INTERVENTIONS

Interventions included screening in triage with positively screened patients receiving participatory education, team handoff communication, a sepsis checklist for nurse-driven orders, and Power Hour for timely care.

RESULTS

Team communication improved to 83%. Patient education exceeded goal, with 100% of patients taking an active role in care. Sepsis screening improved to 100%. The recommended One-Hour Bundle for timely sepsis treatment improved to 83%.

CONCLUSION

The project was successful in improving patient and team engagement, screening, and sepsis care within 1 hour for emergency department patients.

Improving sepsis care for hospital inpatients using existing medical emergency response systems

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a medical emergency; timely management has been shown to reduce mortality. We aimed to improve the care of inpatients who developed sepsis after hospital admission by integrating a sepsis bundle with an existing medical emergency team (MET).

METHODS

We performed a before-and-after study at an Australian institution. A multimodal intervention was implemented including formation of a working group, development of a guideline, standard documentation, education, audit and feedback. The primary outcome was the proportion of MET calls where there was compliance with the sepsis resuscitation bundle within one hour of MET call.

RESULTS

There was an improvement in completion of the entire resuscitation bundle (OR 2.33, 95%, CI: 1.23 - 4.41) and lactate measurement (OR 2.72, CI: 1.53, 4.84) within one hour of MET call. There was a non-significant reduction in the median time to antibiotic administration in patients where antibiotics were initiated or changed at the MET call (60 mins vs. 44 mins, p = 0.8). In hospital mortality was observed to fall from 22.1% to 11.4%, but after adjusting for age and baseline illness severity this differences was not statistically significant (OR 0.52, CI: 0.23, 1.19, p = 0.12).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of a multimodal sepsis bundle and the utilisation of an existing MET call system demonstrated an increase in the overall uptake of a sepsis bundle. This was associated with an observed reduction in all-cause in-hospital mortality, although this difference was not statistically significant after adjustment for confounders. Further interventions with a focus on nursing education and engagement may improve timely antibiotic administration.

Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Vancomycin with Concomitant Piperacillin-Tazobactam, Cefepime, or Meropenem

Critically ill patients are frequently treated with empirical antibiotic therapy, including vancomycin and β-lactams. Recent evidence suggests an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients who received a combination of vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam (VPT) compared with patients who received vancomycin alone or vancomycin in combination with cefepime (VC) or meropenem (VM), but most studies were conducted predominately in the non-critically ill population. A retrospective cohort study that included 2,492 patients was conducted in the intensive care units of a large university hospital with the primary outcome being the development of any AKI. The rates of any AKI, as defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines, were 39.3% for VPT patients, 24.2% for VC patients, and 23.5% for VM patients (P < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Similarly, the incidences of stage 2 and stage 3 AKI were also significantly higher for VPT patients than for the patients in the other groups. The rates of stage 2 and stage 3 AKI, respectively, were 15% and 6.6% for VPT patients, 5.8% and 1.8% for VC patients, and 6.6% and 1.3% for VM patients (P < 0.0001 for both comparisons). In multivariate analysis, the use of vancomycin in combination with piperacillin-tazobactam was found to be an independent predictor of AKI (odds ratio [OR], 2.161; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.620 to 2.883). In conclusion, critically ill patients receiving the combination of VPT had the highest incidence of AKI compared to critically ill patients receiving either VC or VM.

Prescriptions for Bedtime Sedatives After the Introduction of a General Admission Order Set at an Academic Health Center: The Potential and Pitfalls of Order Sets

OBJECTIVE

This study describes the impact of modifications to a general admission order set on physician prescribing of 2 as-needed or pro re nata (PRN) bedtime sedatives.

METHODS

The hospitalists at our institution have used a general medical admission order set since 2005. Zolpidem was the only as-needed (PRN) bedtime sedative option on the order set until trazodone was added in December 2008. Trazodone is preferred over zolpidem in the geriatric population. We identified patients admitted by the hospitalists between January 2007 and August 2013 who were prescribed with either zolpidem or trazodone as a PRN sedative. Patient demographics, date and time of the order, and number of sedative doses administered during the hospitalization were recorded. Orders placed within 12 hours of admission were attributed to admission orders.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2013, the number of patients admitted by the hospitalists with an order for PRN trazodone on admission increased by 18-fold. During the same period, the number of admissions by the hospitalists increased by 2.3 times. Zolpidem orders exceeded those for trazodone in all age groups until 2008. After the addition of trazodone, its use exceeded that of zolpidem. Almost half (48%) of all patients did not have a dose of the PRN trazodone administered.

CONCLUSIONS

Although order sets can be leveraged to align practitioners with established guidelines, the expediency of using medications on an order set may overcome physicians' clinical judgment. The content of an order set therefore deserves careful scrutiny before implementation.

Association of Delayed Antimicrobial Therapy with One-Year Mortality in Pediatric Sepsis

OBJECTIVE

Delayed antimicrobial therapy in sepsis is associated with increased hospital mortality, but the impact of antimicrobial timing on long-term outcomes is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that hourly delays to antimicrobial therapy are associated with 1-year mortality in pediatric severe sepsis.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Quaternary academic pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) from February 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

PATIENTS

One hundred sixty patients aged ≤21 years treated for severe sepsis.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We tested the association of hourly delays from sepsis recognition to antimicrobial administration with 1-year mortality using multivariable Cox and logistic regression. Overall 1-year mortality was 24% (39 patients), of whom 46% died after index PICU discharge. Median time from sepsis recognition to antimicrobial therapy was 137 min (IQR 65-287). After adjusting for severity of illness and comorbid conditions, hourly delays up to 3 h were not associated with 1-year mortality. However, increased 1-year mortality was evident in patients who received antimicrobials ≤1 h (aOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2, 11.7) or >3 h (aOR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3, 9.8) compared with patients who received antimicrobials within 1 to 3 h from sepsis recognition. For the subset of patients who survived index PICU admission, antimicrobial therapy ≤1 h was also associated with increased 1-year mortality (aOR 5.5, 95% CI 1.1, 27.4), while antimicrobial therapy >3 h was not associated with 1-year mortality (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 0.5, 11.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Hourly delays to antimicrobial therapy, up to 3 h, were not associated with 1-year mortality in pediatric severe sepsis in this study. The finding that antimicrobial therapy ≤1 h from sepsis recognition was associated with increased 1-year mortality should be regarded as hypothesis-generating for future studies.

Redesign of computerized decision support to improve antimicrobial prescribing. A controlled before-and-after study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of the introduction of new pre-written orders for antimicrobials in a computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system on 1) accuracy of documented indications for antimicrobials in the CPOE system, 2) appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing, and 3) compliance with the hospital's antimicrobial policy. Prescriber opinions of the new decision support were also explored to determine why the redesign was effective or ineffective in altering prescribing practices.

METHODS

The study comprised two parts: a controlled pre-post study and qualitative interviews. The intervention involved the redesign of pre-written orders for half the antimicrobials so that approved indications were incorporated into pre-written orders. 555 antimicrobials prescribed before (September - October, 2013) and 534 antimicrobials prescribed after (March - April, 2015) the intervention on all general wards of a hospital were audited by study pharmacists. Eleven prescribers participated in semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS

Redesign of computerized decision support did not result in more appropriate or compliant antimicrobial prescribing, nor did it improve accuracy of indication documentation in the CPOE system (Intervention antimicrobials: appropriateness 49% vs. 50%; compliance 44% vs. 42%; accuracy 58% vs. 38%; all p>0.05). Via our interviews with prescribers we identified five main reasons for this, primarily that indications entered into the CPOE system were not monitored or followed-up, and that the antimicrobial approval process did not align well with prescriber workflow.

CONCLUSION

Redesign of pre-written orders to incorporate appropriate indications did not improve antimicrobial prescribing. Workarounds are likely when compliance with hospital policy creates additional work for prescribers or when system usability is poor. Implementation of IT, in the absence of support or follow-up, is unlikely to achieve all anticipated benefits.

The effectiveness of computerised decision support on antibiotic use in hospitals: A systematic review

Background

Inappropriate antimicrobial use has been shown to be an important determinant of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Health information technology (HIT) in the form of Computerised Decision Support (CDS) represents an option for improving antimicrobial prescribing and containing AMR.

Objectives

To evaluate the evidence for CDS in improving quantitative and qualitative measures of antibiotic prescribing in inpatient hospital settings.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted of articles published from inception to 20^th December 2014 using eight electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, HMIC and PsychINFo. An updated systematic literature search was conducted from January 1^st 2015 to October 1^st 2016 using PUBMED. The search strategy used combinations of the following terms: (electronic prescribing) OR (clinical decision support) AND (antibiotic or antibacterial or antimicrobial) AND (hospital or secondary care or inpatient). Studies were evaluated for quality using a 10-point rating scale.

Results

Eighty-one studies were identified matching the inclusion criteria. Seven outcome measures were evaluated: adequacy of antibiotic coverage, mortality, volume of antibiotic usage, length of stay, antibiotic cost, compliance with guidelines, antimicrobial resistance, and CDS implementation and uptake. Meta-analysis of pooled outcomes showed CDS significantly improved the adequacy of antibiotic coverage (n = 13; odds ratio [OR], 2.11 [95% CI, 1.67 to 2.66, p ≤ 0.00001]). Also, CDS was associated with marginally lowered mortality (n = 20; OR, 0.85 [CI, 0.75 to 0.96, p = 0.01]). CDS was associated with lower antibiotic utilisation, increased compliance with antibiotic guidelines and reductions in antimicrobial resistance. Conflicting effects of CDS on length of stay, antibiotic costs and system uptake were also noted.

Conclusions

CDS has the potential to improve the adequacy of antibiotic coverage and marginally decrease mortality in hospital-related settings.

Impact of a sepsis bundle in wards of a tertiary hospital

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a prevalent disease worldwide and still exhibits high rates of mortality. In the last years, many interventions aiming a positive impact on sepsis evolution have been studied. One of the main is the use of managed care protocols (sepsis bundles), which consist in systematization of diagnosis and treatment, such as standardization of antibiotics, collection of specific tests (cultures, lactate), and fluid replacement. Some studies have shown a reduction in hospital costs and lower mortality with the use of these tools. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of a sepsis bundle in wards of a tertiary hospital.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-seven patients were retrospectively studied. The intervention was called "3-h bundle" and consisted of collecting lactate and cultures, start broad-spectrum antibiotics in the first hour of sepsis diagnosis, and volume replacement with crystalloid if hypotension or lactate ≥2 mmol/L.

RESULTS

The overall mortality was 31.1%. Individuals who received the 3-h bundle showed a 44% lower mortality in comparison with who did not (25.6 vs. 45.7%; p = 0.01). Furthermore, the use of the sepsis bundle was independently correlated with lower mortality (OR = 0.175; CI = 0.04-0.64; p = 0.009). Therefore, a lower need for ICU admission and shorter length of stay in these units were observed in patients who received the intervention.

CONCLUSION

The use of a sepsis protocol with systematic care in wards was associated with lower mortality, less need for ICU admission and shorter stay on these units.

Reasons for computerised provider order entry (CPOE)-based inpatient medication ordering errors: an observational study of voided orders

OBJECTIVE

Medication voiding is a computerised provider order entry (CPOE)-based discontinuation mechanism that allows clinicians to identify erroneous medication orders. We investigated the accuracy of voiding as an indicator of clinician identification and interception of a medication ordering error, and investigated reasons and root contributors for medication ordering errors.

METHOD

Using voided orders identified with a void alert, we conducted interviews with ordering and voiding clinicians, followed by patient chart reviews. A structured coding framework was used to qualitatively analyse the reasons for medication ordering errors. We also compared clinician-CPOE-selected (at time of voiding), clinician-reported (interview) and chart review-based reasons for voiding.

RESULTS

We conducted follow-up interviews on 101 voided orders. The positive predictive value (PPV) of voided orders that were medication ordering errors was 93.1% (95% CI 88.1% to 98.1%, n=94). Using chart review-based reasons as the gold standard, we found that clinician-CPOE-selected reasons were less reflective (PPV=70.2%, 95% CI 61.0% to 79.4%) than clinician-reported (interview) (PPV=86.1%, 95%CI 78.2% to 94.1%) reasons for medication ordering errors. Duplicate (n=44) and improperly composed (n=41) ordering errors were common, often caused by predefined order sets and data entry issues. A striking finding was the use of intentional violations as a mechanism to notify and seek ordering assistance from pharmacy service. Nearly half of the medication ordering errors were voided by pharmacists.

DISCUSSION

We demonstrated that voided orders effectively captured medication ordering errors. The mismatch between clinician-CPOE-selected and the chart review-based reasons for error emphasises the need for developing standardised operational descriptions for medication ordering errors. Such standardisation can help in accurately identifying, tracking, managing and sharing erroneous orders and their root contributors between healthcare institutions, and with patient safety organisations.

Before-After Study of an Electronic Order Set for Reversal of Vitamin K Antagonist-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background

Vitamin K antagonist (VKA)-associated intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) are more likely to expand and are associated with higher mortality than primary ICH. Prompt reversal of anticoagulant effect with prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) may promote hemostasis and decrease hematoma expansion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an electronic order set designed to standardize and facilitate more timely reversal of coagulopathy in VKA-associated ICH.

Methods

We identified all adults who received PCC for VKA-associated ICH from June 2012 to June 2015 at University of California San Francisco Medical Center, which included a period before and after an electronic order set became available in 2014. We abstracted baseline demographics and clinical data from electronic health records. The primary outcome was time from radiographic identification of ICH to administration of PCC.

Results

Thirty-one patients received PCC for VKA-associated ICH, including 17 patients before and 14 patients after the order set became available. Baseline demographics and clinical features were similar. Order set use was associated with a significant decrease in the time from identification of ICH on imaging to the administration of PCC (median 83 vs 45 minutes; P = .02), more accurate dosing (29.4% vs 92.9%; P < .01), and a shorter time from the PCC order to follow-up international normalized ratio (INR) testing (median 164 vs 85 minutes, P = .001).

Conclusion

An electronic order set for administering PCC for VKA-associated ICH was associated with significantly faster time to PCC administration and increased dosing accuracy.

Early management of sepsis with emphasis on early goal directed therapy: AME evidence series 002

Severe sepsis and septic shock are major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients entering the emergency department (ED) or intensive care unit (ICU). Despite substantial efforts to improve patient outcome, treatment of sepsis remains challenging to clinicians. In this context, early goal directed therapy (EGDT) represents an important concept emphasizing both early recognition of sepsis and prompt initiation of a structured treatment algorithm. As part of the AME evidence series on sepsis, we conducted a systematic review of all randomized controlled EGDT trials. Focus was laid on the setting (emergency department versus ICU) where EGDT was carried out. Early recognition of sepsis, through clinical or automated systems for early alert, together with well-timed initiation of the recommended therapy bundles may improve patients' outcome. However, the original "EGDT" protocol by Rivers and coworkers has been largely modified in subsequent trials. Currently, many investigators opt for an "expanded" EGDT (as suggested by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign). Evidence is also presented on the effectiveness of automated systems for early sepsis alert. Early recognition of sepsis and well-timed initiation of the SSC bundle may improve patient outcome.

Sepsis Bundles and Compliance With Clinical Guidelines

Realizing the vast medical benefits of validated protocols, recommendations and practice guidelines requires acceptance and implementation by frontline care providers. Knowledge translation is the science of accelerating the transfer of knowledge to practice by understanding and creatively addressing the barriers that prevent adoption of new professional standards. In an attempt to improve patient care and reduce mortality, the Surviving Sepsis Campaign and The Institute for Healthcare Improvement created the resuscitation and management bundles for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. These bundles have been accepted as best practice by many clinicians since multiple clinical trials have produced similar positive results when they were implemented. However, transferring these research outcomes-based guidelines to the clinical practice arena has been associated with poor compliance due to important barriers to implementation. Delays in the adoption of sepsis bundles are not surprising since the time from validation to implementation of a new clinical practice is typically 17 years. Using sepsis bundles as a model, this article explores why guidelines are important, examines physician adherence to protocols, and reviews the literature on strategies to improve clinical compliance and enhance knowledge translation.

New Mandated Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Requirements for Sepsis Reporting: Caution from the Field

BACKGROUND

The release of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service's (CMS) latest quality measure, Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock Early Management Bundle (SEP-1), has intensified the long-standing debate over optimal care for severe sepsis and septic shock. Although the last decade of research has demonstrated the importance of comprehensive bundled care in conjunction with compliance mechanisms to reduce patient mortality, it is not clear that SEP-1 achieves this aim. The heterogeneous and often cryptic presentation of severe sepsis and septic shock, along with the multifaceted criteria for the definition of this clinical syndrome, pose a particular challenge for fitting requirements to this disease, and implementation could have unintended consequences.

OBJECTIVE

Following a simulated reporting exercise, in which 50 charts underwent expert review, we aimed to detail the challenges of, and offer suggestions on how to rethink, measuring performance in severe sepsis and septic shock care.

DISCUSSION

There were several challenges associated with the design and implementation of this measure. The ambiguous definition of severe sepsis and septic shock, prescriptive fluid volume requirements, rigid reassessment, and complex abstraction logic all raise significant concern.

CONCLUSIONS

Although SEP-1 represents an important first step in requiring hospitals to improve outcomes for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, the current approach must be revisited. The volume and complexity of the currently required SEP-1 reporting elements deserve serious consideration and revision before they are used as measures of accountability and tied to reimbursement.

Early goal-directed therapy in severe sepsis and septic shock: insights and comparisons to ProCESS, ProMISe, and ARISE

Prior to 2001 there was no standard for early management of severe sepsis and septic shock in the emergency department. In the presence of standard or usual care, the prevailing mortality was over 40-50 %. In response, a systems-based approach, similar to that in acute myocardial infarction, stroke and trauma, called early goal-directed therapy was compared to standard care and this clinical trial resulted in a significant mortality reduction. Since the publication of that trial, similar outcome benefits have been reported in over 70 observational and randomized controlled studies comprising over 70,000 patients. As a result, early goal-directed therapy was largely incorporated into the first 6 hours of sepsis management (resuscitation bundle) adopted by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign and disseminated internationally as the standard of care for early sepsis management. Recently a trio of trials (ProCESS, ARISE, and ProMISe), while reporting an all-time low sepsis mortality, question the continued need for all of the elements of early goal-directed therapy or the need for protocolized care for patients with severe and septic shock. A review of the early hemodynamic pathogenesis, historical development, and definition of early goal-directed therapy, comparing trial conduction methodology and the changing landscape of sepsis mortality, are essential for an appropriate interpretation of these trials and their conclusions.

Evaluating the impact of a computerized surveillance algorithm and decision support system on sepsis mortality

Objective: We created a system using a triad of change management, electronic surveillance, and algorithms to detect sepsis and deliver highly sensitive and specific decision support to the point of care using a mobile application. The investigators hypothesized that this system would result in a reduction in sepsis mortality.

Methods: A before-and-after model was used to study the impact of the interventions on sepsis-related mortality. All patients admitted to the study units were screened per the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Surviving Sepsis Guidelines using real-time electronic surveillance. Sepsis surveillance algorithms that adjusted clinical parameters based on comorbid medical conditions were deployed for improved sensitivity and specificity. Nurses received mobile alerts for all positive sepsis screenings as well as severe sepsis and shock alerts over a period of 10 months. Advice was given for early goal-directed therapy. Sepsis mortality during a control period from January 1, 2011 to September 30, 2013 was used as baseline for comparison.

Results: The primary outcome, sepsis mortality, decreased by 53% (P = 0.03; 95% CI, 1.06-5.25). The 30-day readmission rate reduced from 19.08% during the control period to 13.21% during the study period (P = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.97-2.52). No significant change in length of hospital stay was noted. The system had observed sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 82% for detecting sepsis compared to gold-standard physician chart review.

Conclusion: A program consisting of change management and electronic surveillance with highly sensitive and specific decision support delivered to the point of care resulted in significant reduction in deaths from sepsis.

Analysis of a Standardized Perioperative Pain Management Order Set in Highly Opioid-Tolerant Patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to assess a standardized order set for perioperative pain management in highly opioid-tolerant patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective chart review evaluated a pain order set in highly opioid-tolerant patients undergoing elective total knee or total hip arthroplasty from January 2010 through August 2012. Based on the date of the surgery, patients were allocated into preimplementation or postimplementation order set groups. The primary outcome assessed whether an adjustment in daily opioid dosage was required within the first 48 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, length of hospitalization, and safety outcomes.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included in the analysis. An adjustment to postoperative opioid therapy occurred in 62% of the patients in the preimplementation group and in 56% of postimplementation group patients (P = 0.786). There were no differences in median pain scores 48 hours postoperatively (P = 0.348). Cumulative toxicity was increased after order set implementation compared with previous patients (44% versus 5%, P < 0.005); however, opioid doses held for sedation was the only individual toxicity to reach statistical significance (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to evaluate a standardized order set for pain management in highly opioid-tolerant patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery. The order set demonstrated similar efficacy to previous treatment modalities, but opioid-induced sedation was of concern with the order set. After the initial analysis, the order set was modified to minimize opioid-induced sedation. Continual safety analysis is warranted for quality improvement to enhance perioperative pain management in highly opioid-tolerant patients.

Early goal-directed resuscitation of patients with septic shock: current evidence and future directions

Severe sepsis and septic shock are among the leading causes of mortality in the intensive care unit. Over a decade ago, early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) emerged as a novel approach for reducing sepsis mortality and was incorporated into guidelines published by the international Surviving Sepsis Campaign. In addition to requiring early detection of sepsis and prompt initiation of antibiotics, the EGDT protocol requires invasive patient monitoring to guide resuscitation with intravenous fluids, vasopressors, red cell transfusions, and inotropes. The effect of these measures on patient outcomes, however, remains controversial. Recently, three large randomized trials were undertaken to re-examine the effect of EGDT on morbidity and mortality: the ProCESS trial in the United States, the ARISE trial in Australia and New Zealand, and the ProMISe trial in England. These trials showed that EGDT did not significantly decrease mortality in patients with septic shock compared with usual care. In particular, whereas early administration of antibiotics appeared to increase survival, tailoring resuscitation to static measurements of central venous pressure and central venous oxygen saturation did not confer survival benefit to most patients. In the following review, we examine these findings as well as other evidence from recent randomized trials of goal-directed resuscitation. We also discuss future areas of research and emerging paradigms in sepsis trials.

Triage sepsis alert and sepsis protocol lower times to fluids and antibiotics in the ED

BACKGROUND

Early identification of sepsis in the emergency department (ED), followed by adequate fluid hydration and appropriate antibiotics, improves patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to measure the impact of a sepsis workup and treatment protocol (SWAT) that included an electronic health record (EHR)-based triage sepsis alert, direct communication, mobilization of resources, and standardized order sets.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, quasiexperimental study of adult ED patients admitted with suspected sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock. We defined a preimplementation (pre-SWAT) group and a postimplementation (post-SWAT) group and further broke these down into SWAT A (septic shock) and SWAT B (sepsis with normal systolic blood pressure). We performed extensive data comparisons in the pre-SWAT and post-SWAT groups, including demographics, systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, time to intravenous fluids bolus, time to antibiotics, length-of-stay times, and mortality rates.

RESULTS

There were 108 patients in the pre-SWAT group and 130 patients in the post-SWAT group. The mean time to bolus was 31 minutes less in the postimplementation group, 51 vs 82 minutes (95% confidence interval, 15-46; P value < .01). The mean time to antibiotics was 59 minutes less in the postimplementation group, 81 vs 139 minutes (95% confidence interval, 44-74; P value < .01). Segmented regression modeling did not identify secular trends in these outcomes. There was no significant difference in mortality rates.

CONCLUSIONS

An EHR-based triage sepsis alert and SWAT protocol led to a significant reduction in the time to intravenous fluids and time to antibiotics in ED patients admitted with suspected sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock.

Effectiveness of Evidence-based Pneumonia CPOE Order Sets Measured by Health Outcomes

Objective

Evidence-based sets of medical orders for the treatment of patients with common conditions have the potential to induce greater efficiency and convenience across the system, along with more consistent health outcomes. Despite ongoing utilization of order sets, quantitative evidence of their effectiveness is lacking. In this study, conducted at Advocate Health Care in Illinois, we quantitatively analyzed the benefits of community acquired pneumonia order sets as measured by mortality, readmission, and length of stay (LOS) outcomes.

Methods

In this study, we examined five years (2007–2011) of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) data from two city and two suburban community care hospitals. Mortality and readmissions benefits were analyzed by comparing “order set” and “no order set” groups of adult patients using logistic regression, Pearson’s chi-squared, and Fisher’s exact methods. LOS was calculated by applying one-way ANOVA and the Mann-Whitney U test, supplemented by analysis of comorbidity via the Charlson Comorbidity Index.

Results

The results indicate that patient treatment orders placed via electronic sets were effective in reducing mortality [OR=1.787; 95% CF 1.170-2.730; P=.061], readmissions [OR=1.362; 95% CF 1.015-1.827; P=.039], and LOS [F (1,5087)=6.885, P=.009, 4.79 days (no order set group) vs. 4.32 days (order set group)].

Conclusion

Evidence-based ordering practices have the potential to improve pneumonia outcomes through reduction of mortality, hospital readmissions, and cost of care. However, the practice must be part of a larger strategic effort to reduce variability in patient care processes. Further experimental and/or observational studies are required to reduce the barriers to retrospective patient care analyses.

Effect of performance improvement programs on compliance with sepsis bundles and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Background

Several reports suggest that implementation of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines is associated with mortality reduction in sepsis. However, adherence to the guideline-based resuscitation and management sepsis bundles is still poor.

Objective

To perform a systematic review of studies evaluating the impact of performance improvement programs on compliance with Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guideline-based bundles and/or mortality.

Data Sources

Medline (PubMed), Scopus and Intercollegiate Studies Institute Web of Knowledge databases from 2004 (first publication of the SSC guidelines) to October 2014.

Study Selection

Studies on adult patients with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock that evaluated changes in compliance to individual/combined bundle targets and/or mortality following the implementation of performance improvement programs. Interventions may consist of educational programs, process changes or both.

Data Extraction

Data from the included studies were extracted independently by two authors. Unadjusted binary data were collected in order to calculate odds ratios (OR) for compliance to individual/combined bundle targets. Adjusted (if available) or unadjusted data of mortality were collected. Random-effects models were used for the data synthesis.

Results

Fifty observational studies were selected. Despite high inconsistency across studies, performance improvement programs were associated with increased compliance with the complete 6-hour bundle (OR = 4.12 [95% confidence interval 2.95-5.76], I² = 87.72%, k = 25, N = 50,081) and the complete 24-hour bundle (OR = 2.57 [1.74-3.77], I² = 85.22%, k = 11, N = 45,846) and with a reduction in mortality (OR = 0.66 [0.61-0.72], I² = 87.93%, k = 48, N = 434,447). Funnel plots showed asymmetry.

Conclusions

Performance improvement programs are associated with increased adherence to resuscitation and management sepsis bundles and with reduced mortality in patients with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock.

Associations between healthcare quality and use of electronic health record functions in ambulatory care

OBJECTIVES

Contemporary electronic health records (EHRs) offer a wide variety of features, creating opportunities to influence healthcare quality in different ways. This study was designed to assess the relationship between physician use of individual EHR functions and healthcare quality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-five providers eligible for "meaningful use" were included. Data were abstracted from office visit records during the study timeframe (183 095 visits with 61 977 patients). Three EHR functions were considered potential predictors: acceptance of best practice alerts, use of order sets, and viewing panel-level reports. Eighteen clinical quality measures from the "meaningful use" program were abstracted.

RESULTS

Use of condition-specific best-practice alerts and order sets was associated with better scores on clinical quality measures capturing processes in diabetes, cancer screening, tobacco cessation, and pneumonia vaccination. For example, providers above the median in use of tobacco-related alerts had higher performance on tobacco cessation intervention metrics (median 80.6% vs. 66.7%; P < .001), and providers above the median in use of diabetes order sets had higher quality on diabetes low density lipoprotein (LDL) testing (68.2% vs. 59.5%; P == .001). Post hoc examination of the results showed that the positive associations were with measures of healthcare processes (such as rates of LDL testing), whereas there were no positive associations with measures of healthcare outcomes (such as LDL levels).

DISCUSSION

Among primary care providers in the ambulatory setting using a single EHR, intensive use of certain EHR functions was associated with increased adherence to recommended care as measured by performance on electronically reported "meaningful use" quality measures. This study is relevant to current policy as it uses quality metrics constructed by contemporary certified EHR technology, and quantitative EHR use metrics rather than self-reported use.

CONCLUSION

In the early stages of the "meaningful use" program, use of specific EHR functions was associated with higher performance on healthcare process metrics.

Impact of physician specialty on quality care for patients hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis

Background

Decompensated cirrhosis is a common precipitant for hospitalization, and there is limited information concerning factors that influence the delivery of quality care in cirrhotic inpatients. We sought to determine the relation between physician specialty and inpatient quality care for decompensated cirrhosis.

Design

We reviewed 247 hospital admissions for decompensated cirrhosis, managed by hospitalists or intensivists, between 2009 and 2013. The primary outcome was quality care delivery, defined as adherence to all evidence-based specialty society practice guidelines pertaining to each specific complication of cirrhosis. Secondary outcomes included new complications, length-of-stay, and in-hospital death.

Results

Overall, 147 admissions (59.5%) received quality care. Quality care was given more commonly by intensivists, compared with hospitalists (71.7% vs. 53.1%, P = .006), and specifically for gastrointestinal bleeding (72% vs. 45.8%, P = .03) and hepatic encephalopathy (100% vs. 63%, P = .005). Involvement of gastroenterology consultation was also more common in admissions in which quality care was administered (68.7% vs. 54.0%, P = .023). Timely diagnostic paracentesis was associated with reduced new complications in admissions for refractory ascites (9.5% vs. 46.6%, P = .02), and reduced length-of-stay in admissions for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (5 days vs. 13 days, P = .02).

Conclusions

Adherence to quality indicators for decompensated cirrhosis is suboptimal among hospitalized patients. Although quality care adherence appears to be higher among cirrhotic patients managed by intensivists than by hospitalists, opportunities for improvement exist in both groups. Rational and cost-effective strategies should be sought to achieve this end.

Delayed antimicrobial therapy increases mortality and organ dysfunction duration in pediatric sepsis

OBJECTIVES

Delayed antimicrobials are associated with poor outcomes in adult sepsis, but data relating antimicrobial timing to mortality and organ dysfunction in pediatric sepsis are limited. We sought to determine the impact of antimicrobial timing on mortality and organ dysfunction in pediatric patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

PICU at an academic medical center.

PATIENTS

One hundred thirty patients treated for severe sepsis or septic shock.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We determined if hourly delays from sepsis recognition to initial and first appropriate antimicrobial administration were associated with PICU mortality (primary outcome); ventilator-free, vasoactive-free, and organ failure-free days; and length of stay. Median time from sepsis recognition to initial antimicrobial administration was 140 minutes (interquartile range, 74-277 min) and to first appropriate antimicrobial was 177 minutes (90-550 min). An escalating risk of mortality was observed with each hour delay from sepsis recognition to antimicrobial administration, although this did not achieve significance until 3 hours. For patients with more than 3-hour delay to initial and first appropriate antimicrobials, the odds ratio for PICU mortality was 3.92 (95% CI, 1.27-12.06) and 3.59 (95% CI, 1.09-11.76), respectively. These associations persisted after adjustment for individual confounders and a propensity score analysis. After controlling for severity of illness, the odds ratio for PICU mortality increased to 4.84 (95% CI, 1.45-16.2) and 4.92 (95% CI, 1.30-18.58) for more than 3-hour delay to initial and first appropriate antimicrobials, respectively. Initial antimicrobial administration more than 3 hours was also associated with fewer organ failure-free days (16 [interquartile range, 1-23] vs 20 [interquartile range, 6-26]; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed antimicrobial therapy was an independent risk factor for mortality and prolonged organ dysfunction in pediatric sepsis.

Using the number needed to treat to assess appropriate antimicrobial therapy as a determinant of outcome in severe sepsis and septic shock

OBJECTIVE

To assess appropriate antimicrobial therapy as an outcome determinant in severe sepsis and septic shock using the number needed to treat.

DESIGN

Single-center cohort study (January 2008 to December 2012).

SETTING

One thousand two hundred fifty-bed academic hospital.

PATIENTS

Two thousand five hundred ninety-four patients with positive blood culture.

INTERVENTIONS

We retrospectively identified patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Inappropriate antimicrobial treatment was defined as an antimicrobial regimen that lacked in vitro activity against the isolated pathogen. Information regarding demographics, severity of illness, comorbidities, microbiology, and antimicrobial treatment was recorded. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for hospital mortality and inappropriate treatment.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Seven hundred eighty-seven patients (30.3%) were nonsurvivors. Inappropriate antimicrobial treatment had the greatest adjusted odds ratio for hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.8-4.1; p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified resistance to cefepime, resistance to meropenem, presence of multidrug resistance, nonabdominal surgery, and prior antibiotic use as being independently associated with the administration of inappropriate antimicrobial treatment. For the entire cohort, the number needed to treat with appropriate antimicrobial therapy to prevent one patient death was 4.0 (95% CI, 3.7-4.3). The prevalence-adjusted pathogen-specific number needed to treat (PNNT) with appropriate antimicrobial therapy to prevent one patient death was lowest for multidrug-resistant bacteria (PNNT = 20) followed by Candida species (PNNT = 34), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (PNNT = 38), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PNNT = 38), Escherichia coli (PNNT = 40), and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (PNNT = 47).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the importance of appropriate antimicrobial treatment as a determinant of outcome in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Our analyses suggest that improved targeting of empiric antimicrobials for multidrug-resistant bacteria, Candida species, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa would have the greatest impact in reducing mortality from inappropriate antimicrobial treatment in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

Default options in the ICU: widely used but insufficiently understood

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Default options dramatically influence the behavior of decision makers and may serve as effective decision support tools in the ICU. Their use in medicine has increased in an effort to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and harness the potential of healthcare technology.

RECENT FINDINGS

Defaults often fall short of their predicted influence when employed in critical care settings as quality improvement interventions. Investigations reporting the use of defaults are often limited by variations in the relative effect across sites. Preimplementation experiments and long-term monitoring studies are lacking.

SUMMARY

Defaults in the ICU may help or harm patients and clinical efficiency depending on their format and use. When constructing and encountering defaults, providers should be aware of their powerful and complex influences on decision making. Additional evaluations of the appropriate creation of healthcare defaults and their resulting intended and unintended consequences are needed.

Improving Outcomes in Patients With Sepsis

Sepsis mortality may be improved by early recognition and appropriate treatment based on evidence-based guidelines. An intervention was developed that focused on earlier identification of sepsis, early antimicrobial administration, and an educational program that was disseminated throughout all hospital units and services. There were 1331 patients with sepsis during the intervention period and 1401 patients with sepsis during the control period. After controlling for expected mortality, patients in the intervention period had 30% lower odds of dying (odds ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57 to 0.84). They also had 1.07 fewer days on average in the intensive care unit (95% CI = -1.98 to -0.16), 2.15 fewer hospital days (95% CI = -3.45 to -0.86), and incurred on average $1949 less in hospital costs, although the effect on costs was not statistically significant. Continued incremental improvement and sustainment is anticipated through organizational oversight, continued education, and initiation of an automated electronic sepsis alert function.

Identifying severe sepsis via electronic surveillance

An electronic sepsis surveillance system (ESSV) was developed to identify severe sepsis and determine its time of onset. ESSV sensitivity and specificity were evaluated during an 11-day prospective pilot and a 30-day retrospective trial. ESSV diagnostic alerts were compared with care team diagnoses and with administrative records, using expert adjudication as the standard for comparison. ESSV was 100% sensitive for detecting severe sepsis but only 62.0% specific. During the pilot, the software identified 477 patients, compared with 18 by adjudication. In the 30-day trial, adjudication identified 164 severe sepsis patients, whereas ESSV detected 996. ESSV was more sensitive but less specific than care team or administrative data. ESSV-identified time of severe sepsis onset was a median of 0.00 hours later than adjudication (interquartile range = 0.05). The system can be a useful tool when implemented appropriately but lacks specificity, largely because of its reliance on discreet data fields.

Computer versus paper system for recognition and management of sepsis in surgical intensive care

BACKGROUND

A system to provide surveillance, diagnosis, and protocolized management of surgical intensive care unit (SICU) sepsis was undertaken as a performance improvement project. A system for sepsis management was implemented for SICU patients using paper followed by a computerized system. The hypothesis was that the computerized system would be associated with improved process and outcomes.

METHODS

A system was designed to provide early recognition and guide patient-specific management of sepsis including (1) modified early warning signs-sepsis recognition score (MEWS-SRS; summative point score of ranges of vital signs, mental status, white blood cell count; after every 4 hours) by bedside nurse; (2) suspected site assessment (vascular access, lung, abdomen, urinary tract, soft tissue, other) at bedside by physician or extender; (3) sepsis management protocol (replicable, point-of-care decisions) at bedside by nurse, physician, and extender. The system was implemented first using paper and then a computerized system. Sepsis severity was defined using standard criteria.

RESULTS

In January to May 2012, a paper system was used to manage 77 consecutive sepsis encounters (3.9 ± 0.5 cases per week) in 65 patients (77% male; age, 53 ± 2 years). In June to December 2012, a computerized system was used to manage 132 consecutive sepsis encounters (4.4 ± 0.4 cases per week) in 119 patients (63% male; age, 58 ± 2 years). MEWS-SRS elicited 683 site assessments, and 201 had sepsis diagnosis and protocol management. The predominant site of infection was abdomen (paper, 58%; computer, 53%). Recognition of early sepsis tended to occur more using the computerized system (paper, 23%; computer, 35%). Hospital mortality rate for surgical ICU sepsis (paper, 20%; computer, 14%) was less with the computerized system.

CONCLUSION

A computerized sepsis management system improves care process and outcome. Early sepsis is recognized and managed with greater frequency compared with severe sepsis or septic shock. The system has a beneficial effect as a clinical standard of care for SICU patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level III.

Using an 'action set' for the management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND

We studied the management of patients with acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (AUGIB) at the Royal Free Hospital. The aim was to compare our performance with the national standard and determine ways of improving the delivery of care in accordance with the recently published 'Scope for improvement' report.

METHODS

We randomly selected patients who presented with haematemesis, melaena, or both, and had an oesophageogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) between April and October 2009. We developed local guidelines and presented our findings in various forums. We collaborated with the British Medical Journal's Evidence Centre and Cerner Millennium electronic patient record system to create an electronic 'Action Set' for the management of patients presenting with AUGIB. We re-audited using the same standard and target.

RESULTS

With the action set, documentation of pre-OGD Rockall scores increased significantly (p ≤ 0.0001). The differences in the calculation and documentation of post-OGD full Rockall scores were also significant between the two audit loops (p = 0.007). Patients who inappropriately received proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) before endoscopy were reduced from 73.8% to 33% (p = 0.02). Patients receiving PPIs after OGD were also reduced from 66% to 50% (p = 0.01). Discharges of patients whose full Rockall score was less than or equal to two increased from 40% to 100% (p = 0.43).

CONCLUSION

The use of the Action Set improved calculation and documentation of risk scores and facilitated earlier hospital discharge for low-risk patients. Significant improvements were also seen in inappropriate use of PPIs. Actions sets can improve guideline adherence and can potentially promote cost-cutting and improve health economics.

An alternate pathophysiologic paradigm of sepsis and septic shock: implications for optimizing antimicrobial therapy

The advent of modern antimicrobial therapy following the discovery of penicillin during the 1940s yielded remarkable improvements in case fatality rate of serious infections including septic shock. Since then, pathogens have continuously evolved under selective antimicrobial pressure resulting in a lack of significant improvement in clinical effectiveness in the antimicrobial therapy of septic shock despite ever more broad-spectrum and potent drugs. In addition, although substantial effort and money has been expended on the development novel non-antimicrobial therapies of sepsis in the past 30 years, clinical progress in this regard has been limited. This review explores the possibility that the current pathophysiologic paradigm of septic shock fails to appropriately consider the primacy of the microbial burden of infection as the primary driver of septic organ dysfunction. An alternate paradigm is offered that suggests that has substantial implications for optimizing antimicrobial therapy in septic shock. This model of disease progression suggests the key to significant improvement in the outcome of septic shock may lie, in great part, with improvements in delivery of existing antimicrobials and other anti-infectious strategies. Recognition of the role of delays in administration of antimicrobial therapy in the poor outcomes of septic shock is central to this effort. However, therapeutic strategies that improve the degree of antimicrobial cidality likely also have a crucial role.

Fluid balance and cardiac function in septic shock as predictors of hospital mortality

INTRODUCTION

Septic shock is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Unfortunately, the optimal fluid management of septic shock is unknown and currently is empirical.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (St. Louis, Missouri). Consecutive patients (n = 325) hospitalized with septic shock who had echocardiographic examinations performed within 24 hours of shock onset were enrolled.

RESULTS

A total of 163 (50.2%) patients with septic shock died during hospitalization. Non-survivors had a significantly larger positive net fluid balance within the 24 hour window of septic shock onset (median (IQR): 4,374 ml (1,637 ml, 7,260 ml) vs. 2,959 ml (1,639.5 ml, 4,769.5 ml), P = 0.004). The greatest quartile of positive net fluid balance at 24 hours and eight days post-shock onset respectively were found to predict hospital mortality, and the greatest quartile of positive net fluid balance at eight days post-shock onset was an independent predictor of hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.66; 95% CI, 1.39 to 1.98; P = 0.004). Survivors were significantly more likely to have mild left ventricular dysfunction as evaluated by bedside echocardiography and non-survivors had slightly elevated left ventricular ejection fraction, which was also found to be an independent predictor of outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirms the importance of fluid balance and cardiac function as outcome predictors in patients with septic shock. A clinical trial to determine the optimal administration of intravenous fluids to patients with septic shock is needed.

Clinical utility of a standardized electronic order set for the management of acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Recent reductions in mortality after acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage among patients with cirrhosis have been attributed to early and aggressive use of guideline-recommended pharmacologic agents, antibiotics, and endoscopic therapy. Studies have shown, however, that adherence to recommended guidelines is low. We investigated whether use of a standardized electronic order set would improve adherence to treatment and timeliness of delivery.

METHODS

We performed a prospective observational study, implementing an electronic order set for 123 patients with known or suspected cirrhosis who presented with symptoms/signs of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage at Parkland Memorial Hospital (in Dallas, TX) from July 2011 through June 2012. The order set included standard nursing orders, laboratory tests, medications, orders for consultative services, and a brief evidence-based review of the benefits of octreotide and antibiotics in patients with cirrhosis. Primary outcomes included overall adherence to the administration of octreotide and antibiotics and the performance of upper endoscopy, as well as time to these interventions.

RESULTS

Administration of antibiotics increased in patients for whom the order set was used (100% vs 89% for whom it was not used; P = .01); the use of the order set significantly reduced the time to administration of antibiotics (3 h 28 min vs 10 h 4 min; P < .001). The time to administration of octreotide also significantly was reduced for patients for whom the order set was used (2 h 16 min vs 6 h 21 min; P < .002). Although all patients underwent endoscopy, there was no significant difference in the time to procedure between patients for whom the order set was used and not used (17 h 54 min vs 18 h 5 min; P = .95).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a standardized electronic order set improved not only overall adherence, but also the timeliness of administration of recommended therapies for patients with known or suspected cirrhosis presenting with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Standardized approaches to syncope evaluation for reducing hospital admissions and costs in overcrowded emergency departments

PURPOSE

The evaluation of syncope is often disorganized and ineffective. The objective of this study was to examine whether implementation of a standardized emergency department (ED) protocol improves the quality of syncope evaluation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a prospective, non-randomized study conducted at a 1900-bed, tertiary teaching hospital in South Korea. We compared two specific periods, including a 12-month observation period (control group, January- December 2009) and a 10-month intervention period after the implementation of standardized approaches, comprising risk stratification, hospital order sets and establishment of a syncope observational unit (intervention group, March-December 2010). Primary end points were hospital admission rates and medical costs related to syncope evaluation.

RESULTS

A total of 244 patients were enrolled in this study (116 patients in the control group and 128 patients in the intervention group). The admission rate decreased by 8.3% in the intervention group (adjusted odds ratio 0.31, 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.70, p=0.005). There was a cost reduction of about 30% during the intervention period [369000 Korean won (KRW), interquartile range (IQR) 240000-602000 KRW], compared with the control period (542000 KRW, IQR 316000-1185000 KRW). The length of stay in the ED was also reduced in the intervention group (median: 4.6 hours vs. 3.4 hours).

CONCLUSION

Standardized approaches to syncope evaluation reduced hospital admissions, medical costs and length of stay in the overcrowded emergency department of a tertiary teaching hospital in South Korea.

Inappropriate antibiotic use due to decreased compliance with a ventilator-associated pneumonia computerized clinical pathway: implications for continuing education and prospective feedback

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of noncompliance with a ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) computerized clinical pathway (CCP) on antibiotic use after removal of prospective antibiotic stewardship resources.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational, quasi-experimental study.

SETTING

Three intensive care units (medical, surgical, and neurotrauma) in a large, tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 136 patients with culture-positive VAP; 72 were treated from September 2006-August 2007 (period 1), during which use of the CCP was mandatory along with aggressive stewardship support, and 64 were treated from September 2009-April 2010 (period 2), during which use of the CCP was voluntary.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Compliance with use of the CCP was 100% during period 1 and 44% (28/64 patients) during period 2. For the 36 patients (56%) whose antibiotic selection did not comply with the CCP, empiric antibiotics were selected by provider discretion. Most patients had late-onset VAP and were similar with respect to age, sex, and comorbidities between the two periods. Staphylococcus aureus (11-17% methicillin-resistant S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most common pathogens during both periods. The proportion of patients with appropriate antibiotics within 24 hours of VAP identification was not significantly different between period 1 (70.8%) and period 2 (56.3%, p=0.112). During period 2, patients who were treated according to the CCP were more likely to receive appropriate antibiotic therapy compared with patients treated according to provider discretion (82.1% vs 36.1%, p ≤ 0.001). Time to appropriate therapy was also shorter for patients treated according to the CCP (mean ± SD 0.43 ± 1.14 vs 1.29 ± 1.36 days, p=0.003). Treatment with the CCP was the only variable significantly associated with appropriate antibiotic therapy (odds ratio 4.8, 95% confidence interval 2.1-10.9). Mortality was not significantly different between period 1 and period 2, and only Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score and admission with a head injury were predictive of death. Finally, a greater proportion of patients treated with the CCP were de-escalated from anti- Pseudomonas β-lactams (85.0% vs 33.3%, p=0.006) when they were not necessary.

CONCLUSION

These data highlight the importance of continued stewardship resources after CCP implementation to ensure compliance and to maximize antibiotic stewardship outcomes.

A trial of a real-time alert for clinical deterioration in patients hospitalized on general medical wards

BACKGROUND

With limited numbers of intensive care unit (ICU) beds available, increasing patient acuity is expected to contribute to episodes of inpatient deterioration on general wards.

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively validate a predictive algorithm for clinical deterioration in general-medical ward patients, and to conduct a trial of real-time alerts based on this algorithm.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled crossover study.

SETTING/PATIENTS

Academic center with patients hospitalized on 8 general wards between July 2007 and December 2011.

INTERVENTIONS

Real-time alerts were generated by an algorithm designed to predict the need for ICU transfer using electronically available data. The alerts were sent by text page to the nurse manager on intervention wards.

MEASUREMENTS

Intensive care unit transfer, hospital mortality, and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

Patients meeting the alert threshold were at nearly 5.3-fold greater risk of ICU transfer (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.6-6.0) than those not satisfying the alert threshold (358 of 2353 [15.2%] vs 512 of 17678 [2.9%]). Patients with alerts were at 8.9-fold greater risk of death (95% CI: 7.4-10.7) than those without alerts (244 of 2353 [10.4%] vs 206 of 17678 [1.2%]). Among patients identified by the early warning system, there were no differences in the proportion of patients who were transferred to the ICU or who died in the intervention group as compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Real-time alerts were highly specific for clinical deterioration resulting in ICU transfer and death, and were associated with longer hospital length of stay. However, an intervention notifying a nurse of the risk did not result in improvement in these outcomes.