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Dadlez NM, Le Clair AM, Wasima S, Mayer N, Harvey WF, Roberts K, Mazzullo J, Lominac E, Koethe BC, Weingart SN. Preventing lost-to-follow up diagnostic imaging in ambulatory care: evaluation of an electronic notification tool. BMJ Open Qual 2023; 12:e002334. [PMID: 37463784 PMCID: PMC10357715 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2023-002334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Missed or cancelled imaging tests may be invisible to the ordering clinician and result in diagnostic delay. We developed an outpatient results notification tool (ORNT) to alert physicians of patients' missed radiology studies. DESIGN Randomised controlled evaluation of a quality improvement intervention. SETTING 23 primary care and subspecialty ambulatory clinics at an urban academic medical centre. PARTICIPANTS 276 physicians randomised to intervention or usual care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE 90-day test completion of missed imaging tests. RESULTS We included 3675 radiology tests in our analysis: 1769 ordered in the intervention group and 1906 in the usual care group. A higher per cent of studies were completed for intervention compared with usual care groups in CT (20.7% vs 15.3%, p=0.06), general radiology (19.6% vs 12.0%, p=0.02) and, in aggregate, across all modalities (18.1% vs 16.1%, p=0.03). In the multivariable regression model adjusting for sex, age and insurance type and accounting for clustering with random effects at the level of the physician, the intervention group had a 36% greater odds of test completion than the usual care group (OR: 1.36 (1.097-1.682), p=0.005). In the Cox regression model, patients in the intervention group were 1.32 times more likely to complete their test in a timely fashion (HR: 1.32 (1.10-1.58), p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS An electronic alert that notified the responsible clinician of a missed imaging test ordered in an ambulatory clinic reduced the number of incomplete tests at 90 days. Further study of the obstacles to completing recommended diagnostic testing may allow for the development of better tools to support busy clinicians and their patients and reduce the risk of diagnostic delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina M Dadlez
- Department of Pediatrics, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy M Le Clair
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Syeda Wasima
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicole Mayer
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William F Harvey
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medicine, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kari Roberts
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John Mazzullo
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric Lominac
- Department of Informatics, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin C Koethe
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Saul N Weingart
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Roberts KE, Kher S, Garpestad E, Mohanty S, Davis M, Kumar A, Chweich H, Boucher HW, Poutsiaka DD, Weingart SN, Freund KM. Deploying the Physician Workforce During a Respiratory Pandemic: The Experience of an Academic Teaching Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Qual Manag Health Care 2022; 31:99-104. [PMID: 33914714 PMCID: PMC8963437 DOI: 10.1097/qmh.0000000000000321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kari E. Roberts
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, and Chweich), and Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease (Drs Boucher and Poutsiaka), Department of Medicine (Drs Mohanty, Davis, Kumar, Weingart and Freund), Boston, Massachusetts; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, Chweich, Boucher, Poutsiaka, Weingart, and Freund); Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (Dr Kumar); and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence (Dr Weingart)
| | - Sucharita Kher
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, and Chweich), and Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease (Drs Boucher and Poutsiaka), Department of Medicine (Drs Mohanty, Davis, Kumar, Weingart and Freund), Boston, Massachusetts; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, Chweich, Boucher, Poutsiaka, Weingart, and Freund); Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (Dr Kumar); and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence (Dr Weingart)
| | - Erik Garpestad
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, and Chweich), and Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease (Drs Boucher and Poutsiaka), Department of Medicine (Drs Mohanty, Davis, Kumar, Weingart and Freund), Boston, Massachusetts; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, Chweich, Boucher, Poutsiaka, Weingart, and Freund); Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (Dr Kumar); and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence (Dr Weingart)
| | - Sharanya Mohanty
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, and Chweich), and Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease (Drs Boucher and Poutsiaka), Department of Medicine (Drs Mohanty, Davis, Kumar, Weingart and Freund), Boston, Massachusetts; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, Chweich, Boucher, Poutsiaka, Weingart, and Freund); Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (Dr Kumar); and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence (Dr Weingart)
| | - Michael Davis
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, and Chweich), and Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease (Drs Boucher and Poutsiaka), Department of Medicine (Drs Mohanty, Davis, Kumar, Weingart and Freund), Boston, Massachusetts; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, Chweich, Boucher, Poutsiaka, Weingart, and Freund); Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (Dr Kumar); and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence (Dr Weingart)
| | - Anupama Kumar
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, and Chweich), and Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease (Drs Boucher and Poutsiaka), Department of Medicine (Drs Mohanty, Davis, Kumar, Weingart and Freund), Boston, Massachusetts; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, Chweich, Boucher, Poutsiaka, Weingart, and Freund); Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (Dr Kumar); and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence (Dr Weingart)
| | - Haval Chweich
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, and Chweich), and Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease (Drs Boucher and Poutsiaka), Department of Medicine (Drs Mohanty, Davis, Kumar, Weingart and Freund), Boston, Massachusetts; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, Chweich, Boucher, Poutsiaka, Weingart, and Freund); Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (Dr Kumar); and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence (Dr Weingart)
| | - Helen W. Boucher
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, and Chweich), and Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease (Drs Boucher and Poutsiaka), Department of Medicine (Drs Mohanty, Davis, Kumar, Weingart and Freund), Boston, Massachusetts; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, Chweich, Boucher, Poutsiaka, Weingart, and Freund); Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (Dr Kumar); and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence (Dr Weingart)
| | - Debra D. Poutsiaka
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, and Chweich), and Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease (Drs Boucher and Poutsiaka), Department of Medicine (Drs Mohanty, Davis, Kumar, Weingart and Freund), Boston, Massachusetts; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, Chweich, Boucher, Poutsiaka, Weingart, and Freund); Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (Dr Kumar); and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence (Dr Weingart)
| | - Saul N. Weingart
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, and Chweich), and Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease (Drs Boucher and Poutsiaka), Department of Medicine (Drs Mohanty, Davis, Kumar, Weingart and Freund), Boston, Massachusetts; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, Chweich, Boucher, Poutsiaka, Weingart, and Freund); Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (Dr Kumar); and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence (Dr Weingart)
| | - Karen M. Freund
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, and Chweich), and Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease (Drs Boucher and Poutsiaka), Department of Medicine (Drs Mohanty, Davis, Kumar, Weingart and Freund), Boston, Massachusetts; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (Drs Roberts, Kher, Garpestad, Chweich, Boucher, Poutsiaka, Weingart, and Freund); Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (Dr Kumar); and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence (Dr Weingart)
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Weingart SN, Atoria CL, Pfister D, Classen D, Killen A, Fortier E, Epstein AS, Anderson C, Lipitz-Snyderman A. Risk Factors for Adverse Events in Patients With Breast, Colorectal, and Lung Cancer. J Patient Saf 2021; 17:e701-e707. [PMID: 29419566 PMCID: PMC6078829 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000000474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to identify risk factors associated with medical errors and iatrogenic injuries during an initial course of cancer-directed treatment. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study of 400 patients 18 years or older undergoing an initial course of treatment for breast, colorectal, or lung cancer at a comprehensive cancer center, we abstracted patient, disease, and treatment-related variables from the electronic medical record. We examined adverse events (AEs) and preventable AEs by risk factor using the χ2 or Fisher exact tests. We estimated the association between risk factors and the relative risk of an additional AE or preventable AE in multivariable negative binomial regression models with backwards selection (P < 0.1). RESULTS There were 304 AEs affecting 136 patients (34%) and 97 preventable AEs affecting 53 patients (13%). In multivariable analyses, AEs were overrepresented in those with lung cancer compared with patients with breast cancer (incident rate ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.1-3.2). Nonwhite race (1.6, 1.0-2.6), Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (2.0, 0.9-4.1), advanced disease (1.7, 1.1-2.6), use of each additional class of high-risk nonchemotherapy medication (1.6, 1.3-1.9), and chemotherapy (2.1, 1.3-3.3) were all associated with risk of an additional AE. Preventable AEs were associated with lung cancer (7.4, 2.4-23.2), Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (5.5, 1.7-17.9), and high-risk nonchemotherapy medications (1.5, 1.2-2.0). CONCLUSIONS Risk factors for AEs among patients with cancer reflected patients' underlying disease, cancer-directed therapy, and high-risk noncancer medications. The association of AEs with ethnicity merits further research. Risk factor models could be used prospectively to identify patients with cancer at increased risk of harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N. Weingart
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine
| | - Coral L. Atoria
- Center for Health Policy and Outcomes, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
| | - David Pfister
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
| | - David Classen
- Pascal Metrics and University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Aileen Killen
- Department of Quality and Safety, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (at time of this study); AIG (present)
| | - Elizabeth Fortier
- Center for Health Policy and Outcomes, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
| | | | - Christopher Anderson
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (at time of this study); Department of Urology, Columbia University (present)
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4
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Wurcel AG, Yu S, Burke D, Lund A, Schelling K, Weingart SN, Freund KM. Implementation of a Patient-Provider Agreement to Improve Healthcare Delivery for Patients With Substance Use Disorder in the Inpatient Setting. J Patient Saf 2021; 17:e1827-e1832. [PMID: 32398540 PMCID: PMC7785299 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000000721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Inpatient healthcare delivery to people who use drugs is an opportunity to provide acute medical stabilization and offer treatment for underlying substance use disorder (SUD). The process of delivering quality healthcare to people with SUD can present challenges. METHODS We convened a group of stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities for improving healthcare safety and employee satisfaction when providing inpatient care to people with SUD. RESULTS We developed, implemented, and evaluated a "Pain and Addiction Agreement" tool, a document to guide discussions between providers and patients about expectations and policies for inpatient care. CONCLUSIONS In this article, we share our experience of working closely with stakeholders. We hope that our project can serve as a blueprint motivating other centers to pursue quality improvement initiatives to improve healthcare for people with SUD and support the people who take care of them in the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysse G. Wurcel
- From the Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center
| | - Sun Yu
- Tufts University School of Medicine
| | - Deirdre Burke
- From the Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center
| | | | - Kim Schelling
- Division of Internal Medicine and Adult Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Saul N. Weingart
- Division of Internal Medicine and Adult Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karen M. Freund
- Division of Internal Medicine and Adult Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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5
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Weingart SN, Coakley M, Yaghi O, Shayani A, Sweeney M. Teamwork Among Medicine House Staff During Work Rounds: Development of a Direct Observation Tool. J Patient Saf 2021; 17:e313-e320. [PMID: 30920432 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000000597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Teamwork is integral to effective health care but difficult to evaluate. Few tools have been tested outside of classroom or medical simulation settings. Accordingly, we aimed to develop and pilot test an easy-to-use direct observation instrument for measuring teamwork among medical house staff. METHODS We performed direct observations of 18 inpatient medicine house staff teams at a teaching hospital using an instrument constructed from existing teamwork tools, expert panel review, and pilot testing. We examined differences across teams using the Kruskal-Wallis statistic. We examined interrater reliability with the κ statistic, domain scales using Cronbach α, and construct validity using correlation and multivariable regression analyses of quality and utilization metrics. Observers rated team performance before and after providing feedback to 12 of the 18 team leaders and assessed changes in team performance using paired two-tailed t tests. RESULTS We found variation in team performance in the situation monitoring, mutual support, and communication domains. The instrument evidenced good interrater reliability among concurrent, independent observers (κ = 0.7, P < 0.001). It had satisfactory face validity based on expert panel review and the assessments of resident team leaders. Construct validity was supported by a positive correlation between team performance and the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems physician communication score (r = 0.6, P = 0.03). Providing resident physicians with information about their teams' performance was associated with improved mean performance in follow-up observations (3.6-3.8/4.0, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Direct observation of teamwork behaviors by medicine house staff on ward rounds is feasible and feedback may improve performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- From the Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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6
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Weingart SN. Recalculating Readmissions: A Work in Progress. Ann Intern Med 2021; 174:113-114. [PMID: 33045177 DOI: 10.7326/m20-6254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (S.N.W.)
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7
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Weingart SN, Yaghi O, Barnhart L, Kher S, Mazzullo J, Roberts K, Lominac E, Gittelson N, Argyris P, Harvey W. Preventing Diagnostic Errors in Ambulatory Care: An Electronic Notification Tool for Incomplete Radiology Tests. Appl Clin Inform 2020; 11:276-285. [PMID: 32294771 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1708530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Failure to complete recommended diagnostic tests may increase the risk of diagnostic errors. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate an electronic monitoring tool that notifies the responsible clinician of incomplete imaging tests for their ambulatory patients. METHODS A results notification workflow engine was created at an academic medical center. It identified future appointments for imaging studies and notified the ordering physician of incomplete tests by secure email. To assess the impact of the intervention, the project team surveyed participating physicians and measured test completion rates within 90 days of the scheduled appointment. Analyses compared test completion rates among patients of intervention and usual care clinicians at baseline and follow-up. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to control for secular trends and differences between cohorts. RESULTS A total of 725 patients of 16 intervention physicians had 1,016 delayed imaging studies; 2,023 patients of 42 usual care clinicians had 2,697 delayed studies. In the first month, physicians indicated in 23/30 cases that they were unaware of the missed test prior to notification. The 90-day test completion rate was lower in the usual care than intervention group in the 6-month baseline period (18.8 vs. 22.1%, p = 0.119). During the 12-month follow-up period, there was a significant improvement favoring the intervention group (20.9 vs. 25.5%, p = 0.027). The change was driven by improved completion rates among patients referred for mammography (21.0 vs. 30.1%, p = 0.003). Multivariate analyses showed no significant impact of the intervention. CONCLUSION There was a temporal association between email alerts to physicians about missed imaging tests and improved test completion at 90 days, although baseline differences in intervention and usual care groups limited the ability to draw definitive conclusions. Research is needed to understand the potential benefits and limitations of missed test notifications to reduce the risk of delayed diagnoses, particularly in vulnerable patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Omar Yaghi
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Liz Barnhart
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sucharita Kher
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - John Mazzullo
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Kari Roberts
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Eric Lominac
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | | | - Philip Argyris
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - William Harvey
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Weingart SN, Nelson J, Koethe B, Yaghi O, Dunning S, Feldman A, Kent D, Lipitz-Snyderman A. Association between cancer-specific adverse event triggers and mortality: A validation study. Cancer Med 2020; 9:4447-4459. [PMID: 32285614 PMCID: PMC7300390 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As there are few validated measures of patient safety in clinical oncology, creating an efficient measurement instrument would create significant value. Accordingly, we sought to assess the validity of a novel patient safety measure by examining the association of oncology‐specific triggers and mortality using administrative claims data. Methods We examined a retrospective cohort of 322 887 adult cancer patients enrolled in commercial or Medicare Advantage products for one year after an initial diagnosis of breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer in 2008‐2014. We used diagnosis and procedure codes to calculate the prevalence of 16 cancer‐specific "triggers"–events that signify a potential adverse event. We compared one‐year mortality rates among patients with and without triggers by cancer type and metastatic status using logistic regression models. Results Trigger events affected 19% of patients and were most common among patients with metastatic colorectal (41%) and lung (50%) cancers. There was increased one‐year mortality among patients with triggers compared to patients without triggers across all cancer types in unadjusted and multivariate analyses. The increased mortality rate among patients with trigger events was particularly striking for nonmetastatic prostate cancer (1.3% vs 7.5%, adjusted odds ratio 1.96 [95% CI 1.49‐2.57]) and nonmetastatic colorectal cancer (4.1% vs 11.7%, 1.44 [1.19‐1.75]). Conclusions The association between adverse event triggers and poor survival among a cohort of cancer patients supports the validity of a cancer‐specific, administrative claims‐based trigger tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,OptumLabs, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jason Nelson
- Predictive Analytics and Comparative Effectiveness Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin Koethe
- Predictive Analytics and Comparative Effectiveness Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - David Kent
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Predictive Analytics and Comparative Effectiveness Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Prentice JC, Bell SK, Thomas EJ, Schneider EC, Weingart SN, Weissman JS, Schlesinger MJ. Association of open communication and the emotional and behavioural impact of medical error on patients and families: state-wide cross-sectional survey. BMJ Qual Saf 2020; 29:883-894. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2019-010367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundHow openly healthcare providers communicate after a medical error may influence long-term impacts. We sought to understand whether greater open communication is associated with fewer persisting emotional impacts, healthcare avoidance and loss of trust.MethodsCross-sectional 2018 recontact survey assessing experience with medical error in a 2017 random digit dial survey of Massachusetts residents. Two hundred and fifty-three respondents self-reported medical error. Respondents were similar to non-respondents in sociodemographics confirming minimal response bias. Time since error was categorised as <1, 1–2 or 3–6 years before interview. Open communication was measured with six questions assessing different communication elements. Persistent impacts included emotional (eg, sadness, anger), healthcare avoidance (specific providers or all medical care) and loss of trust in healthcare. Logistic regressions examined the association between open communication and long-term impacts.ResultsOf respondents self-reporting a medical error 3–6 years ago, 51% reported at least one current emotional impact; 57% reported avoiding doctor/facilities involved in error; 67% reported loss of trust. Open communication varied: 34% reported no communication and 24% reported ≥5 elements. Controlling for error severity, respondents reporting the most open communication had significantly lower odds of persisting sadness (OR=0.17, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.60, p=0.006), depression (OR=0.16, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.77, p=0.022) or feeling abandoned/betrayed (OR=0.10, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.48, p=0.004) compared with respondents reporting no communication. Open communication significantly predicted less doctor/facility avoidance, but was not associated with medical care avoidance or healthcare trust.ConclusionsNegative emotional impacts from medical error can persist for years. Open communication is associated with reduced emotional impacts and decreased avoidance of doctors/facilities involved in the error. Communication and resolution programmes could facilitate transparent conversations and reduce some of the negative impacts of medical error.
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10
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Weingart SN, Nelson J, Koethe B, Yaghi O, Dunning S, Feldman A, Kent DM, Lipitz-Snyderman A. Developing a cancer-specific trigger tool to identify treatment-related adverse events using administrative data. Cancer Med 2020; 9:1462-1472. [PMID: 31899856 PMCID: PMC7013078 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As there are few validated tools to identify treatment‐related adverse events across cancer care settings, we sought to develop oncology‐specific “triggers” to flag potential adverse events among cancer patients using claims data. Methods 322 887 adult patients undergoing an initial course of cancer‐directed therapy for breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer from 2008 to 2014 were drawn from a large commercial claims database. We defined 16 oncology‐specific triggers using diagnosis and procedure codes. To distinguish treatment‐related complications from comorbidities, we required a logical and temporal relationship between a treatment and the associated trigger. We tabulated the prevalence of triggers by cancer type and metastatic status during 1‐year of follow‐up, and examined cancer trigger risk factors. Results Cancer‐specific trigger events affected 19% of patients over the initial treatment year. The trigger burden varied by disease and metastatic status, from 6% of patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer to 41% and 50% of those with metastatic colorectal and lung cancers, respectively. The most prevalent triggers were abnormal serum bicarbonate, blood transfusion, non‐contrast chest CT scan following radiation therapy, and hypoxemia. Among patients with metastatic disease, 10% had one trigger event and 29% had two or more. Triggers were more common among older patients, women, non‐whites, patients with low family incomes, and those without a college education. Conclusions Oncology‐specific triggers offer a promising method for identifying potential patient safety events among patients across cancer care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,OptumLabs, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jason Nelson
- Predictive Analytics and Comparative Effectiveness Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin Koethe
- Predictive Analytics and Comparative Effectiveness Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - David M Kent
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Predictive Analytics and Comparative Effectiveness Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Weingart SN, Koethe B, Nelson J, Yaghi O, Kent DM, Hassett MJ, Lipitz-Snyderman A. Developing a cancer-specific trigger tool to identify adverse events using administrative data. J Clin Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2019.37.27_suppl.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
238 Background: “Trigger tools” identify complications of care and potential patient safety hazards. However, attempts to create triggers that flag treatment-related complications in oncology have been largely unsuccessful. To address this problem, the authors built a set of claims-based oncology-specific triggers based on a promising pilot study conducted at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Methods: We selected subjects from the OptumLabs data warehouse, a repository of > 160 million de-identified patients drawn from commercial claims. The cohort included patients with breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer undergoing an initial course of cancer-directed therapy from 2008-14. Using ICD and CPT codes, we defined 16 oncology-specific triggers drawn from the pilot study, all with PPVs ≥50%. Triggers included events such as neutropenic fever, abnormal serum potassium or bicarbonate, and initiation of therapeutic anticoagulation. To distinguish treatment-related complications from other comorbidities, we required a logical and temporal relationship between a treatment and the associated trigger. We tabulated the prevalence of cancer triggers by cancer type and metastatic status during a one-year follow up period and created multivariate logistic regression models to examine the association of triggered cases with one-year mortality. Results: The cohort comprised 369,354 unique subjects including 29% with metastatic disease. The prevalence of triggered events was greatest among non-metastatic patients with lung (33%) and colorectal (21%) cancers, and among those with metastatic disease. The most common triggers included abnormal chemistry tests, blood transfusions, hypoxemia, and chest CT following radiation therapy. The mortality rate was substantially higher among patients with at least one trigger compared to patients with none. Experiencing at least one cancer-specific trigger increased the one-year risk of death by 1.69 (95% CI 1.28-2.24). Conclusions: Oncology-specific triggers provide researchers a promising method for studying patient safety in cancer care.
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12
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York JB, Cardoso MZ, Azuma DS, Beam KS, Binney GG, Weingart SN. Computerized Physician Order Entry in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Narrative Review. Appl Clin Inform 2019; 10:487-494. [PMID: 31269531 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1692475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) has grown since the early 1990s. While many systems serve adult patients, systems for pediatric and neonatal populations have lagged. Adapting adult CPOE systems for pediatric use may require significant modifications to address complexities associated with pediatric care such as daily weight changes and small medication doses. OBJECTIVE This article aims to review the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) CPOE literature to characterize trends in the introduction of this technology and to identify potential areas for further research. METHODS Articles pertaining to NICU CPOE were identified in MEDLINE using MeSH terms "medical order entry systems," "drug therapy," "intensive care unit, neonatal," "infant, newborn," etc. Two physician reviewers evaluated each article for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Consensus judgments were used to classify the articles into five categories: medication safety, usability/alerts, clinical practice, clinical decision Support (CDS), and implementation. Articles addressing pediatric (nonneonatal) CPOE were included if they were applicable to the NICU setting. RESULTS Sixty-nine articles were identified using MeSH search criteria. Twenty-two additional articles were identified by hand-searching bibliographies and 6 articles were added after the review process. Fifty-five articles met exclusion criteria, for a final set of 42 articles. Medication safety was the focus of 22 articles, followed by clinical practice (10), CDS (10), implementation (11), and usability/alerts (4). Several addressed more than one category. No study showed a decrease in medication safety post-CPOE implementation. Within clinical practice articles, CPOE implementation showed no effect on blood glucose levels or time to antibiotic administration but showed conflicting results on mortality rates. Implementation studies were largely descriptive of single-hospital experiences. CONCLUSION CPOE implementation within the NICU has demonstrated improvement in medication safety, with the most consistent benefit involving a reduction in medication errors and wrong-time administration errors. Additional research is needed to understand the potential limitations of CPOE systems in neonatal intensive care and how CPOE affects mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn B York
- Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Megan Z Cardoso
- Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Dara S Azuma
- Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Kristyn S Beam
- Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Geoffrey G Binney
- Department of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Saul N Weingart
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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13
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Weingart SN, Zhang L, Sweeney M, Hassett M. Chemotherapy medication errors. Lancet Oncol 2019; 19:e191-e199. [PMID: 29611527 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(18)30094-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although chemotherapy is a well established treatment modality, chemotherapy errors represent a potentially serious risk of patient harm. We reviewed published research from 1980 to 2017 to understand the extent and nature of medication errors in cancer chemotherapy, and to identify effective interventions to help prevent mistakes. Chemotherapy errors occur at a rate of about one to four per 1000 orders, affect at least 1-3% of adult and paediatric oncology patients, and occur at all stages of the medication use process. Oral chemotherapy use is a particular area of growing risk. Our knowledge of chemotherapy errors is drawn primarily from single-institution studies at university hospitals and referral centres, with a particular focus on prescription orders and pharmacy practices. Although the heterogeneity of research methods and measures used in these studies limits our understanding of this issue, the rate of chemotherapy error-related injuries is generally lower than those seen in comparable studies of general medical patients. Although many interventions show promise in reducing chemotherapy errors, most have little empirical support. Additional research is needed to understand and to mitigate the risk of chemotherapy medication errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan Sweeney
- Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Hassett
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Sweeney M, Paruchuri K, Weingart SN. Going Mobile: Resident Physicians' Assessment of the Impact of Tablet Computers on Clinical Tasks, Job Satisfaction, and Quality of Care. Appl Clin Inform 2018; 9:588-594. [PMID: 30089332 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1667121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few published studies of the use of portable or handheld computers in health care, but these devices have the potential to transform multiple aspects of clinical teaching and practice. OBJECTIVE This article assesses resident physicians' perceptions and experiences with tablet computers before and after the introduction of these devices. METHODS We surveyed 49 resident physicians from 8 neurology, surgery, and internal medicine clinical services before and after the introduction of tablet computers at a 415-bed Boston teaching hospital. The surveys queried respondents about their assessment of tablet computers, including the perceived impact of tablets on clinical tasks, job satisfaction, time spent at work, and quality of patient care. RESULTS Respondents reported that it was easier (73%) and faster (70%) to use a tablet computer than to search for an available desktop. Tablets were useful for reviewing data, writing notes, and entering orders. Respondents indicated that tablet computers increased their job satisfaction (84%), reduced the amount of time spent in the hospital (51%), and improved the quality of care (65%). CONCLUSION The introduction of tablet computers enhanced resident physicians' perceptions of efficiency, effectiveness, and job satisfaction. Investments in this technology are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Sweeney
- Department of Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Kaavya Paruchuri
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Saul N Weingart
- Department of Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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15
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Weingart SN, Yaghi O, Wetherell M, Sweeney M. Measuring Medical Housestaff Teamwork Performance Using Multiple Direct Observation Instruments: Comparing Apples and Apples. Acad Med 2018; 93:1064-1070. [PMID: 29642102 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000002238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the composition and concordance of existing instruments used to assess medical teams' performance. METHOD A trained observer joined 20 internal medicine housestaff teams for morning work rounds at Tufts Medical Center, a 415-bed Boston teaching hospital, from October through December 2015. The observer rated each team's performance using nine teamwork observation instruments that examined domains including team structure, leadership, situation monitoring, mutual support, and communication. Observations recorded on paper forms were stored electronically. Scores were normalized from 1 (low) to 5 (high) to account for different rating scales. Overall mean scores were calculated and graphed; weighted scores adjusted for the number of items in each teamwork domain. Teamwork scores were analyzed using t tests, pairwise correlations, and the Kruskal-Wallis statistic, and team performance was compared across instruments by domain. RESULTS The nine tools incorporated five major domains, with 5 to 35 items per instrument, for a total of 161 items per observation session. In weighted and unweighted analyses, the overall teamwork performance score for a given team on a given day varied by instrument. While all of the tools identified the same low outlier, high performers on some instruments were low performers on others. Inconsistent scores for a given team across instruments persisted in domain-level analyses. CONCLUSIONS There was substantial variation in the rating of individual teams assessed concurrently by a single observer using multiple instruments. Because existing teamwork observation tools do not yield concordant assessments, researchers should create better tools for measuring teamwork performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- S.N. Weingart is chief medical officer, Tufts Medical Center, and professor of medicine, public health, and community medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts. O. Yaghi is a research assistant, Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Department, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts. M. Wetherell is a fourth-year medical student, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts. M. Sweeney is a research assistant, Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Department, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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16
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Lipitz-Snyderman A, Pfister D, Classen D, Atoria CL, Killen A, Epstein AS, Anderson C, Fortier E, Weingart SN. Preventable and mitigable adverse events in cancer care: Measuring risk and harm across the continuum. Cancer 2017; 123:4728-4736. [PMID: 28817180 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient safety is a critical concern in clinical oncology, but the ability to measure adverse events (AEs) across cancer care is limited by a narrow focus on treatment-related toxicities. The objective of this study was to assess the nature and extent of AEs among cancer patients across inpatient and outpatient settings. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 400 adult patients selected by stratified random sampling who had breast (n = 128), colorectal (n = 136), or lung cancer (n = 136) treated at a comprehensive cancer center in 2012. Candidate AEs, or injuries due to medical care, were identified by trained nurse reviewers over the course of 1 year from medical records and safety-reporting databases. Physicians determined the AE harm severity and the likelihood of preventability and harm mitigation. RESULTS The 400-patient sample represented 133,358 days of follow-up. Three hundred four AEs were identified for an overall rate of 2.3 events per 1000 patient days (91.2 per 1000 inpatient days and 0.9 per 1000 outpatient days). Thirty-four percent of the patients had 1 or more AEs (95% confidence interval, 29%-39%), and 16% of the patients had 1 or more preventable or mitigable AEs (95% confidence interval, 13%-20%). The AE rate for patients with breast cancer was lower than the rate for patients with colorectal or lung cancer (P ≤ .001). The preventable or mitigable AE rate was 0.9 per 1000 patient days. Six percent of AEs and 4% of preventable AEs resulted in serious harm. Examples included lymphedema, abscess, and renal failure. CONCLUSIONS A heavy burden of AEs, including preventable or mitigable events, has been identified. Future research should examine risk factors and improvement strategies for reducing their burden. Cancer 2017;123:4728-4736. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Pfister
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David Classen
- Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC.,University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Coral L Atoria
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Aileen Killen
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | | | | | - Saul N Weingart
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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17
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Lipitz-Snyderman A, Kale M, Robbins L, Pfister D, Fortier E, Pocus V, Chimonas S, Weingart SN. Peers without fears? Barriers to effective communication among primary care physicians and oncologists about diagnostic delays in cancer. BMJ Qual Saf 2017; 26:892-898. [PMID: 28655713 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2016-006181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Relatively little attention has been devoted to the role of communication between physicians as a mechanism for individual and organisational learning about diagnostic delays. This study's objective was to elicit physicians' perceptions about and experiences with communication among physicians regarding diagnostic delays in cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS Qualitative analysis based on seven focus groups. Fifty-one physicians affiliated with three New York-based academic medical centres participated, with six to nine subjects per group. We used content analysis to identify commonalities among primary care physicians and specialists (ie, medical and surgical oncologists). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Perceptions and experiences with physician-to-physician communication about delays in cancer diagnosis. RESULTS Our analysis identified five major themes: openness to communication, benefits of communication, fears about giving and receiving feedback, infrastructure barriers to communication and overcoming barriers to communication. Subjects valued communication about cancer diagnostic delays, but they had many concerns and fears about providing and receiving feedback in practice. Subjects expressed reluctance to communicate if there was insufficient information to attribute responsibility, if it would have no direct benefit or if it would jeopardise their existing relationships. They supported sensitive approaches to conveying information, as they feared eliciting or being subject to feelings of incompetence or shame. Subjects also cited organisational barriers. They offered suggestions that might facilitate communication about delays. CONCLUSIONS Addressing the barriers to communication among physicians about diagnostic delays is needed to promote a culture of learning across specialties and institutions. Supporting open and honest discussions about diagnostic delays may help build safer health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Lipitz-Snyderman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Minal Kale
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of General Internal Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura Robbins
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Research Division, New York, New York, USA
| | - David Pfister
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth Fortier
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Valerie Pocus
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Susan Chimonas
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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18
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Schneider EC, Ridgely MS, Quigley DD, Hunter LE, Leuschner KJ, Weingart SN, Weissman JS, Zimmer KP, Giannini RC. Developing and Testing the Health Care Safety Hotline: A Prototype Consumer Reporting System for Patient Safety Events. Rand Health Q 2017; 6:1. [PMID: 28845353 PMCID: PMC5568146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This article describes the design, development, and testing of the Health Care Safety Hotline, a prototype consumer reporting system for patient safety events. The prototype was designed and developed with ongoing review by a technical expert panel and feedback obtained during a public comment period. Two health care delivery organizations in one metropolitan area collaborated with the researchers to demonstrate and evaluate the system. The prototype was deployed and elicited information from patients, family members, and caregivers through a website or an 800 phone number. The reports were considered useful and had little overlap with information received by the health care organizations through their usual risk management, customer service, and patient safety monitoring systems. However, the frequency of reporting was lower than anticipated, suggesting that further refinements, including efforts to raise awareness by actively soliciting reports from subjects, might be necessary to substantially increase the volume of useful reports. It is possible that a single technology platform could be built to meet a variety of different patient safety objectives, but it may not be possible to achieve several objectives simultaneously through a single consumer reporting system while also establishing trust with patients, caregivers, and providers.
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19
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Weingart SN, Weissman JS, Zimmer KP, Giannini RC, Quigley DD, Hunter LE, Ridgely MS, Schneider EC. Implementation and evaluation of a prototype consumer reporting system for patient safety events. Int J Qual Health Care 2017; 29:521-526. [DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzx060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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20
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Beam KS, Cardoso M, Sweeney M, Binney G, Weingart SN. Examining Perceptions of Computerized Physician Order Entry in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Appl Clin Inform 2017; 8:337-347. [PMID: 28378024 PMCID: PMC6241742 DOI: 10.4338/aci-2016-09-ra-0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) is a technology with potential to transform care delivery. While CPOE systems have been studied in adult populations, less is known about the implementation of CPOE in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and perceptions of nurses and physicians using the system. OBJECTIVE To examine perceptions of clinicians before and after CPOE implementation in the NICU of a pediatric hospital. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of clinicians working in a Level III NICU was conducted. The survey was distributed before and after CPOE implementation. Participants were asked about their perception of CPOE on patient care delivery, implementation of the system, and effect on job satisfaction. A qualitative section inquired about additional concerns surrounding implementation. Responses were tabulated and analyzed using the Chi-square test. RESULTS The survey was distributed to 158 clinicians with a 47% response rate for pre-implementation and 45% for post-implementation. Clinicians understood why CPOE was implemented, but felt there was incomplete technical training. The expectation for increased job satisfaction and ability to recruit high-quality staff was high. However, there was concern about the ability to deliver appropriate treatments before and after implementation. Physicians were more optimistic about CPOE implementation than nurses who remained concerned that workflow may be altered. CONCLUSIONS Introducing CPOE is a potentially risky endeavor and must be done carefully to mitigate harm. Although high expectations of the system can be met, it is important to attend to differing expectations among clinicians with varied levels of comfort with technology. Interdisciplinary collaboration is critical in planning a functioning CPOE to ensure that efficient workflow is maintained and appropriate supports for individuals with a lower degree of technical literacy is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristyn S Beam
- Kristyn Beam, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, Phone: 704.699.4744,
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21
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Weingart SN, Stoffel EM, Chung DC, Sequist TD, Lederman RI, Pelletier SR, Shields HM. Working up rectal bleeding in adult primary care practices. J Eval Clin Pract 2017; 23:279-287. [PMID: 27436515 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Variation in the workup of rectal bleeding may result in guideline-discordant care and delayed diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Accordingly, we undertook this study to characterize primary care clinicians' initial rectal bleeding evaluation. METHODS We studied 438 patients at 10 adult primary care practices affiliated with three Boston, Massachusetts, academic medical centres and a multispecialty group practice, performing medical record reviews of subjects with visit codes for rectal bleeding, haemorrhoids or bloody stool. Nurse reviewers abstracted patients' sociodemographic characteristics, rectal bleeding-related symptoms and components of the rectal bleeding workup. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models examined factors associated with guideline-discordant workups. RESULTS Clinicians documented a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps at the index visit in 27% of cases and failed to document an abdominal or rectal examination in 21% and 29%. Failure to order imaging or a diagnostic procedure occurred in 32% of cases and was the only component of the workup associated with guideline-discordant care, which occurred in 27% of cases. Compared with patients at hospital-based teaching sites, patients at urban clinics or community health centres had 2.9 (95% confidence interval 1.3-6.3) times the odds of having had an incomplete workup. Network affiliation was also associated with guideline concordance. CONCLUSION Workup of rectal bleeding was inconsistent, incomplete and discordant with guidelines in one-quarter of cases. Research and improvements strategies are needed to understand and manage practice and provider variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Daniel C Chung
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas D Sequist
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Partners Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruth I Lederman
- Survey and Data Management Core, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Helen M Shields
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Medical Communications, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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Lipitz-Snyderman A, Classen D, Pfister D, Killen A, Atoria CL, Fortier E, Epstein AS, Anderson C, Weingart SN. Performance of a Trigger Tool for Identifying Adverse Events in Oncology. J Oncol Pract 2017; 13:e223-e230. [PMID: 28095173 DOI: 10.1200/jop.2016.016634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although patient safety is a priority in oncology, few tools measure adverse events (AEs) beyond treatment-related toxicities. The study objective was to assemble a set of clinical triggers in the medical record and assess the extent to which triggered events identified AEs. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study to assess the performance of an oncology medical record screening tool at a comprehensive cancer center. The study cohort included 400 patients age 18 years or older diagnosed with breast (n = 128), colorectal (n = 136), or lung cancer (n = 136), observed as in- and outpatients for up to 1 year. RESULTS We identified 790 triggers, or 1.98 triggers per patient (range, zero to 18 triggers). Three hundred four unique AEs were identified from medical record reviews and existing AE databases. The overall positive predictive value (PPV) of the original tool was 0.40 for total AEs and 0.15 for preventable or mitigable AEs. Examples of high-performing triggers included return to the operating room or interventional radiology within 30 days of surgery (PPV, 0.88 and 0.38 for total and preventable or mitigable AEs, respectively) and elevated blood glucose (> 250 mg/dL; PPV, 0.47 and 0.40 for total and preventable or mitigable AEs, respectively). The final modified tool included 49 triggers, with an overall PPV of 0.48 for total AEs and 0.18 for preventable or mitigable AEs. CONCLUSION A valid medical record screening tool for AEs in oncology could offer a powerful new method for measuring and improving cancer care quality. Future improvements could optimize the tool's efficiency and create automated electronic triggers for use in real-time AE detection and mitigation algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Lipitz-Snyderman
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University; AIG, New York, NY; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - David Classen
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University; AIG, New York, NY; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - David Pfister
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University; AIG, New York, NY; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Aileen Killen
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University; AIG, New York, NY; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Coral L Atoria
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University; AIG, New York, NY; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Elizabeth Fortier
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University; AIG, New York, NY; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Andrew S Epstein
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University; AIG, New York, NY; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Christopher Anderson
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University; AIG, New York, NY; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Saul N Weingart
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University; AIG, New York, NY; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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23
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Lipitz-Snyderman A, Weingart SN, Anderson C, Epstein AS, Killen A, Classen D, Sima CS, Fortier E, Atoria CL, Pfister D, Lipitz-Snyderman A, Weingart SN, Anderson C, Epstein AS, Killen A, Classen D, Sima CS, Fortier E, Atoria CL, Pfister D. ReCAP: Detection of Potentially Avoidable Harm in Oncology From Patient Medical Records. J Oncol Pract 2016; 12:178-9; e224-30. [PMID: 26869656 DOI: 10.1200/jop.2015.006874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Widespread consensus exists about the importance of addressing patient safety issues in oncology, yet our understanding of the frequency, spectrum, and preventability of adverse events (AEs) across cancer care is limited. METHODS We developed a screening tool to detect AEs across cancer care settings through medical record review. Members of the study team reviewed the scientific literature and obtained structured input from an external multidisciplinary panel of clinicians by using a modified Delphi process. RESULTS The screening tool comprises 76 triggers-readily identifiable findings to screen for possible AEs that occur during cancer care. Categories of triggers are general care, vital signs, medication related, laboratory tests, other orders, and consultations. CONCLUSION Although additional testing is required to assess its performance characteristics, this tool may offer an efficient mechanism for identifying possibly preventable AEs in oncology and serve as an instrument for quality improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Lipitz-Snyderman
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Saul N Weingart
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Christopher Anderson
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Andrew S Epstein
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Aileen Killen
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - David Classen
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Camelia S Sima
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Elizabeth Fortier
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Coral L Atoria
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - David Pfister
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Allison Lipitz-Snyderman
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA.
| | - Saul N Weingart
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Christopher Anderson
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Andrew S Epstein
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Aileen Killen
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - David Classen
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Camelia S Sima
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Elizabeth Fortier
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - Coral L Atoria
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
| | - David Pfister
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; AIG, New York, NY; Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA; Pascal Metrics, Washington, DC; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and Genentech, San Francisco, CA
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Weingart SN, Stoffel EM, Chung DC, Sequist TD, Lederman RI, Pelletier SR, Shields HM. Delayed Workup of Rectal Bleeding in Adult Primary Care: Examining Process-of-Care Failures. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2016; 43:32-40. [PMID: 28334584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although delayed colorectal cancer diagnoses figure prominently in medical malpractice claims, little is known about the quality of primary care clinicians' workup of rectal bleeding. METHODS In this study, 438 patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids, and blood in the stool at 10 Boston adult primary care practices. Following nurse chart abstraction, physician reviewers assessed the overall quality of care and key care processes. Subjects' characteristics and physician reviewers' processes-of-care assessments were tabulated, and logistic regression models were used to examine the association of process failures with overall quality and guideline concordance. RESULTS Although reviewers judged the overall quality of care to be good or excellent in 337 (77%) of 438 cases, 312 (71%) patients experienced at least one process-of-care failure in the workup of rectal bleeding. Clinicians failed to obtain an adequate family history in 38% of cases, complete a pertinent physical exam in 23%, and order laboratory tests in 16%. Failure to order or perform tests, or to make follow-up plans were associated with increased odds of poor or fair care. Guideline concordance bore little relationship with quality judgments. Reviewers judged that 128 delays could have been reduced or prevented. CONCLUSION Process-of-care failures among adult primary care patients with rectal bleeding were frequent and associated with fair or poor quality. Educating practitioners and creating systems to ensure adequate history taking, physical examination, and processes for ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic tests may improve performance.
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Lipitz Snyderman AN, Classen D, Pfister DG, Killen A, Epstein AS, Anderson CB, Atoria CL, Fortier E, Weingart SN. A patient safety approach to assessing adverse events in oncology: Results from CHARM (Cancer Harm) study. J Clin Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2016.34.15_suppl.6601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - David Classen
- Pascal Metrics and University of Utah, Washington, DC
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Carbo AR, Goodman EB, Totte C, Clardy P, Feinbloom D, Kim H, Kriegel G, Dierks M, Weingart SN, Sands K, Aronson M, Tess A. Resident Case Review at the Departmental Level: A Win-Win Scenario. Am J Med 2016; 129:448-52. [PMID: 26721634 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Carbo
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
| | | | | | - Peter Clardy
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - David Feinbloom
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Hans Kim
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Gila Kriegel
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Meghan Dierks
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Saul N Weingart
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Mass; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass
| | - Ken Sands
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Mark Aronson
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Anjala Tess
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
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Abookire SA, Gandhi TK, Kachalia A, Sands K, Mort E, Bommarito G, Gagne J, Sato L, Weingart SN. Creating a Fellowship Curriculum in Patient Safety and Quality. Am J Med Qual 2014; 31:27-30. [DOI: 10.1177/1062860614549012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jane Gagne
- Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions, Inc. (CRICO), Cambridge, MA
| | - Luke Sato
- Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions, Inc. (CRICO), Cambridge, MA
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Gandhi TK, Abookire SA, Kachalia A, Sands K, Mort E, Bommarito G, Gagne J, Sato L, Weingart SN. Design and Implementation of the Harvard Fellowship in Patient Safety and Quality. Am J Med Qual 2014; 31:22-6. [DOI: 10.1177/1062860614549183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jane Gagne
- Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions,Inc. (CRICO), Cambridge, MA
| | - Luke Sato
- Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions,Inc. (CRICO), Cambridge, MA
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Abstract
Implementation of practice guidelines is a beguilingly complex activity that requires attention to the task of clinicians, the constraints they face, and the social practice of medicine. Local clinical opinion leaders can accelerate the pace of change by encouraging early adoption and modeling new practices. "Tough love" approaches to guideline adoption have a role in raising the salience of the safe practice. However, successful implementation requires a healthy respect for the challenge of enlisting frontline practitioners in integrating changes into the practice of active clinicians. The implementation of guideline-based practices for aseptic technique in neuraxial analgesia at four Israeli hospitals illustrates the challenges and opportunities associated with changing physician practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111, USA
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Weingart SN, Hsieh C, Lane S, Cleary AM. Standardizing Central Venous Catheter Care by Using Observations From Patients With Cancer. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2014; 18:321-6. [DOI: 10.1188/14.cjon.321-326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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31
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Zhu J, Li L, Zhao H, Han G, Wu AW, Weingart SN. Development of a patient safety climate survey for Chinese hospitals: cross-national adaptation and psychometric evaluation. BMJ Qual Saf 2014; 23:847-56. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2013-002664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Shields HM, Stoffel EM, Chung DC, Sequist TD, Li JW, Pelletier SR, Spencer J, Silk JM, Austin BL, Diguette S, Furbish JE, Lederman R, Weingart SN. Disparities in evaluation of patients with rectal bleeding 40 years and older. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 12:669-75; quiz e33. [PMID: 23891918 PMCID: PMC4378237 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Rectal bleeding is associated with colorectal cancer. We characterized the evaluation of patients aged 40 years and older with rectal bleeding and identified characteristics associated with inadequate evaluation. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of records of outpatient visits that contained reports of rectal bleeding for patients aged 40 years and older (N = 480). We studied whether patient characteristics affected whether or not they received a colonoscopy examination within 90 days of presentation with rectal bleeding. Patient characteristics included demographics; family history of colon cancer and polyps; and histories of screening colonoscopies, physical examinations, referrals to specialists at the index visit, and communication of laboratory results. Data were collected from medical records, and patient income levels were estimated based on Zip codes. RESULTS Nearly half of the patients presenting with rectal bleeding received colonoscopies (48.1%); 81.7% received the procedure within 90 days. A history of a colonoscopy examination was more likely to be reported in white patients compared with Hispanic or Asian patients (P = .012 and P = .006, respectively), and in high-income compared with low-income patients (P = .022). A family history was more likely to be documented among patients with private insurance than those with Medicaid or Medicare (P = .004). A rectal examination was performed more often for patients who were white or Asian, male, and with high or middle incomes, compared with those who were black, Hispanic, female, or with low incomes (P = .027). White patients were more likely to have their laboratory results communicated to them than black patients (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS Sex, race, ethnicity, patient income, and insurance status were associated with disparities in evaluation of rectal bleeding. There is a need to standardize the evaluation of patients with rectal bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Shields
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Elena M Stoffel
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel C Chung
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas D Sequist
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Health Care Policy, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justin W Li
- Center for Patient Safety, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Justin Spencer
- Center for Patient Safety, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jean M Silk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bonita L Austin
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Susan Diguette
- Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jean E Furbish
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ruth Lederman
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Saul N Weingart
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Center for Patient Safety, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Weissman JS, López L, Schneider EC, Epstein AM, Lipsitz S, Weingart SN. The association of hospital quality ratings with adverse events. Int J Qual Health Care 2014; 26:129-35. [PMID: 24481052 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzt092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand how patient-reported quality is related to adverse events (AEs). DESIGN Random sample telephone survey. SETTING Sixteen acute care Massachusetts hospitals. PARTICIPANTS Two thousand and five hundred and eight-two of 4163 (62% response rate) eligible adult patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patients hospitalized from 1 April 2003 to 1 October 2003 provided global quality ratings and whether they experienced AEs. Service recovery, defined as efforts by a service provider to return customers to a state of satisfaction after a lapse in service, was operationalized as high participation in one's care, timely discharge and disclosure of the circumstances of an AE. RESULTS Of respondents, 82% rated the quality as high and 23% reported one or more AEs. Patients with no AEs gave higher quality ratings (85 vs. 77 or 62% for patients with 1 or 2+ AEs, respectively, P < 0.001). Patients were more likely to rate the quality high if they reported high participation (86 vs. 53%), or felt discharge timing was just right (85 vs. 64%); for those with AEs, ratings were higher among those reporting disclosure (82 vs. 66%) (all P < 0.01). In adjusted analyses, patients with AEs experiencing all three service recovery components rated their quality higher (86 vs. 68%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Patients with AEs rate the quality of care lower than others. However, patients with AEs who experienced 'service recovery' as we defined it rated their quality of care at levels similar to those who did not experience AEs. Hospitals seeking to improve quality ratings might consider efforts to ensure patient safety and to address AEs in a transparent and responsive way.
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Golshan M, Weingart SN, Losk K, Hirshfield-Bartek J, Cutone L, Abeita J, Kadish S, Bunnell C. Abstract P5-13-15: Process-of-care: Elucidating delays in surgical treatment of breast cancer. Cancer Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.sabcs13-p5-13-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: We examined the timeliness of breast cancer care at our cancer center, focusing on care processes that affect the time from surgical consultation to surgery, with the goal of identifying improvement opportunities.
Methods: We studied 584 women who underwent a mastectomy (with or without reconstruction) or breast conserving therapy at one of two Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center (DF/BWCC) surgical sites between Jan. 1, 2011 and Feb. 28, 2012. We excluded patients who received a DF/BWCC consultation but received surgery elsewhere, those who required neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, and patients whose surgeons had no primary appointment at DF/BWCC.
We calculated the delay between consultation and surgery, defined as an interval of greater than two weeks for cases of mastectomy without reconstruction or breast conserving therapy, and four weeks for those with mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. We tabulated the number of patients with a delay, stratified by type of procedure and patient characteristics. We examined factors associated with a delay in bivariate analyses using Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression models with two-tailed tests and p<0.05. We examined provider-level variation in a subset of reconstructive surgery cases, and reviewed medical records of 50 patients with the greatest delays.
Results. The mean number of days from consultation to surgery was 21 (range 2-104, SD 14) for lumpectomy, 31 (5-230, 28) for mastectomy, and 41 (6-180, 26) for mastectomy with reconstruction. Of women undergoing breast conserving therapy or mastectomy without reconstruction, 296 (67%) experienced a delay compared to 102 (71%) undergoing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Although no statistically significant findings were obtained in the bivariate analyses, age over 60 was associated with a two-fold delay in the multivariable model. Delays were also more likely among mastectomy procedures compared to breast conserving therapy.
TableCharacteristicsNo Delay (n = 186)Delay (n = 398)OR (95% CI) No. (%)No. (%) Age 70-9528 (15)69 (17)2.6 (1.3-5.5)60-6943 (23)107 (27)2.0 (1.2-3.6)50-5951 (27)103 (26)1.3 (0.8-2.0)18-4964 (34)119 (30)1.0Race Non-White21 (11)43 (11)1.0 (0.6-1.9)White161 (89)346 (89)1.0Missing49 Primary Language Non-English7 (4)14 (4)1.0 (0.4-2.9)English179 (96)384 (97)1.0Insurance Medicare49 (26.3)97 (24)0.6 (0.3-1.0)Medicaid6 (3)8 (2)0.6 (0.2-1.7)Private131 (70)292 (74)1.0Missing01 Procedure Mastectomy with Recon41 (22)102 (26)1.6 (1.0-2.5)Mastectomy without Recon15 (8.1)53 (13)1.9 (1.0-3.6)Lumpectomy130 (70)243 (61)1.0
The 4 highest-volume breast surgeons (n>20 procedures each) varied in the time from initial consultation to plastic surgery consultation, from a mean of 7 to 22 days. Early screening and referral practices accounted for much of this variation. Delayed surgeries among the 50 patients with delays of at least 45 days included the need for additional testing or imaging, pre-operative medical evaluation, or “personal” reasons.
Conclusion. Analyses of the interval from consultation to breast surgery identified process variation that may be amenable to improvement initiatives. Cancer centers should invest in efforts to measure, monitor, and improve the timeliness of breast cancer care.
Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P5-13-15.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Golshan
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - SN Weingart
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - K Losk
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | | | - L Cutone
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - J Abeita
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - S Kadish
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - C Bunnell
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, MA
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Mehrotra P, Croft L, Day HR, Perencevich EN, Pineles L, Harris AD, Weingart SN, Morgan DJ. Effects of contact precautions on patient perception of care and satisfaction: a prospective cohort study. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2013; 34:1087-93. [PMID: 24018926 DOI: 10.1086/673143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Contact precautions decrease healthcare worker-patient contact and may impact patient satisfaction. To determine the association between contact precautions and patient satisfaction, we used a standardized interview for perceived issues with care. DESIGN Prospective cohort study of inpatients, evaluated at admission and on hospital days 3, 7, and 14 (until discharged). At each point, patients underwent a standardized interview to identify perceived problems with care. After discharge, the standardized interview and Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey were administered by telephone. Responses were recorded, transcribed, and coded by 2 physician reviewers. PARTICIPANTS A total of 528 medical or surgical patients not admitted to the intensive care unit. RESULTS A total of 528 patients were included in the primary analysis, of whom 104 (20%) perceived some issue with their care. On multivariable logistic regression, contact precautions were independently associated with a greater number of perceived concerns with care (odds ratio, 2.05 [95% confidence interval, 1.31-3.21]; P < .01), including poor coordination of care (P = .02) and a lack of respect for patient needs and preferences (P = .001). Eighty-eight patients were included in the secondary analysis of HCAHPS. Patients under contact precautions did not have different HCAHPS scores than those not under contact precautions (odds ratio, 1.79 [95% confidence interval, 0.64-5.00]; P = .27). CONCLUSIONS Patients under contact precautions were more likely to perceive problems with their care, especially poor coordination of care and a lack of respect for patient preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Mehrotra
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Weingart SN, Zhu J, Young-Hong J, Vermilya HB, Hassett M. Do drug interaction alerts between a chemotherapy order-entry system and an electronic medical record affect clinician behavior? J Oncol Pharm Pract 2013; 20:163-71. [PMID: 23804625 DOI: 10.1177/1078155213487395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We developed an enhancement to a chemotherapy order-entry system that alerted prescribers to potential drug interactions between patients' usual outpatient medications and those prescribed for onsite cancer treatment. This report summarizes the interactions and analyzes the impact of alerts on clinician behavior. METHODS We studied electronic orders created from November 2010 to December 2011 by oncology clinicians at two comprehensive cancer centers who shared a chemotherapy order-entry system and an ambulatory electronic medical record. The enhancement generated an alert if a new chemotherapy system order for an antineoplastic agent or supportive care medication interacted with an existing medication in the ambulatory record, and tracked prescribers' responses. RESULTS New chemotherapy system orders triggered 29,592 drug interaction alerts. New orders for antineoplastic agents accounted for 495 (32.6%) of 1518 high- and medium-severity alerts. Interactions with antibiotics accounted for the majority of these alerts. New chemotherapy system orders for antiemetics triggered 352 (23.2%) alerts and more than two-thirds were attributed to interactions with analgesic opioids. High- and medium-severity alerts changed prescriber behavior in 224 (14.8%) occurrences, including potentially fatal interactions between meperidine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Clinicians who overrode alerts indicated that they would monitor the patient (54.6%), the patient already tolerated the combination (24.5%), and they would adjust the dose (15.1%). CONCLUSION Cancer patients are at risk of serious interactions between medications ordered for cancer care and those provided for general medical care. Organizations and order-entry applications should develop countermeasures to identify and prevent potentially serious drug interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Center for Patient Safety, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Walsh KE, Roblin DW, Weingart SN, Houlahan KE, Degar B, Billett A, Keuker C, Biggins C, Li J, Wasilewski K, Mazor KM. Medication errors in the home: a multisite study of children with cancer. Pediatrics 2013; 131:e1405-14. [PMID: 23629608 PMCID: PMC4074655 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-2434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As home medication use increases, medications previously managed by nurses are now managed by patients and their families. Our objective was to describe the types of errors occurring in the home medication management of children with cancer. METHODS In a prospective observational study at 3 pediatric oncology clinics in the northeastern and southeastern United States, patients undergoing chemotherapy and their parents were recruited from November 2007 through April 2011. We reviewed medical records and checked prescription doses. A trained nurse visited the home, reviewed medication bottles, and observed administration. Two physicians independently made judgments regarding whether an error occurred and its severity. Overall rates of errors were weighted to account for clustering within sites. RESULTS We reviewed 963 medications and observed 242 medication administrations in the homes of 92 patients. We found 72 medication errors. Four errors led to significant patient injury. An additional 40 errors had potential for injury: 2 were life-threatening, 13 were serious, and 25 were significant. Error rates varied between study sites (40-121 errors per 100 patients); the weighted overall rate was 70.2 errors per 100 patients (95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.9-81.6). The weighted rate of errors with injury was 3.6 (95% CI: 1.7-5.5) per 100 patients and with potential to injure the patient was 36.3 (95% CI: 29.3-43.3) per 100 patients. Nonchemotherapy medications were more often involved in an error than chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Medication errors were common in this multisite study of outpatient pediatric cancer care. Rates of preventable medication-related injuries in this outpatient population were comparable or higher than those found in studies of hospitalized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Walsh
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts School of Medicine, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
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Bunnell CA, Gross AH, Weingart SN, Kalfin MJ, Partridge A, Lane S, Burstein HJ, Fine B, Hilton NA, Sullivan C, Hagemeister EE, Kelly AE, Colicchio L, Szabatura AH, Winer EP, Salisbury M, Mann S. High performance teamwork training and systems redesign in outpatient oncology. BMJ Qual Saf 2013; 22:405-13. [PMID: 23349386 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2012-000948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oncology care is delivered largely in ambulatory settings by interdisciplinary teams. Treatments are often complex, extended in time, dispersed geographically and vulnerable to teamwork failures. To address this risk, we developed and piloted a team training initiative in the breast cancer programme at a comprehensive cancer centre. METHODS Based on clinic observations, interviews with key staff and analyses of incident reports, we developed interventions to address four high-risk areas: (1) miscommunication of chemotherapy order changes on the day of treatment; (2) missing orders on treatment days without concurrent physician appointments; (3) poor follow-up with team members about active patient issues; and (4) conflict between providers and staff. The project team developed protocols and agreements to address team members' roles, responsibilities and behaviours. RESULTS Using a train-the-trainer model, 92% of breast cancer staff completed training. The incidence of missing orders for unlinked visits decreased from 30% to 2% (p<0.001). Patient satisfaction scores regarding coordination of care improved from 93 to 97 (p=0.026). Providers, infusion nurses and support staff reported improvement in efficiency (75%, 86%, 90%), quality (82%, 93%, 93%) and safety (92%, 92%, 90%) of care, and more respectful behaviour (92%, 79%, 83%) and improved relationships among team members (91%, 85%, 92%). Although most clinicians reported a decrease in non-communicated changes, there was insufficient statistical power to detect a difference. CONCLUSIONS Team training improved communication, task coordination and perceptions of efficiency, quality, safety and interactions among team members as well as patient perception of care coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Bunnell
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Walsh KE, Mazor KM, Roblin D, Biggins C, Wagner JL, Houlahan K, Li JW, Keuker C, Wasilewski-Masker K, Donovan J, Kanaan A, Weingart SN. Multisite parent-centered risk assessment to reduce pediatric oral chemotherapy errors. J Oncol Pract 2013; 9:e1-7. [PMID: 23633976 PMCID: PMC3545669 DOI: 10.1200/jop.2012.000601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Observational studies describe high rates of errors in home oral chemotherapy use in children. In hospitals, proactive risk assessment methods help front-line health care workers develop error prevention strategies. Our objective was to engage parents of children with cancer in a multisite study using proactive risk assessment methods to identify how errors occur at home and propose risk reduction strategies. METHODS We recruited parents from three outpatient pediatric oncology clinics in the northeast and southeast United States to participate in failure mode and effects analyses (FMEA). An FMEA is a systematic team-based proactive risk assessment approach in understanding ways a process can fail and develop prevention strategies. Steps included diagram the process, brainstorm and prioritize failure modes (places where things go wrong), and propose risk reduction strategies. We focused on home oral chemotherapy administration after a change in dose because prior studies identified this area as high risk. RESULTS Parent teams consisted of four parents at two of the sites and 10 at the third. Parents developed a 13-step process map, with two to 19 failure modes per step. The highest priority failure modes included miscommunication when receiving instructions from the clinician (caused by conflicting instructions or parent lapses) and unsafe chemotherapy handling at home. Recommended risk assessment strategies included novel uses of technology to improve parent access to information, clinicians, and other parents while at home. CONCLUSION Parents of pediatric oncology patients readily participated in a proactive risk assessment method, identifying processes that pose a risk for medication errors involving home oral chemotherapy.
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Zhu J, Davis RB, Stuver SO, Berry DL, Block S, Weeks JC, Weingart SN. A longitudinal study of pain variability and its correlates in ambulatory patients with advanced stage cancer. Cancer 2012; 118:6278-6286. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.27673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
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Weingart SN, Cleary A, Scullion B, Morway L, Phantumvanit V, Stuver SO, Shulman LN, Connors JM. Comparing clinicians' use of an anticoagulation management service and usual care in ambulatory oncology. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2012; 19:237-45. [PMID: 23175451 DOI: 10.1177/1078155212464892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is no consensus in the oncology community about the optimal model for anticoagulation management of ambulatory cancer patients. To understand oncologists' preferences regarding anticoagulation management, we compared the characteristics of patients referred to an oncology-oriented anticoagulation management service with "usual care" patients managed by the patient's primary oncologist. METHODS We performed a retrospective medical record review of ambulatory oncology patients' anticoagulation care at a comprehensive cancer center. We examined the characteristics of 33 patients anticoagulated before implementation of a dedicated oncology anticoagulation management service. We compared this group with 33 patients managed by the anticoagulation management service and with 39 usual care patients managed by the primary oncologist after the anticoagulation management service was created. We also examined differences in laboratory test utilization, time in the therapeutic range (for patients anticoagulated with warfarin), and anticoagulation-related adverse events during a 3-month assessment period. RESULTS Anticoagulation management service patients were more likely to be treated for hematologic malignancies, use erythropoietin stimulating agents, and require warfarin management for previous venous thromboembolic disease compared to usual care patients. In contrast, oncologists were more likely to manage anticoagulation care of patients with advanced solid tumors undergoing active chemotherapy. Anticoagulation management service and usual care patients on warfarin therapy had comparable time in the therapeutic range and complication rates. CONCLUSION Oncologists selectively referred patients to the anticoagulation management service. Anticoagulation management service patients' warfarin control and complication rates were comparable to care provided by the primary oncologist, suggesting that an oncology-specific anticoagulation management service may be a feasible and effective option for anticoagulation management of ambulatory oncology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Center for Patient Safety, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Weingart SN, Mattsson T, Zhu J, Shulman LN, Hassett M. Improving electronic oral chemotherapy prescription: can we build a safer system? J Oncol Pract 2012; 8:e168-73. [PMID: 23598852 DOI: 10.1200/jop.2012.000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To prevent oral chemotherapy prescription errors, we enhanced a prescription-writing module in an ambulatory electronic medical record. We sought to describe the enhancement, examine its performance to date, and identify opportunities for improvement. METHODS Enhancements to the oral chemotherapy writing module included weight- and body surface area-based dosing, fields for cancer diagnosis and intent of therapy (curative v palliative), and dose-limit warnings. We studied all prescriptions for 18 oral chemotherapies generated by oncology clinicians during the first 17 months after the safe prescribing enhancements were introduced, from May 1, 2010, to October 1, 2011. We examined the frequency with which clinicians used the new features, the number and type of alerts generated, and clinician actions in response to alerts. RESULTS Six hundred clinicians generated 6,673 prescriptions for 2,043 patients. Six drugs-temozolomide, capecitabine, lenalidomide, hydroxyurea, imatinib, and erlotinib-accounted for 5,512 of all oral chemotherapy prescriptions (83%). Prescribers indicated the intent of therapy 13% of the time and listed the patient's cancer diagnosis 46% of the time. Prescribers customized their instructions using a free-text field in 64% of prescriptions. Clinicians' 6,673 prescription attempts triggered 395 dose-limit warnings (5%), mostly for temozolomide. Clinicians ignored most (96%) warnings, because current dosing recommendations exceeded the dose-limit warnings for the alerted medications. CONCLUSION Oncology clinicians readily accepted features designed to enhance oral chemotherapy safety. Additional enhancements are needed to facilitate prescriptions with complex dosing regimens and to provide dose-limit warnings that reflect current clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Center for Patient Safety, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Isaac T, Stuver SO, Davis RB, Block S, Weeks JC, Berry DL, Weingart SN. Incidence of severe pain in newly diagnosed ambulatory patients with stage IV cancer. Pain Res Manag 2012; 17:347-52. [PMID: 23061086 PMCID: PMC3465096 DOI: 10.1155/2012/542354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is common among cancer patients. OBJECTIVE To characterize the incidence of severe pain among newly diagnosed patients with stage IV cancer in ambulatory care. METHODS A retrospective cohort of 505 ambulatory oncology patients with newly diagnosed stage IV solid tumours at a comprehensive cancer centre (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA) was followed from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2006. Pain intensity scores were extracted from electronic medical records. The incidence of severe pain was calculated using the maximum monthly pain scores reported at outpatient visits. RESULTS Of the 505 patients included in the present study, 340 (67.3%) were pain-free at the initial visit, 90 (17.8%) experienced mild pain, 48 (9.5%) experienced moderate pain and 27 (5.4%) experienced severe pain. At least one episode of severe pain within one year of diagnosis was reported by 29.1% of patients. Patients with head and neck, gastrointestinal and thoracic malignancies were more likely to experience severe pain compared with patients with other types of cancer (52.6%, 33.9% and 30.5%, respectively). In the multivariable model, patients whose primary language was not English (OR 2.90 [95% CI 1.08 to 7.80]), patients who reported severe pain at the initial visit (OR 9.30 [95% CI 3.72 to 23.23]) and patients with head and neck (OR 10.17 [95% CI 2.87 to 36.00]) or gastrointestinal (OR 4.05 [95% CI 1.23 to 13.35]) cancers were more likely to report severe pain in the following year. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of severe pain was high in ambulatory patients with newly diagnosed stage IV cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Isaac
- Center for Patient Safety, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
| | - Sherri O Stuver
- Center for Patient Safety, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health
| | - Roger B Davis
- Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
| | - Susan Block
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care
| | | | - Donna L Berry
- Phyllis F Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Zhu J, Weingart SN. Pain intensity in cancer. Ann Palliat Med 2012; 1:177-178. [PMID: 25841477 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2224-5820.2012.07.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Junya Zhu
- Center for Patient Safety, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-5450, USA.
| | - Saul N Weingart
- Center for Patient Safety, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Weingart SN, Cleary A, Stuver SO, Lynch M, Brandoff D, Schaefer KG, Zhu J, Berry DL, Block S, Weeks JC. Assessing the quality of pain care in ambulatory patients with advanced stage cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2012; 43:1072-81. [PMID: 22651950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2011] [Revised: 06/19/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pain is common among patients with advanced cancer despite the dissemination of clinical pain care guidelines. OBJECTIVES We sought to assess the quality of pain care among patients with advanced disease. METHODS We reviewed the records of 85 adult ambulatory patients with advanced breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancer treated in 2004-2006. Patients' screening pain intensity scores were at least 7 of 10. Nurse reviewers completed medical record reviews of care rendered at the index visit and over the subsequent 30 days based on the 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network pain guideline. An expert panel then rated the quality of the evaluation, treatment, and overall pain care. We used a multivariable model to analyze guideline compliance and resolution of severe pain. RESULTS Among advanced cancer patients with severe pain, clinicians adjusted pain medications only half the time and made few timely referrals for pain-related consultations. By 30 days after the index visit, 34% of patients continued to report severe pain. The expert panel judged the overall quality of pain care as "fair" or "poor" in about two-thirds of cases because more timely and effective intervention could have reduced the severity and duration of pain. Resolution of severe pain was associated with adjustment of pain medications at the index visit (adjusted odds ratio 3.8, 95% CI 1.3-10.6). CONCLUSION There is room for improvement in the pain care of patients with advanced cancer. Additional research is needed to understand the reasons for poor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Center for Patient Safety, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
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Stuver SO, Isaac T, Weeks JC, Block S, Berry DL, Davis RB, Weingart SN. Factors associated with pain among ambulatory patients with cancer with advanced disease at a comprehensive cancer center. J Oncol Pract 2012. [PMID: 23180994 DOI: 10.1200/jop.2011.000388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The prevalence and severity of pain have not been well described among oncology patients in ambulatory care. To better understand the burden of pain among patients with advanced cancer, we examined the prevalence of pain reported during office and treatment visits. METHODS A retrospective study of 4,014 patients with advanced disease (stage 4 at diagnosis or metastatic progression) who completed an ambulatory visit between 2004 and 2006 was conducted at a comprehensive cancer center in Boston, Massachusetts. RESULTS At their first visit during the study period, 74% of patients reported no pain (0 score); 12%, low pain (1 to 3 score); 9%, moderate pain (4 to 6 score); and 5%, severe pain (7 to 10 score). The prevalence of pain was highest among patients who were younger than 60 years of age, were nonwhite, did not speak English as their primary language, or were covered by Medicaid, received free care, or paid their own health care costs. Patients with thoracic, breast, and head and neck cancers had higher pain scores than those with other diseases. Pain was reported more frequently among patients whose diagnosis or metastatic progression occurred less than 3 months before the reported pain score. In multivariable regression analysis, age, race, cancer type, and time since diagnosis/progression were identified as important factors associated with severe pain. CONCLUSION Younger age, minority race, and recent onset of advanced disease are associated with severe pain among patients with cancer. Recognizing these high-risk groups could inform targeted interventions to address pain care in ambulatory patients with advanced cancer.
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Weingart SN, Li JW, Zhu J, Morway L, Stuver SO, Shulman LN, Hassett MJ. US Cancer Center Implementation of ASCO/Oncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy Administration Safety Standards. J Oncol Pract 2011; 8:7-12. [PMID: 22548004 DOI: 10.1200/jop.2011.000379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Because cancer chemotherapy is a high-risk intervention, ASCO and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) established in 2009 consensus- and evidence-based national standards for the safe administration of chemotherapy. We sought to assess the implementation status of the ASCO/ONS chemotherapy administration safety standards. METHODS A written survey of chemotherapy practices was sent to National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers. Implementation status of each of 31 chemotherapy administration safety standards was self-reported. RESULTS Forty-four (80%) of 55 eligible centers responded. Although the majority of centers have fully implemented at least half of the standards, only four centers reported full implementation of all 31. Implementation varied by standard, with the poorest implementation of standards that addressed documentation of chemotherapy planning, agreed-on intervals for laboratory testing, and patient education and consent before initiation of oral or infusional chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Given wide variation in the implementation of ASCO/ONS chemotherapy administration safety standards at US cancer centers, there are significant opportunities for improvement.
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Weingart SN. Patient-Reported Adverse Events: What Are We Waiting For? Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2011; 37:494. [DOI: 10.1016/s1553-7250(11)37062-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Weingart SN, Seger AC, Feola N, Heffernan J, Schiff G, Isaac T. Electronic drug interaction alerts in ambulatory care: the value and acceptance of high-value alerts in US medical practices as assessed by an expert clinical panel. Drug Saf 2011; 34:587-93. [PMID: 21663334 DOI: 10.2165/11589360-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computerized physician order entry systems are known to improve patient safety in acute-care hospitals. However, as clinicians frequently override drug interaction and allergy alerts, their value in ambulatory care remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to examine whether ambulatory care clinicians were more likely to accept drug-drug interaction alerts that an expert panel judged to be of high clinical value. STUDY DESIGN We convened an expert panel to examine drug-drug interaction alerts generated by 2872 clinicians in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New Jersey who used a common electronic prescribing system between 1 January 2006 and 30 September 2006. We selected 120 representative drug interaction alerts from the most commonly encountered class-class interactions. MEASUREMENTS The expert panel rated each alert based on the following categories: (i) strength of the scientific evidence; (ii) probability that the interaction would result in an adverse drug event (ADE); (iii) severity of typical and most serious ADEs; (iv) the likelihood that a clinician could act on the information; and (v) the overall value of the alert to the average primary care clinician. We then used multivariate regression techniques to examine the relationship between the alert acceptance rate and the expert panel's mean rating of each category. RESULTS The decision of clinicians to accept drug interaction alerts increased (relative to a baseline alert acceptance rate of 8.8%) by 2.7% (95% CI 0.4, 5.1) for interactions that panelists judged would result in an ADE, by 2.3% (95% CI 0.9, 3.7) when primary care providers (PCPs) lacked prior knowledge about the information presented in the alert, and by 3.3% (95% CI 0.9, 5.8) when the PCP could readily act on the information provided in the alert. CONCLUSION The value of electronic drug interaction alerts is influenced heavily by clinicians' judgements about the clinical value of the alert. Expert judgement should be taken into account when developing electronic decision support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Center for Patient Safety, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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Weingart SN, Zhu J, Chiappetta L, Stuver SO, Schneider EC, Epstein AM, David-Kasdan JA, Annas CL, Fowler FJ, Weissman JS. Hospitalized patients' participation and its impact on quality of care and patient safety. Int J Qual Health Care 2011; 23:269-77. [PMID: 21307118 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzr002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the extent to which hospitalized patients participate in their care, and the association of patient participation with quality of care and patient safety. DESIGN Random sample telephone survey and medical record review. SETTING US acute care hospitals in 2003. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2025 recently hospitalized adults. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Hospitalized patients reported participation in their own care, assessments of overall quality of care and the presence of adverse events (AEs) in telephone interviews. Physician reviewers rated the severity and preventability of AEs identified by interview and chart review among 788 surveyed patients who also consented to medical record review. RESULTS Of the 2025 patients surveyed, 99.9% of patients reported positive responses to at least one of seven measures of participation. High participation (use of >4 activities) was strongly associated with patients' favorable ratings of the hospital quality of care (adjusted OR: 5.46, 95% CI: 4.15-7.19). Among the 788 patients with both patient survey and chart review data, there was an inverse relationship between participation and adverse events. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, patients with high participation were half as likely to have at least one adverse event during the admission (adjusted OR = 0.49, 0.31-0.78). CONCLUSIONS Most hospitalized patients participated in some aspects of their care. Participation was strongly associated with favorable judgments about hospital quality and reduced the risk of experiencing an adverse event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Center for Patient Safety, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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