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Lilly K, Proudlove N, Bethune C. Successful demand management in diagnostic immunology testing. J Clin Pathol 2024; 77:266-277. [PMID: 36535742 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2022-208334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We investigated whether we could have a material and sustained impact on immunology test ordering by primary care clinicians by building evidence-based and explanatory algorithms into test ordering software. METHODS A service evaluation revealed cases of over-requesting of antinuclear antibody, allergen-specific IgE and total IgE tests, and under-requesting of urine protein electrophoresis. We conducted a quality improvement programme to address this. We determined the most effective and efficient intervention would be to embed evidence-based and advice-based decision-support algorithms in the ordering software. Consultation with general practitioners revealed lack of knowledge and confidence about testing, and an appetite for support. We iteratively designed and implemented algorithms for the four sets of tests for the primary care practices in our catchment and made them available to other hospital trusts in our region. The ordering system now contains links to advice sheets for clinicians and their patients and to an email address for queries to the lab. RESULTS We observe large (36% to 88%) reductions in testing activity (workload) for the over-requested tests and large (28%-135%) increases for the under-requested test. We show that these changes are sustained. There have been no complaints from the clinicians and queries to the lab are now minimal (less than one per month on average). CONCLUSIONS Embedding algorithms in the ordering software can be acceptable to clinicians and have a major and sustained impact on overuse or underuse of tests. The algorithms can be replicated by other hospital trusts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Lilly
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - Nathan Proudlove
- Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Claire Bethune
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
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Mathura P, Marini S, Hagtvedt R, Spalding K, Duhn L, Kassam N, Medves J. Factors of a physician quality improvement leadership coalition that influence physician behaviour: a mixed methods study. BMJ Open Qual 2023; 12:e002016. [PMID: 37290908 PMCID: PMC10255283 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2022-002016] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A coalition (Strategic Clinical Improvement Committee), with a mandate to promote physician quality improvement (QI) involvement, identified hospital laboratory test overuse as a priority. The coalition developed and supported the spread of a multicomponent initiative about reducing repetitive laboratory testing and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ordering across one Canadian province. This study's purpose was to identify coalition factors enabling medicine and emergency department (ED) physicians to lead, participate and influence appropriate BUN test ordering. METHODS Using sequential explanatory mixed methods, intervention components were grouped as person focused or system focused. Quantitative phase/analyses included: monthly total and average of the BUN test for six hospitals (medicine programme and two EDs) were compared pre initiative and post initiative; a cost avoidance calculation and an interrupted time series analysis were performed (participants were divided into two groups: high (>50%) and low (<50%) BUN test reduction based on these findings). Qualitative phase/analyses included: structured virtual interviews with 12 physicians/participants; a content analysis aligned to the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Behaviour Change Wheel. Quotes from participants representing high and low groups were integrated into a joint display. RESULTS Monthly BUN test ordering was significantly reduced in 5 of 6 participating hospital medicine programmes and in both EDs (33% to 76%), resulting in monthly cost avoidance (CAN$900-CAN$7285). Physicians had similar perceptions of the coalition's characteristics enabling their QI involvement and the factors influencing BUN test reduction. CONCLUSIONS To enable physician confidence to lead and participate, the coalition used the following: a simply designed QI initiative, partnership with a coalition physician leader and/or member; credibility and mentorship; support personnel; QI education and hands-on training; minimal physician effort; and no clinical workflow disruption. Implementing person-focused and system-focused intervention components, and communication from a trusted local physician-who shared data, physician QI initiative role/contribution and responsibility, best practices, and past project successes-were factors influencing appropriate BUN test ordering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Mathura
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton Zone Medicine, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sandra Marini
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Reidar Hagtvedt
- Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karen Spalding
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lenora Duhn
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Narmin Kassam
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jennifer Medves
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Jasaui Y, Mortazhejri S, Dowling S, Duquette D, L’Heureux G, Linklater S, Mrklas KJ, Wilkinson G, Beesoon S, Patey AM, Ruzycki SM, Grimshaw JM. Beyond guideline knowledge: a theory-based qualitative study of low-value preoperative testing. Perioper Med (Lond) 2023; 12:3. [PMID: 36864470 PMCID: PMC9979452 DOI: 10.1186/s13741-023-00292-5] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Choosing Wisely Canada and most major anesthesia and preoperative guidelines recommend against obtaining preoperative tests before low-risk procedures. However, these recommendations alone have not reduced low-value test ordering. In this study, the theoretical domains framework (TDF) was used to understand the drivers of preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest X-ray (CXR) ordering for patients undergoing low-risk surgery ('low-value preoperative testing') among anesthesiologists, internal medicine specialists, nurses, and surgeons. METHODS Using snowball sampling, preoperative clinicians working in a single health system in Canada were recruited for semi-structured interviews about low-value preoperative testing. The interview guide was developed using the TDF to identify the factors that influence preoperative ECG and CXR ordering. Interview content was deductively coded using TDF domains and specific beliefs were identified by grouping similar utterances. Domain relevance was established based on belief statement frequency, presence of conflicting beliefs, and perceived influence over preoperative test ordering practices. RESULTS Sixteen clinicians (7 anesthesiologists, 4 internists, 1 nurse, and 4 surgeons) participated. Eight of the 12 TDF domains were identified as the drivers of preoperative test ordering. While most participants agreed that the guidelines were helpful, they also expressed distrust in the evidence behind them (knowledge). Both a lack of clarity about the responsibilities of the specialties involved in the preoperative process and the ease by which any clinician could order, but not cancel tests, were drivers of low-value preoperative test ordering (social/professional role and identity, social influences, belief about capabilities). Additionally, low-value tests could also be ordered by nurses or the surgeon and may be completed before the anesthesia or internal medicine preoperative assessment appointment (environmental context and resources, beliefs about capabilities). Finally, while participants agreed that they did not intend to routinely order low-value tests and understood that these would not benefit patient outcomes, they also reported ordering tests to prevent surgery cancellations and problems during surgery (motivation and goals, beliefs about consequences, social influences). CONCLUSIONS We identified key factors that anesthesiologists, internists, nurses, and surgeons believe influence preoperative test ordering for patients undergoing low-risk surgeries. These beliefs highlight the need to shift away from knowledge-based interventions and focus instead on understanding local drivers of behaviour and target change at the individual, team, and institutional levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamile Jasaui
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Continuing Medical Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sameh Mortazhejri
- grid.412687.e0000 0000 9606 5108Centre for Implementation Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON Canada ,grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Shawn Dowling
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - D’Arcy Duquette
- Patient Partner, De-Implementing Wisely Research Group, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Geralyn L’Heureux
- Patient Partner, De-Implementing Wisely Research Group, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Stefanie Linklater
- grid.412687.e0000 0000 9606 5108Centre for Implementation Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Kelly J. Mrklas
- grid.413574.00000 0001 0693 8815Strategic Clinical Networks, Provincial Clinical Excellence, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Gloria Wilkinson
- Patient Partner, De-Implementing Wisely Research Group, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sanjay Beesoon
- grid.413574.00000 0001 0693 8815Surgery Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Andrea M. Patey
- grid.412687.e0000 0000 9606 5108Centre for Implementation Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Shannon M. Ruzycki
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XFaculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeremy M. Grimshaw
- grid.412687.e0000 0000 9606 5108Centre for Implementation Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON Canada ,grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
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Mathura P, Marini S, Spalding K, Duhn L, Kassam N, Medves J. Characteristics promoting behaviour change: physician experience with a coalition-led quality improvement initiative to reduce excessive laboratory test ordering. BMJ Open Qual 2023; 12:bmjoq-2022-001965. [PMID: 36627141 PMCID: PMC9835945 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2022-001965] [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: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attempts have been made to reduce excessive laboratory test ordering; however, the problem persists and barriers to physician involvement in quality improvement (QI) remain. We sought to understand physician participation experience following a laboratory test overuse initiative supported by a QI coalition. METHODS As part of a larger mixed-methods study, structured virtual interviews were conducted with 12 physicians. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Behavioural Change Wheel (BCW) were used to identify characteristics that influence physician behaviour change for QI leadership and participation and appropriate blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test ordering. A content analysis of physicians' statements to the TDF was performed, resulting in overarching themes; relevant TDF domains were mapped to the intervention functions of the BCW. RESULTS Nine overarching themes emerged from the data. Eight of 14 TDF domains influence QI leadership and participation, and 10 influence appropriate BUN-test ordering behaviours. The characteristics participants described that promoted a change in their QI participation, leadership and appropriate BUN-test ordering were: QI education with hands-on training; physician peer mentorship/support; personnel assistance (QI and analytics) and communication from a trusted/credible physician leader who shares data and insights about the physician role in the initiative, clinical best practice and past project success. Other elements included: a simply designed initiative requiring minimal effort and no clinical workflow disruptions; revised order forms/panels and limiting test-order frequency when laboratory tests are normal. Additionally, various future intervention strategies were identified. For their initial initiative participation, physicians acknowledged coalition leader or member credibility was more important than awareness of the coalition. CONCLUSIONS Based on physicians' described perceptions and experiences, coalition characteristics that influenced their QI leadership and participation, and appropriate BUN-test ordering behaviours were revealed; these characteristics aligned to several TDF domains. The findings suggest that these behaviours are multidimensional, requiring a multistrategy approach to change behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Mathura
- Medicine, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sandra Marini
- Medicine, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karen Spalding
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lenora Duhn
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Narmin Kassam
- Medicine, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jennifer Medves
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Ghuman AS, Mathura P, Yu JC. Stopping routine urine screening studies for stroke rehabilitation inpatient admissions. BMJ Open Qual 2022; 11:bmjoq-2022-002052. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2022-002052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Urine testing on asymptomatic patients is not aligned with guidelines; however, stroke survivors have trouble communicating symptoms, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a recognised poststroke complication. All stroke inpatients at a tertiary rehabilitation hospital underwent urine testing on admission. We led a quality improvement (QI) project on one stroke rehabilitation unit aimed to reduce admission urine testing from 100% to 0%. Baseline audit representing 2 weeks of admissions identified 27 of 28 patients had urine tests; however, none required UTI treatment despite 3 positive culture results. Estimated cost of testing was $C675. QI tools identified that a standardised paper-based admission form facilitated automatic urine testing. Project intervention strategies included education, clinicians crossing off urine orders and unit clerks flagging unaddressed orders for reassessment. A chart audit after 4 weeks and prescriber survey after 6 months assessed impact. Postintervention audit (n=23) revealed 1 patient had admission urine tests, 22 orders were crossed out, 1 chart was flagged and estimated testing cost declined from $C675 to $C25. Six urine tests were completed after admission and two patients required UTI treatment. Post 6 months, unit clerks assumed the role to cross out the order on the standardised form, and no patient had routine admission urine testing. There was no clinical benefit in screening for UTIs prior to stroke rehabilitation. This project is a practical example of deadopting a practice promoted by standardised order forms.
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Ambasta A. Ten Years Since the Choosing Wisely Campaign: Are We Ordering Laboratory Tests More Wisely in Our Hospitalized Patients? Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2022; 48:500-502. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Mathura P, Boettger C, Hagtvedt R, Sweeney C, Williams S, Suranyi Y, Kassam N, Gill M. Reduction of urea test ordering in the emergency department: multicomponent intervention including education, electronic ordering, and data feedback. CAN J EMERG MED 2022; 24:636-640. [PMID: 35857240 PMCID: PMC9297275 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-022-00333-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction In the emergency department (ED), laboratory testing accounts for a significant portion of the medical assessment. Although excess laboratory test ordering has been proven to be prevalent, different types of interventions have been used to encourage a behavioural change in how physicians order tests. In one western Canadian hospital medicine program, a quality improvement project aimed to reduce the total monthly blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test ordered by physicians was found to be successful. The objective of this project was to evaluate a similar multicomponent intervention aimed at ED physician ordering, with the primary goal of reducing the number of monthly BUN tests ordered per ED visit. Methods A pre post intervention design was conducted over 12-months. The first intervention component was an educational presentation conducted by physician leaders. Second, a regularly used order panel within the ED electronic order system was modified, removing the BUN test. The third component involved audit and feedback; the total monthly BUN test ordered for the ED department post intervention start was shared with all ED physicians twice (at 5 and 12 months).An interrupted time series analysis was completed to evaluate the multicomponent intervention effect. Results The total monthly ordered BUN test declined from an average of 1905 pre-intervention to 448 post-intervention, and the total monthly BUN test to total ED visit ratio declined from 0.46 to 0.1. These results were a statistically significant reduction in physician BUN test ordering. Conclusions Targeted education, order panel design and data feedback interventions can impact physician ordering behaviour in the emergent healthcare context, where diagnostic tests are often over used. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43678-022-00333-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Mathura
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Cole Boettger
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Reidar Hagtvedt
- University of Alberta, Alberta School of Business, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Colleen Sweeney
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Covenant Health, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Stephen Williams
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Narmin Kassam
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Manpreet Gill
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Covenant Health, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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