The association between implementation of multidisciplinary rounds and clinical outcomes

The Nurses' Role in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team: Data From the Perfect-CR Study

BACKGROUND

Nurses constitute a central profession in the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) team delivering comprehensive CR to individuals with cardiovascular disease. We aimed to identify specific components reflecting the nurses' role in the CR team associated with attainment of risk factor targets post myocardial infarction.

METHODS

Center-level data (n = 78) was used from the Perfect-CR study, in which structure and processes applied at CR centers in Sweden (including details on the nurses' role) were surveyed. Patient-level data (n = 6755) was retrieved from the SWEDEHEART registry. Associations between structure/processes and target achievement for systolic blood pressure (BP) (<140 mm Hg) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, <1.8 mmol/L) at 1 year post myocardial infarction were assessed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Structure and processes reflecting nurses' autonomy and role in the CR team associated with patients achieving systolic BP and/or LDL-C targets included the following: nurses having treatment algorithms to adjust BP medication (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: systolic BP, 1.22 [1.05-1.42]; LDL-C, 1.17 [1.03-1.34]) and lipid-lowering medication (systolic BP, 1.14 [1.00-1.29]; LDL-C, 1.17 [1.05-1.30]), patients having the same nurse throughout follow-up (systolic BP, 1.07 [1.03-1.11]; LDL-C, 1.10 [1.06-1.14]), number of follow-up hours with a nurse (systolic BP, 1.13 [1.07-1.19]), having regular case rounds to discuss patient cases during follow-up (LDL-C, 1.22 [1.09-1.35]), and nurses having training in counseling methods (systolic BP, 1.06 [1.03-1.10]).

CONCLUSION

Components reflecting CR nurses' autonomy and role in the team are of importance for patients attaining risk factor targets post myocardial infarction. The results could provide guidance for optimizing nurses' competence and responsibilities within the CR team to improve patient care.

Social Determinants of Health and Associations With Outcomes in Pediatric Patients With Brain Tumors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are nonmedical factors that affect health outcomes. Limited investigation has been completed on the potential association of these factors to adverse outcomes in pediatric populations. In this study, the authors aimed to analyze the effects of SDOH disparities and their relationship with outcomes after brain tumor resection or biopsy in children.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of their center's pediatric patients with brain tumor. Black race, public insurance, median household income, and distance to hospital were the investigated SDOH factors. Univariate analysis was completed between number of SDOH factors and patient demographics. Multivariate linear regression models were created to identify coassociated determinants and outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 272 patients were identified and included in the final analysis. Among these patients, 81 (29.8%) had no SDOH disparities, 103 (37.9%) had 1, 71 (26.1%) had 2, and 17 (6.2%) had 3. An increased number of SDOH disparities was associated with increased percentage of missed appointments ( P = .002) and emergency room visits ( P = .004). Univariate analysis demonstrated increased missed appointments ( P = .01), number of postoperative imaging ( P = .005), and number of emergency room visits ( P = .003). In multivariate analysis, decreased median household income was independently associated with increased length of hospital stay ( P = .02).

CONCLUSION

The SDOH disparities are prevalent and impactful in this vulnerable population. This study demonstrates the need for a shift in research focus toward identifying the full extent of the impact of these factors on postoperative outcomes in pediatric patients with brain tumor.

Synergistic strategies: Optimizing outcomes through a multidisciplinary approach to clinical rounds

Multidisciplinary rounds (MDR) constitute a patient-centered care model wherein professionals from diverse disciplines collaborate in real time to provide specialized expertise. The MDR team, encompassing care partners, hospitalists, nurses, pharmacists, and more, employs a collaborative approach that optimizes patient care through shared goals, electronic record access, regular reviews, and patient involvement. MDRs have evolved to reduce patient mortality, complications, length of stay, and readmissions, and they enhance patient satisfaction and utilization of ancillary services. Family engagement in MDRs further transforms relationships from adversarial to collaborative, leading to improved comprehension of treatment strategies and smoother navigation of challenging conversations. Despite challenges such as time constraints, limited patient coverage, and hierarchical barriers, MDRs are being increasingly conducted across healthcare settings, with positive outcomes.