1
|
Higgins JT, Charles RD, Fryman LJ. Original Research: Breaking Through the Bottleneck: Acuity Adaptability in Noncritical Trauma Care. Am J Nurs 2024; 124:24-34. [PMID: 38511707 DOI: 10.1097/01.naj.0001010176.21591.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achieving efficient throughput of patients is a challenge faced by many hospital systems. Factors that can impede efficient throughput include increased ED use, high surgical volumes, lack of available beds, and the complexities of coordinating multiple patient transfers in response to changing care needs. Traditionally, many hospital inpatient units operate via a fixed acuity model, relying on multiple intrahospital transfers to move patients along the care continuum. In contrast, the acuity-adaptable model allows care to occur in the same room despite fluctuations in clinical condition, removing the need for transfer. This model has been shown to be a safe and cost-effective approach to improving throughput in populations with predictable courses of hospitalization, but has been minimally evaluated in other populations, such as patients hospitalized for traumatic injury. PURPOSE This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate implementation of an acuity-adaptable model on a 20-bed noncritical trauma unit. Specifically, we sought to examine and compare the pre- and postimplementation metrics for throughput efficiency, resource utilization, and nursing quality indicators; and to determine the model's impact on patient transfers for changes in level of care. METHODS This was a retrospective, comparative analysis of 1,371 noncritical trauma patients admitted to a level 1 trauma center before and after the implementation of an acuity-adaptable model. Outcomes of interest included throughput efficiency, resource utilization, and quality of nursing care. Inferential statistics were used to compare patients pre- and postimplementation, and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the impact of the acuity-adaptable model on patient transfers. RESULTS Postimplementation, the median ED boarding time was reduced by 6.2 hours, patients more often remained in their assigned room following a change in level of care, more progressive care patient days occurred, fall and hospital-acquired pressure injury index rates decreased respectively by 0.9 and 0.3 occurrences per 1,000 patient days, and patients were more often discharged to home. Logistic regression analyses revealed that under the new model, patients were more than nine times more likely to remain in the same room for care after a change in acuity and 81.6% less likely to change rooms after a change in acuity. An increase of over $11,000 in average daily bed charges occurred postimplementation as a result of increased progressive care-level bed capacity. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of an acuity-adaptable model on a dedicated noncritical trauma unit improved throughput efficiency and resource utilization without sacrificing quality of care. As hospitals continue to face increasing demand for services as well as numerous barriers to meeting such demand, leaders remain challenged to find innovative ways to optimize operational efficiency and resource utilization while ensuring delivery of high-quality care. The findings of this study demonstrate the value of the acuity-adaptable model in achieving these goals in a noncritical trauma care population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob T Higgins
- Jacob T. Higgins is an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Nursing, Lexington, as well as a nurse scientist in trauma/surgical services at UK HealthCare, Lexington, where Rebecca D. Charles is a patient care manager and Lisa J. Fryman is the nursing operations director. Contact author: Jacob T. Higgins, . The authors and planners have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mendelsohn E, Honeyford K, Brittin A, Mercuri L, Klaber RE, Expert P, Costelloe C. The impact of atypical intrahospital transfers on patient outcomes: a mixed methods study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15417. [PMID: 37723183 PMCID: PMC10507077 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41966-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The architectural design of hospitals worldwide is centred around individual departments, which require the movement of patients between wards. However, patients do not always take the simplest route from admission to discharge, but can experience convoluted movement patterns, particularly when bed availability is low. Few studies have explored the impact of these rarer, atypical trajectories. Using a mixed-method explanatory sequential study design, we firstly used three continuous years of electronic health record data prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, from 55,152 patients admitted to a London hospital network to define the ward specialities by patient type using the Herfindahl-Hirschman index. We explored the impact of 'regular transfers' between pairs of wards with shared specialities, 'atypical transfers' between pairs of wards with no shared specialities and 'site transfers' between pairs of wards in different hospital site locations, on length of stay, 30-day readmission and mortality. Secondly, to understand the possible reasons behind atypical transfers we conducted three focus groups and three in-depth interviews with site nurse practitioners and bed managers within the same hospital network. We found that at least one atypical transfer was experienced by 12.9% of patients. Each atypical transfer is associated with a larger increase in length of stay, 2.84 days (95% CI 2.56-3.12), compared to regular transfers, 1.92 days (95% CI 1.82-2.03). No association was found between odds of mortality, or 30-day readmission and atypical transfers after adjusting for confounders. Atypical transfers appear to be driven by complex patient conditions, a lack of hospital capacity, the need to reach specific services and facilities, and more exceptionally, rare events such as major incidents. Our work provides an important first step in identifying unusual patient movement and its impacts on key patient outcomes using a system-wide, data-driven approach. The broader impact of moving patients between hospital wards, and possible downstream effects should be considered in hospital policy and service planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luca Mercuri
- Information Communications and Technology Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Robert Edward Klaber
- Department of Paediatrics, St. Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- Academic Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bristol AA, Elmore CE, Weiss ME, Barry LA, Iacob E, Johnson EP, Wallace AS. Mixed-methods study examining family carers' perceptions of the relationship between intrahospital transitions and patient readiness for discharge. BMJ Qual Saf 2023; 32:447-456. [PMID: 36100445 PMCID: PMC10512519 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-015120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intrahospital transitions (IHTs) represent movements of patients during hospitalisation. While transitions are often clinically necessary, such as a transfer from the emergency department to an intensive care unit, transitions may disrupt care coordination, such as discharge planning. Family carers often serve as liaisons between the patient and healthcare professionals. However, carers frequently experience exclusion from care planning during IHTs, potentially decreasing their awareness of patients' clinical status, postdischarge needs and carer preparation. The purpose of this study was to explore family carers' perceptions about IHTs, patient and carer ratings of patient discharge readiness and carer self-perception of preparation to engage in at home care. METHODS Sequential, explanatory mixed-methods study involving retrospective analysis of hospital inpatients from a parent study (1R01HS026248; PI Wallace) for whom patient and family carer Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) score frequency of IHTs and patient and caregiver characteristics were available. Maximum variation sampling was used to recruit a subsample of carers with diverse backgrounds and experiences for the participation in semistructured interviews to understand their views of how IHTs influenced preparation for discharge. RESULTS Of discharged patients from July 2020 to April 2021, a total of 268 had completed the RHDS and 23 completed the semistructured interviews. Most patients experienced 0-2 IHTs and reported high levels of discharge readiness. During quantitative analysis, no association was found between IHTs and patients' RHDS scores. However, carers' perceptions of patient discharge readiness were negatively associated with increased IHTs. Moreover, non-spouse carers reported lower RHDS scores than spousal carers. During interviews, carers shared barriers experienced during IHTs and discussed the importance of inclusion during discharge care planning. CONCLUSIONS IHTs often represent disruptive events that may influence carers' understanding of patient readiness for discharge to home and, thus, their own preparation for discharge. Further consideration is needed regarding how to support carers during IHT to facilitate high-quality discharge planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alycia A Bristol
- College of Nursing, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Catherine E Elmore
- College of Nursing, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Marianne E Weiss
- College of Nursing, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Lisa A Barry
- College of Nursing, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Eli Iacob
- College of Nursing, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Erin P Johnson
- College of Nursing, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Andrea S Wallace
- College of Nursing, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Williams MV, Li J. Embracing carers: when will adult hospitals fully adopt the same practices as children's hospitals? BMJ Qual Saf 2023:bmjqs-2022-015425. [PMID: 36948545 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-015425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark V Williams
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Network Analysis Examining Intrahospital Traffic of Patients With Traumatic Hip Fracture. J Healthc Qual 2023; 45:83-90. [PMID: 36409627 PMCID: PMC9977413 DOI: 10.1097/jhq.0000000000000367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increased intrahospital traffic (IHT) is associated with adverse events and infections in hospitalized patients. Network science has been used to study patient flow in hospitals but not specifically for patients with traumatic injuries. METHODS This retrospective analysis included 103 patients with traumatic hip fractures admitted to a level I trauma center between April 2021 and September 2021. Associations with IHTs (moves within the hospital) were analyzed using R (4.1.2) as a weighted directed graph. RESULTS The median (interquartile range) number of moves was 8 (7-9). The network consisted of 16 distinct units and showed mild disassortativity (-0.35), similar to other IHT networks. The floor and intensive care unit (ICU) were central units in the flow of patients, with the highest degree and betweenness. Patients spent a median of 20-28 hours in the ICU, intermediate care unit, or floor. The number of moves per patient was mildly correlated with hospital length of stay (ρ = 0.26, p = .008). Intrahospital traffic volume was higher on weekdays and during daytime hours. Intrahospital traffic volume was highest in patients aged <65 years ( p = .04), but there was no difference in IHT volume by dependent status, complications, or readmissions. CONCLUSIONS Network science is a useful tool for trauma patients to plan IHT, flow, and staffing.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mortazavi SE, Inghammar M, Christiansen C, Pesola AK, Stenkilsson M, Paulsson M. A retrospective cohort study of the effect of SARS-CoV-2 point of care rapid RT-PCR at the Emergency Department on targeted admission. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:536. [PMID: 35692041 PMCID: PMC9188907 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07497-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To prevent nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2, infection prevention control (IPC) measures are implemented for patients with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 until reliable test results are available. This delays admission to the most appropriate ward based on the medical condition. SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests and point-of-care (POC) rapid RT-PCR (VitaPCR) were introduced at emergency department (ED) at Skåne University Hospital, Sweden in late 2020, but the consequence on patient flow and targeted admission is unknown. Methods Patients presenting at the emergency department of a referral hospital (N = 2940) between 13-Nov-2020 and 12-Jan-2021 were included. The study period was delimited into three periods by the introduction of RAD tests and the VitaPCR. Participant data was collected from hospital records, and outcome variables were Length-of-Stay (LoS), intrahospital transfers and targeted admission to COVID-19 ward. Results Compared to baseline (RT-PCR only), RAD tests reduced ED Length-of-Stay (LoS) for participants with positive tests. Negative VitaPCR results reduced mean hospital LoS by 1.5 (95% CI 0.3–2.7) days and admissions to COVID-19 wards from 34.5 (95% CI 28.9–40.5) to 14.7 (95% CI 11.1–19.1) per 100 admissions and reduced transfers between hospital wards in the first 5 days from 50.0 (95% CI 45.0–55.0) to 34.0 (95% CI 30.3–37.9) per 100 admissions. Conclusion RAD tests enabled prompt detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection which had pronounced effects on LoS at the ED. Negative VitaPCR enabled cessation of IPC measures and a negative test was associated with increased targeted admissions, reduced intrahospital transfers and shorter LoS at the hospital. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07497-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne E Mortazavi
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Inghammar
- Section for Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Claus Christiansen
- Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine Skåne, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anne-Katrine Pesola
- Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine Skåne, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mikael Stenkilsson
- Department of Emergency and Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Magnus Paulsson
- Section for Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
McCarthy S, Laaksonen R, Silvari V. Transition of care from adult intensive care settings - implementing interventions to improve medication safety and patient outcomes. BMJ Qual Saf 2022; 31:565-568. [PMID: 35508374 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2021-014443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Raisa Laaksonen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virginia Silvari
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Pharmacy Department, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang C, Eken T, Jørgensen SB, Thoresen M, Søvik S. Effects of patient-level risk factors, departmental allocation and seasonality on intrahospital patient transfer patterns: network analysis applied on a Norwegian single-centre data set. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054545. [PMID: 35351711 PMCID: PMC8966550 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Describe patient transfer patterns within a large Norwegian hospital. Identify risk factors associated with a high number of transfers. Develop methods to monitor intrahospital patient flows to support capacity management and infection control. DESIGN Retrospective observational study of linked clinical data from electronic health records. SETTING Tertiary care university hospital in the Greater Oslo Region, Norway. PARTICIPANTS All adult (≥18 years old) admissions to the gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery, neurology and orthopaedics departments at Akershus University Hospital, June 2018 to May 2019. METHODS Network analysis and graph theory. Poisson regression analysis. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was network characteristics at the departmental level. We describe location-to-location transfers using unweighted, undirected networks for a full-year study period. Weekly networks reveal changes in network size, density and key categories of transfers over time. Secondary outcome was transfer trajectories at the individual patient level. We describe the distribution of transfer trajectories in the cohort and associate number of transfers with patient clinical characteristics. RESULTS The cohort comprised 17 198 hospital stays. Network analysis demonstrated marked heterogeneity across departments and throughout the year. The orthopaedics department had the largest transfer network size and density and greatest temporal variation. More transfers occurred during weekdays than weekends. Summer holiday affected transfers of different types (Emergency department-Any location/Bed ward-Bed ward/To-From Technical wards) differently. Over 75% of transferred patients followed one of 20 common intrahospital trajectories, involving one to three transfers. Higher number of intrahospital transfers was associated with emergency admission (transfer rate ratio (RR)=1.827), non-prophylactic antibiotics (RR=1.108), surgical procedure (RR=2.939) and stay in intensive care unit or high-dependency unit (RR=2.098). Additionally, gastrosurgical (RR=1.211), orthopaedic (RR=1.295) and neurological (RR=1.114) patients had higher risk of many transfers than gastroenterology patients (all effects: p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Network and transfer chain analysis applied on patient location data revealed logistic and clinical associations highly relevant for hospital capacity management and infection control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torsten Eken
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silje Bakken Jørgensen
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Magne Thoresen
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Signe Søvik
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Punj J, Chaudhry R, Sagar T, Chandran D. Aerobic and anerobic contamination of mobile phones of health personnels with probable transfer of bacterial microbes to their hands at a tertiary care hospital of India. J Anaesthesiol Clin Pharmacol 2022; 38:405-410. [PMID: 36505191 PMCID: PMC9728432 DOI: 10.4103/joacp.joacp_535_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Mobile phone (MP) contamination of health personnels (HPs) in hospitals is a potential health hazard to the patients and the HP themselves. However, transfer of microbes from MPs of HP to their hands has not been demonstrated before, which would make potential threat into an actual peril. The primary objective was to determine aerobic and anerobic bacterial contamination of MP and hands of HP. The secondary objective was to determine probable transfer of bacterial microbes from MP to hands of tested HP. Material and Methods Three swabs each were taken from 374 HP first from their MP, second from their dominant hand and third from their dominant hand after cleaning with disinfectant followed by a mock phone call of one minute (DHM). Aerobic and anerobic bacterial microbes were identified with standard methods. Results Three hundred twenty-two HPs were recruited. Bacterial contamination was seen in 92% MP, 85% dominant hands, and 68% DHM of tested HP. Of these, contamination with potentially pathogenic bacterias (PPB) was 50% in MP, 25.6% in hands, and 31% in DHM. Anerobic contamination (1.6%) was present on MP but not in hands or DHM. In 54.7% HP, there was presence of similar bacterial microbes in MP and DHM of which 30% were PPB. When disinfectant was used in non-protocolized way in DHM, decrease in aerobic spore forming bacteria (ASB) was seen but not of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial microbes. Conclusion There is significant aerobic bacterial contamination, including PPB, seen in MP, hands, and DHM of HP in a tertiary care hospital of India; however, anerobic bacterias are found only in MP. Similar bacterial microbes in MP and DHM point to probable transfer of aerobic bacterias from MP to hands of HP which does not decrease when hand disinfectants are used in non-protocolized way, which is a point of concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Punj
- Department of Anesthesiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India,Address for correspondence: Dr. Jyotsna Punj, Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Critical Care, Room No. 5016, Academic Block, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi - 110 029, India. E-mail:
| | - Rama Chaudhry
- Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Tanu Sagar
- Department of Microbiology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Dinu Chandran
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Murata M, Nakagawa N, Kawasaki T, Yasuo S, Yoshida T, Ando K, Okamori S, Okada Y. Adverse events during intrahospital transport of critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 52:13-19. [PMID: 34861515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intrahospital transport of critically ill patients is often necessary for diagnostic procedures, therapeutic procedures, or admission to the intensive care unit. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe safety and adverse events during intrahospital transport of critically ill patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic search was performed of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published up to June 3, 2020, and of the International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov for ongoing trials. We selected prospective and retrospective cohort studies published in English on intrahospital transport of critically ill patients, and then performed a meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the incidence of all adverse events that occurred during intrahospital transport. The secondary outcomes were death due to intrahospital transport or life-threatening adverse events, minor events in vital signs, adverse events related to equipment, durations of ICU and hospital stay, and costs. RESULTS A total of 12,313 intrahospital transports and 1898 patients from 24 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among 24 studies that evaluated the primary outcome, the pooled frequency of all adverse events was 26.2% (95% CI: 15.0-39.2) and the heterogeneity among these studies was high (I2 = 99.5%). The pooled frequency of death due to intrahospital transport and life-threatening adverse events was 0% and 1.47% each, but heterogeneity was also high. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that adverse events can occur during intrahospital transport of critically ill patients, and that the frequency of critical adverse events is relatively low. The results of this meta-analysis could assist in risk-benefit analysis of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures requiring intrahospital transport of critically ill patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION UMIN000040963.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maki Murata
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Natsuki Nakagawa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Kawasaki
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Yasuo
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Kyoto-Katsura Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takuo Yoshida
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Ando
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Okamori
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Okada
- Department of Primary Care and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Preventive Services, School of Public Health in the Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Violeta B, Alex B, Paul A. Assessing the impact of a shadowing programme on in-hospital mortality following trainee doctors' changeover. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:563. [PMID: 34098938 PMCID: PMC8186218 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06578-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To assess the impact on seven-day in-hospital mortality following the introduction in 2012 of a shadowing programme for new UK medical graduates requiring them to observe the doctor they are replacing for at least 4 days before starting work. Methods Data on emergency admissions were derived from Hospital Episode Statistics between 2003 and 2019. A generalised estimating equation model was used to examine whether the introduction of the programme was associated with a change in mortality. Results There were 644,018 emergency admissions, of which 1.8% (7612) ended in death in hospital within a week following the admission. Throughout the study period, there was an annual increase in the number of emergency admissions during July and August, though in-hospital mortality rates declined. The generalised estimating equation analysis found no significant change in the odds of death within 7 days after admission for patients admitted on the first Wednesday in August compared with patients admitted on the last Wednesday in July (OR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.94–1.13, p = 0.53). Furthermore, there was no significant change observed for any clinical diagnosis category following the introduction of the shadowing programme. Conclusion There was a rising trend in the number of emergency admissions over the study period, though mortality was decreasing. We found no significant association between the introduction of shadowing programme and in-hospital mortality; however, lack of power means that we cannot rule out a small effect on mortality. There are other outcomes that might have changed but were not examined in this study. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06578-y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bottle Alex
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, AZ, SW7, UK
| | - Aylin Paul
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, AZ, SW7, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tanaka S, Kunie K, Takemura Y, Ichikawa N, Kida R. Exploring nurses' clinical reasons for bed transfers in acute care wards: An observational study. J Nurs Manag 2021; 29:2297-2306. [PMID: 33930232 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the number of bed transfers (patient transfers within the same ward) and their reasons in acute care wards of mid-sized hospitals with multibed and private rooms. BACKGROUND Bed transfers, even when necessary, are burdensome for patients; however, the reasons for bed transfers in various types of rooms remain unclear. METHODS An observational study was conducted in seven wards in three hospitals in Japan. Nurses completed a questionnaire regarding each bed transfer, which elicited the reasons for the transfer. We classified transfer patterns based on the functions of the patients' rooms and the number of beds in each room and analysed scores. RESULTS Overall, 560 responses were analysed. The average number of bed transfers per day was 2.7. In total, 43% of bed transfers were conducted for patients aged over 70. The most frequent bed transfer pattern was 'transfer between patient rooms with the same number of beds', and the most frequent reason was 'patient did not need that bed'. CONCLUSIONS Unnecessary bed transfers could be reduced by ward designs that reflect nurses' clinical judgement. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Monitoring data for the reason regarding bed transfer contributes to hospital planning and decreases unnecessary bed transfers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Tanaka
- Department of Nursing Administration, Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Kunie
- Department of Nursing Administration, School of Nursing, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukie Takemura
- Department of Nursing Administration, Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoko Ichikawa
- Department of Nursing Administration, Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryohei Kida
- Department of Nursing Administration, Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Boncea EE, Expert P, Honeyford K, Kinderlerer A, Mitchell C, Cooke GS, Mercuri L, Costelloe CE. Association between intrahospital transfer and hospital-acquired infection in the elderly: a retrospective case-control study in a UK hospital network. BMJ Qual Saf 2021; 30:457-466. [PMID: 33495288 PMCID: PMC8142451 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2020-012124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Intrahospital transfers have become more common as hospital staff balance patient needs with bed availability. However, this may leave patients more vulnerable to potential pathogen transmission routes via increased exposure to contaminated surfaces and contacts with individuals. Objective This study aimed to quantify the association between the number of intrahospital transfers undergone during a hospital spell and the development of a hospital-acquired infection (HAI). Methods A retrospective case–control study was conducted using data extracted from electronic health records and microbiology cultures of non-elective, medical admissions to a large urban hospital network which consists of three hospital sites between 2015 and 2018 (n=24 240). As elderly patients comprise a large proportion of hospital users and are a high-risk population for HAIs, the analysis focused on those aged 65 years or over. Logistic regression was conducted to obtain the OR for developing an HAI as a function of intrahospital transfers until onset of HAI for cases, or hospital discharge for controls, while controlling for age, gender, time at risk, Elixhauser comorbidities, hospital site of admission, specialty of the dominant healthcare professional providing care, intensive care admission, total number of procedures and discharge destination. Results Of the 24 240 spells, 2877 cases were included in the analysis. 72.2% of spells contained at least one intrahospital transfer. On multivariable analysis, each additional intrahospital transfer increased the odds of acquiring an HAI by 9% (OR=1.09; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.13). Conclusion Intrahospital transfers are associated with increased odds of developing an HAI. Strategies for minimising intrahospital transfers should be considered, and further research is needed to identify unnecessary transfers. Their reduction may diminish spread of contagious pathogens in the hospital environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Estera Boncea
- Global Digital Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Expert
- Global Digital Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Tokyo Tech World Research Hub Initiative, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kate Honeyford
- Global Digital Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anne Kinderlerer
- St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Colin Mitchell
- St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Graham S Cooke
- Infectious Diseases Section, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Luca Mercuri
- Information Communications and Technology Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Céire E Costelloe
- Global Digital Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Escobar D, Pegues D. Healthcare-associated infections: where we came from and where we are headed. BMJ Qual Saf 2021; 30:440-443. [PMID: 33419785 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2020-012582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Escobar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA .,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Pegues
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Healthcare Epidemiology, Infection Prevention and Control, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ingraham A, Reinke CE. Optimizing Safety for Surgical Patients Undergoing Interhospital Transfer. Surg Clin North Am 2020; 101:57-69. [PMID: 33212080 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Interhospital transfers play a key role in ensuring that patients receive necessary care. However, patients who are transferred between hospitals are a vulnerable population, and outcomes of transferred patients are suboptimal. Despite the critical nature of interhospital transfers, only limited effort has been dedicated to standardization and improvement of the transfer process. Studying and adapting quality improvement efforts directed at other transitions of care, particularly those that cross between different facilities and care teams "such as the transition from hospital to home or extended care facilities" may improve the care of surgical patients transferred between acute care institutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ingraham
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, G5/342 CSC, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA. https://twitter.com/AngieIngrahamMD
| | - Caroline E Reinke
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Atrium Health, 1025 Morehead Medical Drive, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA.
| |
Collapse
|