Documentation Of Patient Education Research Articles

Abstract WP55: Enhancing the Stroke Patient Education Experience: A Focus on Stroke Procedure Education

Background and Issue: Providing stroke patient education is a fundamental core measure for all levels of stroke centers with a generalized focus of topics including activation of emergency medical services, need for follow up after discharge, medications prescribed at discharge, risk factors for stroke, warning signs and stroke symptoms. A gap exists in patient education focusing on advanced stroke treatment procedures such as thrombolytic administration and mechanical thrombectomy. Available educational topics in the electronic medical record are often too generic and do not address the post procedural stroke patient population. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop a standardized set of post stroke procedural education topics and design a method of documentation to enhance and augment the stroke patients’ educational experience. Methods: Using Lean Six-Sigma methods, a multidisciplinary workgroup reviewed current literature on education topics, examined the existing EMR post procedure topics available, and queried other stroke centers for best practices in stroke post procedural patient education. Based on the results of findings, we created new procedural education topics focusing on thrombolytic administration, mechanical thrombectomy, aneurysm repair procedures, diagnostic angiogram, and carotid procedures. We developed an automated process to pre-populate the topics, specific to the procedural order set into the EMR. Results: In 2021, procedural stroke patient education documentation compliance was 63% (n=191); through improvement efforts compliance increased to 77% (n=210), year to date 2023. Conclusion: Creating a standardized set of education topics focusing on stroke treatment procedures and embedding education into procedural order sets helps to minimize education omission, increase education documentation compliance, and enhance the stroke patient’s educational experience overall.

P009 Service evaluation to optimise ophthalmological services for hydroxychloroquine retinal screening

Abstract Background/Aims Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a frequently-used therapy in rheumatology, can be associated with retinal toxicity. More stringent screening and monitoring guidelines for HCQ-related retinopathy were published by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) in 2018. Recommendations include: 1) baseline retinal screening within six-twelve months of commencing HCQ; 2) subsequent annual monitoring for at-risk patients, specifically: concurrent tamoxifen-use, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60ml/min/1.73m2, HCQ dose >5mg/kg/day; 3) annual monitoring for all other patients after five years continuous treatment; 4) patient education on HCQ retinopathy. We quantified the rheumatology HCQ exposure and estimated burden on ophthalmology, to inform the development of HCQ retinal screening services. Methods Cross-sectional data were extracted for patients established on HCQ between 1995-2020 including: weight; eGFR; concomitant retino-toxic medication; concomitant retinal pathology; HCQ dose and duration; documentation of patient education on retinal side-effects. Documentation of relevant ophthalmic testing at baseline (i.e. at time of starting HCQ) were recorded, specifically colour fundus photography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and 10-2 Humphrey visual field (HVF) testing as necessary. Subsequent monitoring with 10-2 HVFs, SD-OCT, autofluorescence (AF) and electrodiagnostic tests (EDTs) as appropriate annually from baseline and from 5 years was recorded. Results 150 patients were included, 84% female, with a mean baseline age of 50.7 years (SD 14.8) and mean weight of 76.4kg (SD 17.6). 63% were on HCQ >5 years (mean duration 7.0 years, SD 5.1). At time of auditing, 50% (75/150) patients had permanently ceased HCQ (62% due to treatment >5 years). 60% patients had documented evidence of education regarding HCQ retinopathy. Of the 150 patients, 39% had baseline risks for retinopathy. 6% had a baseline eGFR <60ml/min/1.73m2. 32% were commenced on HCQ dose greater than 5mg/kg/day. No patients were on concomitant tamoxifen; one patient was on a known retino-toxic drug (quinine). 4% of patients had pre-existing retinal pathology. Of the 75 patients still taking HCQ at time of auditing, 27 (36%) had baseline risk factors warranting yearly retinal screening and 44 (58%) had been on treatment >5years. Most ophthalmology reviews were put on hold until a screening service was established. Of the small number (5.3%) that had baseline ophthalmic screening, 12.5% had colour photography and 75% had SD-OCT. No patients required HVF testing or EDTs. Annual screening revealed 50% of patients had 10-2 HVFs; 75% had SD-OCT; 75% had AF. Only one patient developed maculopathy, not attributed to HCQ. Conclusion Our results demonstrate the need for service development to facilitate adherence to RCOphth guidance. Up to 40% of patients started on HCQ have baseline risks for retinopathy, most due to dosing >5mg/kg/day warranting yearly screening. Our findings will inform development of a rheumatology HCQ retinal screening pathway and services, to ensure safe long-term use of HCQ. Disclosure C. Lee*: None. M. Dey*: None. M. Hng: None. S. Peterson: None. I. Rahiman: None. M. Elshafei: None. C. Estrach: None. N.J. Goodson: None.

Pharmacist-Managed Inpatient Dofetilide Initiation Program: Description and Adherence Rate Post-Root Cause Analysis

The aim of this article is to describe the pharmacist-managed dofetilide initiation program at Maine Medical Center (MMC), assess the adherence rate to 8 core clinical metrics, and review adverse effects before and after a root cause analysis (RCA). Core clinical metrics included pharmacist note entered within 4 hours of dose administration, dose chosen correctly per renal function, QTc measurements obtained and reviewed 2 hours after each dose, appropriate dose adjustment per the most recent QTc measurement, documentation of patient education, and assessment of conduction abnormality, drug–drug interactions, and serum potassium and magnesium concentrations. The primary outcome was adherence rate to all 8 core clinical metrics before and after the RCA. The safety outcome was the total number of adverse events. One hundred patients undergoing elective dofetilide initiation were evaluated: 50 pre-RCA and 50 post-RCA. Adherence rate to all core metrics was 14% in the pre-RCA group and 44% in the post-RCA group (P < .001). Torsade de pointes occurred 3 times in the pre-RCA group and never in the post-RCA group. After the RCA, adherence to MMC’s pharmacist-managed inpatient dofetilide initiation program significantly improved.

Abstract WP471: Increasing Stroke Education Retention and Quality of Life in the Outpatient Setting

Introduction: Retaining stroke education after discharge is pertinent for recovery and gives patients insight about controlling risk factors and how to activate emergency medical systems should stroke symptoms occur, and therefore prevent strokes in the future. There was no standardized approach to the provision and documentation of patient education in a local urban outpatient stroke clinic, where patients are cared for during the weeks following discharge from the hospital. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement a standardized approach to stroke patient education in the outpatient Advance Practice Nurse (APN) stroke clinic. The goal was ensure all stroke patients receive and retain stroke education tailored to their specific risk factors and how to activate emergency services should signs and symptoms of stroke arise; thereby enhancing quality of life. Method: This project targeted the ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack population. The Stroke Patient Education Retention (SPER) survey, EQ-5D and EQ-VAS questionnaire were used to measure increased retention of stroke education and quality of life, respectively. Each patient completed the survey prior to the appointment. Next, the participants were given specific stroke education about risk factors and signs and symptoms of stroke. Patients completed the surveys via telephone about one week later. Results and Conclusion: The project included 19 participants; the study was unable to contact two patients for post-implementation survey resulting in a total of 14 participants. Thirteen out of 14 patients who completed pre- and post-implementation survey showed improvement of SPER score. Furthermore, 86% of participants showed an increase of three or more points in the SPER survey, which displays an increase of education retention. For quality of life, there was no significant improvements with stroke education reiteration. In conclusion, this project did not prove individualized stroke education reiterated increases quality of life, however, it does successfully showcase education given within a couple weeks of patient discharge is retained.

Implementation of Pressure Injury Prevention Best Practices Across 6 Canadian Rehabilitation Sites: Results From the Spinal Cord Injury Knowledge Mobilization Network

ObjectiveTo use the theoretical frameworks of implementation science to implement pressure injury (PI) prevention best practices in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. DesignQuality improvement. SettingSix Canadian SCI rehabilitation centers. ParticipantsInpatients (N=2371) admitted from 2011 to 2015. InterventionsThe SCI Knowledge Mobilization Network (SCI KMN) selected and implemented 2 PI prevention best practices at 6 Canadian SCI rehabilitation centers: (1) completing a comprehensive PI risk assessment comprised of a structured risk assessment instrument followed by an individualized, interprofessional risk factor determination and prevention plan; and (2) providing structured and individualized PI prevention patient education. Active Implementation Frameworks provided a systematic approach to best practice implementation. Main Outcome MeasuresImplementation indicators (completion rates) and patient outcomes (PI incidence, patient education survey). ResultsAfter implementation, risk assessment completion rates improved from 46% to 94% (P<.05). Between initial (2012-2013) and full (2014-2015) implementation stages, completion rates improved for both interprofessional risk factor determination (67% to 96%) and prevention plans (67% to 94%). Documentation of patient education also increased to 86% (vs. 71% preimplementation). At rehabilitation admission 22% of patients had PIs, with 14% of individuals developing new PIs during rehabilitation. The overall PI prevalence was 30%. Considering only PIs of stage 2 or greater, prevalence was 21% and incidence 7%. There were no statistically significant differences in PI incidence between pre- and postimplementation. Patient education surveys indicated that PI education improved patients’ knowledge of prevention strategies. ConclusionsActive Implementation Frameworks supported successful implementation of PI prevention best practices across the 6 participating SCI KMN sites. Achieving a reduction in PI incidence will require additional measures, and there is an ongoing need to strengthen the evidence base underpinning PI prevention guidelines.

Impact of Group Clinical Supervision on Patient Education Process: A Comprehensive Assessment of Patients, Staff, and Organization Dimensions

Background: The most important barriers to patient education are nurses’ poor motivation and training, and poor quality of managerial supervision. Clinical supervision could be a powerful tool for overcoming these barriers. However, the associated patient, staff, and organization-related outcomes still require further research. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the patient-, staff-, and organization-related outcomes of group clinical supervision with the goal of improving patient education. Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 35 nurses and mothers of 94 children admitted to the surgery and nephrology wards of Dr. Sheikh Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, in 2016. A 3-month clinical supervision program consisting of support, education, feedback, and facilitation stages was implemented with the assistance of education facilitators. The data were collected using the questionnaire of patient’s satisfaction with nurses’ education, Herzberg’s job motivation questionnaire, and the checklists of nurses’ education performance and quality of education documentation. Data analysis was performed by Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher’s exact test, and independent-t test in SPSS, version 14. Results: The mean ages of the nurses, patients, and mothers were 30.3±6.7, 5.2±3.8, and 32.2±6.2, respectively. Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant improvement in patients’ satisfaction with nurses’ education performance (P<0.001) and the mean score of the quality of patient education documentation (P<0.001) after the intervention. Fisher’s exact test revealed a statistically significant difference in the education performance levels of the nurses between the two stages (P=0.03). The paired t-test showed no significant change in the motivation score of the nurses after the intervention. Implications for Practice: Group clinical supervision could improve the quality of education documentation, nurses’ education performance, and patients’ satisfaction with provided education.

Patient-centred hand hygiene information in orthopaedics units: an evidence-based implementation project.

This project aimed to improve patients' knowledge on the importance of hand hygiene. It involved providing patients with a patient and family education on the importance of hand hygiene using a patient information leaflet that introduces the rationale of hand hygiene, possible consequences of poor hand hygiene, and the seven steps of hand hygiene. This projected used a preimplementation and postimplementation audit strategy using the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research Into Practice programs. The implementation occurred in three phases over a period of 6 months from January 2014 to June 2014. The audits took place in two orthopaedic wards in a large acute care setting tertiary hospital in Singapore and involved a sample size of 54 patients. It involved going through the medical records of the cases, assessment of patient knowledge based on the audit criteria, and checking if the patients received the patient information leaflet on hand hygiene. The postimplementation audit found significant improvements in all three audit criteria. The percentage of patients who demonstrated knowledge in the importance of hand hygiene saw an improvement of 48.1%. There was an improvement of 44.5% in nurses' compliance to the documentation of patient education being carried out. The percentage of patients who received a patient information leaflet on hand hygiene saw an increase of 36.1%. This project demonstrated that a preimplementation and postimplementation audit is a viable method to implement change and translate evidence into practice. Through this project, patients gained an understanding on the importance of hand hygiene and could take better ownership of their well being. This may potentially improve hospitalization experience and benefit health outcomes. The positive results of this project are contributed by the enthusiastic involvement of all the stakeholders, from patients and their caregivers to the bedside nurses and nursing leaders. The sustenance will be an ongoing challenge to the project.

Pre-Procedural Patient Education Reduces Fall Risk in an Outpatient Endoscopy Suite.

The purpose of this article was to determine whether scripted pre-procedural fall risk patient education and nurses' intention to assist patients after receiving sedation improves receptiveness of nursing assistance during recovery and decreases fall risk in an outpatient endoscopy suite. We prospectively identified high fall risk patients using the following criteria: (1) use of an assistive device, (2) fallen two or more times within the last year, (3) sustained an injury in a fall within a year, (4) age greater than 85 years, or (5) nursing judgment of high fall risk. Using a scripted dialogue, nurses educated high-risk patients of their fall risk and the nurses' intent to assist them to and in the bathroom. Documentation of patient education, script use, and assistance was monitored. Over 24 weeks, 892 endoscopy patients were identified as high fall risk; 790 (88.5%) accepted post-procedural assistance. Documentation of assistance significantly increased from 33% to 100%. Patients receiving education and postprocedural assistance increased from 27.9% to 100% at week 24. No patient falls occurred 12 months following implementation among patients identified as high fall risk. Scripted pre-procedural fall risk education increases patient awareness and receptiveness to assistance and can lead to decreased fall rates.

Provider documentation of patient education: a lean investigation

Purpose: The study evaluates how providers give patient education materials and identifies improvements to comply with Meaningful Use (MU) requirements.Methods: Thirty-eight patient-provider interactions in two health care outpatient clinics were observed.Results: Providers do not uniformly know MU patient education requirements. Providers have individual preferences and find gaps in what is available. Accessing and documenting patient education varies among providers. Embedded electronic health record (EHR) materials, while available, have technical access barriers.Conclusions: Providers’ EHR skills and knowledge levels contribute to non-standardized patient education delivery.

Provider documentation of patient education: a lean investigation.

The study evaluates how providers give patient education materials and identifies improvements to comply with Meaningful Use (MU) requirements. Thirty-eight patient-provider interactions in two health care outpatient clinics were observed. Providers do not uniformly know MU patient education requirements. Providers have individual preferences and find gaps in what is available. Accessing and documenting patient education varies among providers. Embedded electronic health record (EHR) materials, while available, have technical access barriers. Providers' EHR skills and knowledge levels contribute to non-standardized patient education delivery.

Documentation of pharmacist-provided patient education for oral chemotherapy.

237 Background: Pharmacist-provided patient education for oral chemotherapy is poorly documented in patient electronic medical records (EMR) at UIC Oncology Pharmacy. At baseline, 41% of patients who started new therapy with selected oral chemotherapies had a patient education note documented by a pharmacist in their EMR. Our aim is to provide and document patient education for at least 90% of patients who start new oral chemotherapy and fill their prescriptions at UIC Oncology Pharmacy over three months. The importance of patient counseling and documentation is recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) group. Approximately 25% of patients undergoing chemotherapy are on oral chemotherapy. (Deutsch S, Koerner P, Miller RT, Craft Z, Fancher K. Utilization patterns for oral oncology medications in a specialty pharmacy cycle management program. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2014;0:1-8.) Methods: A multi-disciplinary team performed an affinity sort and created a process map to identify areas of intervention. The first intervention was labelling prescription bags to identify them as oral chemotherapy prescriptions that require counseling by a pharmacist. Data was collected after two weeks. Results: At the completion of the first PDSA cycle, 40% of patients who started new oral chemotherapy had a documented patient education note written by a pharmacist in their EMR. Documentation of education was performed on the day of pick-up in 89% of cases. Table 1 shows the percentage of notes that included the elements recognized by QOPI standards: documentation of start date, adherence, and adverse effects. Conclusions: Documentation of patient education for oral chemotherapy should be a well-integrated component of ambulatory pharmacy practice. A second PDSA cycle is planned to increase rates of documentation by utilizing the pharmacy resident to perform patient counseling and documentation. Future interventions will be aimed at improving the quality of the data included in the documented notes. [Table: see text]

Adding Value—Supporting Patient Education Services at the Bedside

A patient education bedside rounding program was developed and implemented at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan. The Knowledge Management Services Department and the Munson Community Health Library worked collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team to bring patient education services to inpatient hospital units. In addition, the team launched a process to both improve patient education documentation in the electronic health record and improve patient education materials and wellness packets.

The application of implementation science for pressure ulcer prevention best practices in an inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation program

ObjectivesTo implement pressure ulcer (PU) prevention best practices in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation using implementation science frameworks.DesignQuality improvement.SettingSCI Rehabilitation Center.ParticipantsInpatients admitted January 2012 to July 2013.InterventionsImplementation of two PU best practices were targeted: (1) completing a comprehensive PU risk assessment and individualized interprofessional PU prevention plan (PUPP); and (2) providing patient education for PU prevention; as part of the pan-Canadian SCI Knowledge Mobilization Network. At our center, the SCI Pressure Ulcer Scale replaced the Braden risk assessment scale and an interprofessional PUPP form was implemented. Comprehensive educational programing existed, so efforts focused on improving documentation. Implementation science frameworks provided structure for a systematic approach to best practice implementation (BPI): (1) site implementation team, (2) implementation drivers, (3) stages of implementation, and (4) improvement cycles. Strategies were developed to address key implementation drivers (staff competency, organizational supports, and leadership) through the four stages of implementation: exploration, installation, initial implementation, and full implementation. Improvement cycles were used to address BPI challenges.Outcome MeasuresImplementation processes (e.g. staff training) and BPI outcomes (completion rates).ResultsFollowing BPI, risk assessment completion rates improved from 29 to 82%. The PUPP completion rate was 89%. PU education was documented for 45% of patients (vs. 21% pre-implementation).ConclusionImplementation science provided a framework and effective tools for successful pressure ulcer BPI in SCI rehabilitation. Ongoing improvement cycles will target timeliness of tool completion and documentation of patient education.

A133: Initial Benchmarking of the Quality of Medical Care of Children and Adolescents with Lupus

Background/Purpose:Recently, 26 quality indicators (QI) categorized into 9 domains for childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematous (cSLE) have been developed based on international consensus and scientific evidence. QI are defined as minimum standards of medical care in support of optimal disease outcomes. The current level at which these QI are followed has not been well documented. Hence, the objective of this study is to assess the current quality of medical care received by patients with cSLE at tertiary pediatric rheumatology centers.Methods:Cross‐sectional data pertaining to the QI were acquired via chart review and analyzed collectively in 290 cSLE patients followed at four tertiary pediatric rheumatology centers—two in the United States and two in Brazil.Results:Adherence to the QI differed by QI domain, ranging from 41 to 100%. The QI domain with the highest adherence 100% was Laboratory Testing at the time of diagnosis, and the lowest domain 41% was Medication Management. The recommended kidney biopsies for newly diagnosed lupus nephritis were done in only 67% of the patients and 85% of the patients received at least one of the recommended vaccinations (Table ). Cardiovascular risks factors were discussed in 86% of cases when patient was 13 years or older. Adherence to the QI differences between countries and insurance status will be presented, supporting that the set of current QI are suitable for international use. Adherence to QI by Domain Quality Indicators by Domain Results Lab testing at diagnosis &amp; screening Obtained diagnostic/confirmatory labs within first two visits 100% Obtained lab surveillance of CBC, renal, LFT every 12 months 85% General prevention Prescribed influenza and/or encapsulated organisms vaccination, unless contraindicated 85% Discussed and documented education on sun avoidance at least once in the medical record (e.g., wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreens whenever outdoors, and avoiding sunbathing) 89% Discussed transition plan to appropriate adult healthcare providers with patient age ≥14 years. 78% Lupus nephritis (LN) and hypertension management Kidney biopsy discussed/ordered/performed if developed proteinuria &gt;500 mg/day, or worsening GFR, or urinary sediment 60% Evaluated by a nephrologist in the last year of care for lupus nephritis (LN) and of hypertension 65% Evaluated by rheumatologist every 3 months in last year if a patient has known LN regardless of disease activity. 96% Received kidney biopsy when diagnosed with LN 67% Class III/IV, treated with immunosuppressive + glucocorticoids within 1 month 92% Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) or, Angiotensin–converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor were prescribed if ongoing proteinuria &gt;500 mg/day or worsening GFR in last year of care. 96% Check assessments (Kidney function, urine sediment, and proteinuria) every three months. 99% Medication Management If started new meds, discussed risk vs. benefit of therapy 97% Currently prescribed any antimalarial therapy 92% Attempted to taper a dose of steroids not acceptable for chronic use. 89% Attempted to taper and unable to decrease steroid; added/increased steroid sparing agent. 41% Surveillance for medication safety done at regular intervals. 99% Bone Health Received at least one bone mineral density testing DEXA scan 72% Repeat bone mineral density testing if baseline testing outside normal limits (Z score ≤2) 62% Prescribed calcium/vitamin D if a patient is on any steroid therapy. 78% Ophthalmological surveillance Receives eye exams annually while on anti‐malarial therapy 82% Receives eye exams annually while on glucocorticoids 85% Education on cardiovascular risk factors Education on cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, hypertension, high BMI) every 1 year with patient and parent if patient is 13 years or older. 86% Discussed lifestyle modifications (smoking cessation, weight control, exercise) every 2 years with parent and patient 13 years or older. 87% Pregnancy Anti‐SSA, anti‐SB and anti‐phospholipid antibodies have been assessed during pregnancy 100% CNS health Prescribed Immunosuppressive therapy if patient has major neuropsychiatric manifestations in last year of care (Optic neuritis, coma, psychosis … etc.) 94%Conclusion:Based on this initial benchmarking effort, the medical care of patients with cSLE at tertiary pediatric rheumatology centers is very good. Systematic planning and documentation of patient education on lifestyle modifications seems warranted and is expected to improve the self‐management skills of cSLE patients. Furthermore, increased focus on bone health, eye exams annually, and adequate vaccination of cSLE patients are areas to continue to monitor.

Missed Opportunities to Counsel Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma About Causation and Potential Compensation

IntroductionMalignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a lethal malignancy strongly associated with occupational exposure to asbestos. The aims of this study were to assess the quality of counseling provided to patients with MPM about the causation of MPM and the potential for compensation. MethodsThe authors conducted a structured retrospective chart review of patients with a diagnosis of MPM. They abstracted demographic data, occupational and environmental history and exposure data. They also searched for documentation of patient education and counseling. ResultsThe authors identified 16 patients with a new diagnosis of MPM during the study period. A job title was documented at least once in the records of 12 (75%) patients. Documentation of occupational exposure to asbestos was found in the records of 12 (75%) patients. Two patients (13%) were presumed to have had bystander exposure to asbestos. Education about MPM causation and counseling about opportunities for compensation were documented in the record of 1 patient (6%). ConclusionsAmong patients with MPM, documentation of some elements of an occupational history, including an occupational asbestos exposure history, was common. Advice to pursue compensation for potential occupation related MPM was rare. Physicians may be missing opportunities to provide beneficial information to patients with newly diagnosed MPM regarding potential legal redress and compensation.

Acute Skin Toxicity in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Post-operative Radiotherapy

Post-operative radiotherapy to the breast is a standard treatment for the management of breast cancer. Treatment-related skin toxicity will occur in many patients and usually develops two to three weeks into treatment and may persist for up to four weeks post therapy. Management of acute toxicity remains a challenge for oncology professionals because there is very limited evidence-based research that addresses interventions for the prevention and management of radiation skin damage. Forty breast cancer patients being treated with radiotherapy at Al Amal Hospital were evaluated for the frequency and the severity of acute skin reactions. Clinical skin evaluation was performed by the same Radiation Oncologist during weekly reviews and on the last day of treatment. Normal tissue damage was scored according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group side-effect scales. The most frequent acute complications were erythema and dry desquamation, although moist desquamation was a problem in high friction anatomical sites. The reactions were classified as severe (RTOG’2) in only one case. There was remarkable consistency in the assessment and documentation of patient education among nurses following the hospital's standard practice.

What education do stroke patients receive in Australian hospitals?

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the educational practices of staff working in acute stroke wards in Australian hospitals, including the coordination and methods of patient education provision, post-discharge education and support services available, and the education and support services that health professionals would like to provide. MethodsHealth professionals who worked in acute stroke wards in Australian hospitals were surveyed about the stroke education practices of staff in their ward. Thirty-four hospitals returned a completed questionnaire via email or fax. ResultsVerbal communication and written materials were the most frequently used methods of information provision. Twenty-three (67.6%) wards developed their own written education materials, five (14.7%) offered group education programs, and 19 (55.9%) offered education or support after discharge. Fourteen (41.2%) wards had a particular staff member responsible for coordinating the provision of education to patients and one (2.9%) ward had a written policy on stroke education. The majority (70.6%) of participants would like to be able to provide more education/support services. ConclusionThe educational practices of the Australian hospitals surveyed were variable, with improvements needed in the coordination and documentation of patient education and the available follow-up services. Practice implicationsHealth professionals need to be aware of the importance of education in the care of patients following stroke. Patients’ informational needs, while in hospital and after discharge, may be better met if staff in acute stroke wards had improved communication and coordination practices and ensured that stroke education was appropriately documented and supported by policy.

Intrathecal drug therapy for long-term pain management

The use, safety, and efficacy of intrathecal medication administration with implantable pumps for cancer and chronic pain management are reviewed. Implanted intrathecal drug-delivery systems (IDDSs) are used for long-term management of persistent, severe pain despite a multimodal approach with conventional pain treatment options. Currently, consensus papers published in the literature are used as guidelines for determining patient selection and medication administration, because there is a lack of supporting evidence from randomized, controlled, clinical trials. Pharmacists have a critical role in the safe use of intrathecal medication. Most of the medication concentrations and combinations administered through IDDSs are not commercially available and therefore must be compounded in a pharmacy. Medications commonly administered through IDDSs include opioids, local anesthetics, clonidine, baclofen, and ziconotide. It is important for pharmacists who prepare products for IDDSs to understand the pharmacology, adverse effects, and concentration limitations of each medication in order to prevent adverse events related to postoperative subarachnoid hemorrhage, infection, catheter-tip inflammatory masses, withdrawal, and overdose. Pharmacists play an important role in maintaining quality assurance of intrathecal drug use, including the use of standard procedures for ordering and compounding medications, documentation of patient education, and monitoring of patient outcomes. The use of long-term intrathecal drug delivery for the treatment of intractable pain or intolerable medication adverse effects has expanded to include the treatment of patients with chronic or cancer-related pain. Important considerations for the use of intrathecal drug therapy include the appropriate selection of patients, delivery systems, and medications, as well as potential complications of therapy and quality-assurance measures necessary to ensure patient safety.

ASHP national survey of pharmacy practice in hospital settings: Monitoring and patient education—2006

Results of the 2006 ASHP national survey of pharmacy practice in hospital settings that pertain to monitoring and patient education are presented. A stratified random sample of pharmacy directors at 1178 general and children's medical-surgical hospitals in the United States were surveyed by mail. SMG Marketing Group, Inc., supplied data on hospital characteristics; the survey sample was drawn from SMG's hospital database. The response rate was 39.0%. Virtually all hospitals (93.4%) had pharmacists regularly monitoring medication therapy in some capacity. Patient monitoring has improved since 2003; fewer respondents reported monitoring less than 25% of patients in the hospital. More than two thirds of hospitals had a process for routine monitoring of patient profiles by pharmacists, and 87.3% of hospitals provided pharmacists with computer access to laboratory data to facilitate this function. Nearly 60% of hospitals allowed the transfer of electronic information between inpatient and outpatient settings. Over 87% of hospitals routinely monitored serum medication levels or a surrogate marker. In these hospitals, pharmacists ordered serum medication levels (69.1%), adjusted dosages (73.2%), and were notified when a level was outside the therapeutic range (47.3%). The number of adverse drug events (ADEs) reported by hospitals internally and externally decreased from the numbers reported in 2003 (213 and 31 versus 271 and 45, respectively). Medication counseling by pharmacists continued to be infrequent, with only 7.6% of hospitals reporting that 26% or more of inpatients received medication counseling. Documentation of patient education decreased from 58.0% in 2003 to 51.7%. Medication reconciliation programs were implemented in 71.7% of hospitals. The vacancy rate for budgeted pharmacist positions increased from 4.3% in 2003 to 4.6%. Pharmacists have made significant strides to increase the number of patients whose drug therapy is monitored. Electronic access to laboratory data by pharmacists greatly increased, as did the availability of information transferred between the inpatient and outpatient settings. Therapeutic drug monitoring by pharmacists increased, as did pharmacists' ability to order serum medication levels and adjust dosages. More pharmacists were notified when medication levels fell outside the therapeutic range. Internal and external reporting of ADEs has decreased. Documentation of patient education declined. A significant percentage of hospitals developed and implemented medication reconciliation programs. The number of pharmacists per 100 occupied beds has increased, and the number of pharmacist vacancies remained stable.

Dissemination of diabetes care guidelines: lessons learned from community health centers.

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of a provider problem-based learning (PBL) intervention on screening for complications of diabetes in community health centers. A successive sampling design was used to compare selected standards of diabetes care delivered preintervention with the care delivered postintervention at 2 community health centers and 1 comparison centers. Two randomly assigned intervention sites received a PBL intervention focused on care guidelines for prevention of diabetes complications, with telephone follow-up over 12 months. Effects of the intervention were determined from an audit of 200 charts from each site. The odds of having a glycosylated hemoglobin test more than doubled from preintervention to postintervention, and the odds of having a foot examination more than tripled across centers. Measurement of creatinine and glycosylated hemoglobin were associated; the odds of having one test tripled when the other had been measured. Rates for documentation of patient education were significantly lower at the intervention site where free patient education booklets were distributed. Improvements in diabetes care were not consistent among community health centers. Interventions involving system and policy changes may be more effective in implementing and sustaining improvements than just provider education.