Large Multispecialty Hospital Research Articles

Machine Learning Models Versus the National Early Warning Score System for Predicting Deterioration: Retrospective Cohort Study in the United Arab Emirates

Background Early warning score systems are widely used for identifying patients who are at the highest risk of deterioration to assist clinical decision-making. This could facilitate early intervention and consequently improve patient outcomes; for example, the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) system, which is recommended by the Royal College of Physicians in the United Kingdom, uses predefined alerting thresholds to assign scores to patients based on their vital signs. However, there is limited evidence of the reliability of such scores across patient cohorts in the United Arab Emirates. Objective Our aim in this study was to propose a data-driven model that accurately predicts in-hospital deterioration in an inpatient cohort in the United Arab Emirates. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a real-world data set that consisted of 16,901 unique patients associated with 26,073 inpatient emergency encounters and 951,591 observation sets collected between April 2015 and August 2021 at a large multispecialty hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The observation sets included routine measurements of heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, level of consciousness, temperature, and oxygen saturation, as well as whether the patient was receiving supplementary oxygen. We divided the data set of 16,901 unique patients into training, validation, and test sets consisting of 11,830 (70%; 18,319/26,073, 70.26% emergency encounters), 3397 (20.1%; 5206/26,073, 19.97% emergency encounters), and 1674 (9.9%; 2548/26,073, 9.77% emergency encounters) patients, respectively. We defined an adverse event as the occurrence of admission to the intensive care unit, mortality, or both if the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit first. On the basis of 7 routine vital signs measurements, we assessed the performance of the NEWS system in detecting deterioration within 24 hours using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). We also developed and evaluated several machine learning models, including logistic regression, a gradient-boosting model, and a feed-forward neural network. Results In a holdout test set of 2548 encounters with 95,755 observation sets, the NEWS system achieved an overall AUROC value of 0.682 (95% CI 0.673-0.690). In comparison, the best-performing machine learning models, which were the gradient-boosting model and the neural network, achieved AUROC values of 0.778 (95% CI 0.770-0.785) and 0.756 (95% CI 0.749-0.764), respectively. Our interpretability results highlight the importance of temperature and respiratory rate in predicting patient deterioration. Conclusions Although traditional early warning score systems are the dominant form of deterioration prediction models in clinical practice today, we strongly recommend the development and use of cohort-specific machine learning models as an alternative. This is especially important in external patient cohorts that were unseen during model development.

Development and validation of a parsimonious prediction model for positive urine cultures in outpatient visits

Urine culture is often considered the gold standard for detecting the presence of bacteria in the urine. Since culture is expensive and often requires 24-48 hours, clinicians often rely on urine dipstick test, which is considerably cheaper than culture and provides instant results. Despite its ease of use, urine dipstick test may lack sensitivity and specificity. In this paper, we use a real-world dataset consisting of 17,572 outpatient encounters who underwent urine cultures, collected between 2015 and 2021 at a large multi-specialty hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. We develop and evaluate a simple parsimonious prediction model for positive urine cultures based on a minimal input set of ten features selected from the patient’s presenting vital signs, history, and dipstick results. In a test set of 5,339 encounters, the parsimonious model achieves an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.828 (95% CI: 0.810-0.844) for predicting a bacterial count ≥ 105 CFU/ml, outperforming a model that uses dipstick features only that achieves an AUROC of 0.786 (95% CI: 0.769-0.806). Our proposed model can be easily deployed at point-of-care, highlighting its value in improving the efficiency of clinical workflows, especially in low-resource settings.

A proactive learning approach toward building adaptive capacity during COVID-19: A radiology case study

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged organizations to adapt under uncertainty and time pressure, with no pre-existing protocols or guidelines available. For organizations to learn to adapt effectively, there is a need to understand the perspectives of the frontline workforce involved in everyday operations. This study implemented a survey-tool to elicit narratives of successful adaptation based on the lived experiences frontline radiology staff at a large multispecialty pediatric hospital. Fifty-eight members of the radiology frontline staff responded to the tool between July and October of 2020. Qualitative analysis of the free-text data revealed five categories of themes that underpinned adaptive capacity of the radiology department during the pandemic: information flow, attitudes and initiative, new and adjusted workflows, availability and utilization of resources, and collaboration and teamwork. Enablers of adaptive capacity included timely and clear communication about procedures and policies from the leadership to frontline staff, and revised workflows with flexible work arrangements, such as remote patient screening. Responses to multiple choice questions in the tool helped identify the main categories of challenges faced by staff, factors that enabled successful adaptation, and resources used. The study demonstrates the use of a survey-tool to proactively identify frontline adaptations. The paper also reports a system-wide intervention resulting directly from a discovery enabled by the findings based on the use of RETIPS in the radiology department. In general, the tool could be used in concert with existing learning mechanisms, such as safety event reporting systems, to inform leadership-level decisions to support adaptive capacity.

Severe impact of COVID-19 pandemic on non-COVID patient care and health delivery: An observational study from a large multispecialty hospital of India

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted health-care delivery globally, especially for non-COVID diseases. These cases received suboptimal attention and care during the pandemic. In this observational cohort study, we have studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on various aspects of medical and surgical practices. Material and Methods: This observational, cross-sectional cohort study was performed on the data of a 710 bedded, multispecialty, and tertiary care corporate hospital of the national capital of India. The data of the pandemic period (April 1, 2020–March 31, 2021) were divided into three main groups and were then compared with the patient data of the preceding non-pandemic year (April 1, 2019–March 31, 2020) of more than six hundred thousand cases. Results: From the data of 677,237 cases in these 2 years, we found a significant effect of COVID-19 pandemic on most spheres of clinical practice (P < 0.05), including outpatient attendance and surgical work. The specialties providing critical and emergency care were less affected. Although the total hospital admissions reduced by 34.07%, these were not statistically significant (P = 0.506), as the number of COVID-19 admissions took place during this time and compensated for the drop. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted health-care delivery to non-COVID cases across all the major medical and surgical specialties. Still, major urgent surgical and interventional work for cases was undertaken with due precautions, without waiting for the ongoing pandemic to end, as the delay in their treatment could have been catastrophic.

Cardiology cathlab-based management of thrombotic carotid stenoses in acute ischaemic stroke en route to full interventional stroke service: tools, techniques, challenges and patient outcomes

Abstract Background Shortage of endovascular operators able to deliver manual thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) on a 24/7/365 basis is a main challenge in many health care settings around the world. Another fundamental barrier is getting multispecialy teams to work collaboratively with each other in AIS as is already done (albeit on an elective rather than acute basis and in absence of “territorial” issues) in managing stroke mechanistic pathologies such as atrial fibrillation (pharmacology/ablation) or PFO (diagnosis/closure). Purpose To establish a practical path towards a clinically and orranizationally effective cardiology cathlab-based acute ischaemic stroke service, including intracranial manual thrombectomy, in a large multi-specialty hospital with a high-volume stroke unit but absence of neuroradiology service. Methods Withn a symptomatic and increased-stroke-risk asymptomatic carotid stenosis all-comer endovascular revascularization study (NeuroVascular Team decision-making) we have treated, on an emergent basis, 17 patients (13 men, age 58–75 years, median 67 years) with AIS caused by severe thrombotic carotid artery stenoses. All cases were performed as part of our pathway towards a full 24/7 thrombectomy stroke service. Results All lesions (100%) were thrombotic (mobile thrombus - 29%). Proximal neuroprotection (flow reversal using a common carotid artery±external carotid artery occlusive balloon/s) was used in 15/17 patients (88%). In 2 patients (12%) filter protection was applied as proximal system use was unfeasible for anatomic or clinical reasons. All cases were done under activated clotting time control and using a micronet-covered embolic prevention stent system that was routinely optimized -under an effective neuroprotection- with large balloons/high pressures. There were no procedure- or device-related complications. TIMI/TICI-3 was achieved in all cases. Vascular access closure device use was 76%. A 30-day good clinical outcome (mRS of 0–2) rate was 94%. One patient had a haemorrhagic stroke transformation that finally led to death. By 30 days no new stroke, stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction or other SAE occurred Conclusions Cardiologists skilled in carotid interventions are naturally positioned to deliver AIS treatment. 24/7 interventional services and networks for acute myocardial infarction have long been established and, as demonstrated in our centre, the services and skills can be translated -in collaboration with a local stroke unit/neurology- to AIS. Breaking away from traditionally-perceived “territories” towards working as a multispecialy AIS team is a logical concept that provides an effective healthcare solution for large numbers of stroke patients currently needing -and not receving- thrombectomy. Working hand in hand with neurology and radiology in managing acute carotid syndromes is thus part of a natural evolution towards full interventional stroke services including thrombectomy. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Jagiellonian University Medical College

Optimization of diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection using polymerase chain reaction in a large multi-specialty hospital

Аbstract. We consider the possibility of optimizing the diagnosis of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 using polymerase chain reaction in a multi-specialty hospital, repurposed for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, using the example Of the military medical Academy named after S.M. Kirov. The analysis of scientific publications selected in accordance with the purpose of the study, analyzed data from 218 samples of polymerase chain reaction in patients with COVID-19, who were in the clinics Of the military medical Academy named after Sm. Time intervals were established depending on the clinical forms and severity of the infectious process, in which the probability of a positive and negative result of a polymerase chain reaction to SARS-CoV-2 RNA was maximum and minimum. It was shown that during the examination and treatment, molecular biological diagnostics were performed excessively (4 times in more than 50% of patients) and in 97,3% of patients unreasonably early (8,50,4 days). At the same time, the highest frequency of negative results of polymerase chain reaction to SARS-CoV-2 RNA was observed in the period from 9 to 10 and from 12 to 14 days, while it depended on the clinical form and severity of the infectious process. In this regard, the volume diagnosis using polymerase chain reaction should be reduced and to conduct research when entering the hospital, on the 9th-10th day (in patients inapparently forms and acute respiratory diseases, lung flow) and 12-14 days before discharge in patients with moderate and severe course of the infectious process.

Qualitative findings from a pilot stage implementation of a novel organizational learning tool toward operationalizing the Safety-II paradigm in health care

‘Safety-II’ is a new approach to safety, which emphasizes learning proactively about how safety and efficacy are achieved in everyday frontline work. Previous research developed a new lesson-sharing tool designed based on the Safety-II approach: Resilience Engineering Tool to Improve Patient Safety (RETIPS). The tool comprises questions designed to elicit narratives of adaptations that have contributed to effectiveness in care delivery. The purpose of this study is to revise and validate the design of RETIPS. The tool was revised based on feedback of clinicians at a large multi-specialty hospital, resulting in a version customized for anesthesia residents, RETIPS-AnRes. RETIPS-AnRes was administered on a pilot-basis to anesthesia resident groups for a limited period of time. A review of the reports obtained shows a strong alignment of responses with the conceptual basis of the tool, i.e. learning about how things go well in everyday work. The exemplars include both, specific instances of successful patient care, as well as generic routines that contribute to safe and/or effective care delivery. These findings support RETIPS as a tool to operationalize the Safety-II paradigm in healthcare. Lessons and implications for implementation on a wider scale are discussed.

Caregiver satisfaction with quality of care in the pediatric medical ward of a large hospital in Botswana

Context: Few studies in developing settings seek to determine caregivers' level of satisfaction with medical services provided for their children. High-quality medical care is associated with improved health outcomes and higher health-care utilization. Aims: We sought to understand caregiver satisfaction in the pediatric ward of a large hospital in Botswana. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey was conducted in the pediatrics medical ward at a referral hospital in Gaborone, Botswana, between September and October 2017. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on caregivers admitted with their children in the pediatric ward of a large multispecialty hospital in Botswana. A total of 250 caregivers took a modified Service Quality Instrument from September to October 2017. The quality service instrument provides expectation and perception data in two subscales and assesses the difference between expectation and perception score, or gap score, for five dimensions of medical care. Statistical Analysis Used: All data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science software. Results: The mean gap scores for the cohort were all negative, showing poor satisfaction and discrepancies between expectations and perceptions. The overall mean gap score was at − 0.315 (P

Health problems and disinfectant product exposure among staff at a large multispecialty hospital

Hospital staff expressed health concerns after a surface disinfectant product containing hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid was introduced. We sought to determine if this product posed a health hazard. An interviewer-administered questionnaire on work and health characteristics was completed by 163 current staff. Symptoms that improved away from work were considered work-related. Forty-nine air samples were taken for hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated using Poisson regression, and standardized morbidity ratios (SMRs) were calculated using nationally representative data. Product users reported higher prevalence of work-related wheeze and watery eyes than nonusers (P < .05). Workers in the department with the highest air measurements had significantly higher prevalence of watery eyes (PR, 2.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-7.05) than those in departments with lower air measurements, and they also had a >3-fold excess of current asthma (SMR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.48-8.13) compared with the U.S. This disinfectant product was associated with mucous membrane and respiratory health effects. Risks of mucous membrane irritation and asthma in health care workers should be considered in development of disinfection protocols to protect patients from hospital-acquired infections. Identification of optimal protocols that reduce worker exposures while maintaining patient safety is needed.

Spectrum of extrathyroidal congenital malformations in a cohort of North Indian children with permanent primary congenital hypothyroidism

Background: Children with permanent primary congenital hypothyroidism (CH) are at increased risk for extrathyroidal congenital malformations (ECMs) as compared to normal child population. A wide variation in the prevalence of ECMs in CH has been reported previously with the reports from Turkey and India indicating a much higher prevalence (48%–59%) as compared to reports from other countries (2.1%–10.5%). Setting and Design: Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic of a large multispecialty hospital located in Northwest India. Retrospective study. Materials and Methods: Children diagnosed as permanent primary CH underwent evaluation for associated ECMs using echocardiography and abdominal and pelvic ultrasonography if clinically indicated. Results: The etiological diagnoses in 106 children (52 girls and 54 boys) with permanent CH were thyroid agenesis in 70 (66%), ectopia in 9 (8.5%), hypoplasia in 6 (5.5%), hypothyroidism with eutopic gland in 5 (4.7%), and dyshormonogenesis in 16 (15%) patients. Seven (7.42%) patients had associated ECMs. The majority (4, 3.7%) of ECMs were cardiac (ventricular septal defect in two patients and patent ductus arteriosus and transposition of great arteries in one each), while skeletal (congenital talipes equinovarus in two and hemivertebra in one patient) and genitourinary (splitting of the pelvicalyceal system in two patients) anomalies were seen in 3 (2.8%) and 2 (1.8%) patients, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of ECMs in children with permanent CH was much lower as compared to other cohorts from India. Further studies are needed to determine the underlying genetic and environmental factors to explain the drastic regional differences in the prevalence of ECMs in CH.

Management of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units: a mixed methods study assessing barriers and facilitators to guideline adherence.

BackgroundGuidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America/The American Thoracic Society (IDSA/ATS) provide recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). However, the mere presence of guidelines is rarely sufficient to promote widespread adoption and uptake. Using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model framework, we undertook a study to understand barriers and facilitators to the adoption of the IDSA/ATS guidelines.MethodsWe conducted surveys and focus group discussions of different health care providers involved in the management of VAP. The setting was medical-surgical ICUs at a tertiary academic hospital and a large multispecialty rural hospital in Wisconsin, USA.ResultsOverall, we found that 55 % of participants indicated that they were aware of the IDSA/ATS guideline. The top ranked barriers to VAP management included: 1) having multiple physician groups managing VAP, 2) variation in VAP management by differing ICU services, 3) physicians and level of training, and 4) renal failure complicating doses of antibiotics.Facilitators to VAP management included presence of multidisciplinary rounds that include nurses, pharmacist and respiratory therapists, and awareness of the IDSA/ATS guideline. This awareness was associated with receiving effective training on management of VAP, keeping up to date on nosocomial infection literature, and belief that performing a bronchoscopy to diagnose VAP would help with expeditious diagnosis of VAP.ConclusionsFindings from our study complement existing studies by identifying perceptions of the many different types of healthcare workers in ICU settings. These findings have implications for antibiotic stewardship teams, clinicians, and organizational leaders.

Role of discharge planning and other determinants in total discharge time at a large tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Discharge time, a crucial quality indicator, is dependent on several other factors like clearance time and patient-related issues. The present study analyzes these determinants and presents measures to control the discharge time. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during May-June 2013 at a large multispecialty hospital. During initial 15 days, that is, the pilot study, data was collected across various steps where time was consumed during discharge process and initiatives were taken to increase the number of planned discharges. For the main study, discharges were classified as planned/unplanned and patients as insured and uninsured. Results of pilot study and main study were compared. We computed one-sample t-test on overall discharge time, clearance time, and independent sample t-test on discharge time consumed for types of discharges. All results with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 105 discharges, 75 were included wherein mean discharge time of 177.6 (± 613) min was significantly lower than the mean time of 285.42 (±105.46) min taken for 35 discharges during pilot study (P < 0.01). Mean discharge time of 572 (±1378.4) min for the 14 insured patients was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than the 61 uninsured patients where discharge time was 88 (±84.7) min. Mean discharge time for planned discharges (n = 18) was 85 (±87.9) min that was significantly lower than unplanned discharges (n = 57) with a mean of 524 (±1446.6) min (P < 0.01). ther patient-related factors like, delay in bill payment, request for discounts further increased the discharge time. Conclusion: Planning the discharges reduced the total time of discharge process substantially. Discharge time was substantially high for insured patients that need to be controlled. Departmental clearance and patient-related factors also impact the discharge time.

A Descriptive Study of Length of Stay at an Intensive Care Unit

ABSTRACT Background and aims As intensive care units (ICUs) are very resource intensive, length of stay (LOS) is of prime importance. This study was done to analyze the LOS in different ICUs and analyze it against a set benchmark. Materials and methods This retrospective study was conducted from April to June 2013 on patients admitted during January to March 2013 in the neurosurgery ICU (NICU), medical ICU (MICU), high dependency unit (HDU) and isolation ICU of a large multispecialty hospital in Pune (India). As per the quality manual of the hospital, benchmark LOS was considered as 3.08 days for ICU. Mean and median LOS was analyzed through Student's t and Chi-square test; proportion of short (&lt;2 days) and long stay (&gt;4 days) patients was also computed. Results Out of 835 patients admitted to the NICU, MICU, HDU and Isolation ICU, the overall mean LOS was 3.37 ± 5.54 days which was statistically significant at a p-value &lt;0.001 (t = 17.58, 95% CI 3-3.75). The overall mean LOS was higher than the benchmarked 3.08 days but still within the optimal range of 2 to 4 days. Mean LOS was statistically significant when tested for department-wise variations with a Chi-value of 173.56 (p-value &lt; 0.001, LR = 113.75). Highest mean LOS was observed for isolation ICU and lowest for MICU. 360 (43.1%) were short stay, 141(16.8%) were long stay and remaining were optimal stay patients. Conclusion The mean LOS for the ICUs varied significantly across the type of ICUs which needs to be continuously monitored. Mean LOS variation across ICU type indicates need for separate benchmarks. How to cite this article Shukla K, Chandrashekhar P, Kumar N, Devade PK. A Descriptive Study of Length of Stay at an Intensive Care Unit. Int J Res Foundation Hosp Healthc Adm 2015;3(1):29-32.

1253 AN EXAMINATION OF PSA UTILIZATION AND REFERRAL PATTERNS IN A LARGE, INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOLLOWING THE US PREVENTATIVE SERVICES TASK FORCE PSA RECOMMENDATIONS

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) first recommended against population-based screening of prostate cancer by giving PSA screening a D rating in October 2011. We examined the utilization of PSA within a large multi-specialty hospital system before and after the recommendation. METHODS: MultiCare (MHS) is a large multi-specialty health care system with nearly 600 providers and 5 employed urologists. We counted and reviewed all new PSA consultations, prostate biopsy procedures (new, not as part of an active surveillance protocol), and PSA tests ordered by the entire system between April 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012 in an effort to document the impact of the USPSTF PSA rating. RESULTS: A total of 240 referrals for elevated PSA were seen and 164 prostate biopsies were performed during the study period. In the 6 months following the USPSTF recommendations, a 17% decrease in referrals for elevated PSA and a 16% decrease in the numbers of biopsies performed was documented. At 12 months following the recommendations, a 28% decrease in elevated PSA referrals and a 64% decrease in number of biopsies performed was measured. There was a more modest decline of 5% in the number of PSA tests performed overall at our institution. CONCLUSIONS: The USPSTF ‘D’ rating of PSA made a substantial impact on PSA utilization, both as a screening tool and an indicator for prostate biopsy, within the our integrated health care system. Additional study on a broader scale is necessary to confirm these findings.

Imaging of patients after the Lap-Band System application

We describe the use of imaging in the management of adjustable gastric-banding patients, and describe complications of banding that are diagnosed by imaging. Using a four-year period as an example of complications of this type of laparoscopic approach, we have retrospectively identified all patients with laparoscopic bands who were imaged in the radiology department at our large multispecialty hospital. Included are patients who had their bands placed by the hospital's surgeons as well as patients referred for consultation from other practices. Twenty-two of 165 patients who had banding as their sole weight loss surgery had 23 complications diagnosed by imaging. Complications included band slip (3), device issues (4), esophageal dilation (8), esophageal dysmotility (5), symptomatic gallstones (2) and a gastroesphageal diverticulum (1). Complications were detected by fluoroscopy (17), CT (4) or ultrasound (2). 17 patients had banding as one of multiple bariatric surgeries, with 13 complications: band slip (4), port infection (1), esophageal dilation (1), esophageal dysmotility (5), anastomotic leak (1) and internal hernia (2). Complications were detected with fluoroscopy (12) and CT (1). Fluoroscopy is generally the primary imaging modality used to diagnose complications of gastric banding. Esophageal dilation and dysmotility, which appear to be long-term sequelae of banding, were the most common complications identified by imaging.

On chronic rhinosinusitis and the prevalence of fungal sinus disease: problems of diagnostic accuracy and a proposed classification of chronic rhinosinusitis

There is considerable controversy in the diagnosis and classification of the type of inflammation that is attributed to various forms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Specimens obtained during surgical treatment of CRS have been invaluable resources for identifying the underlying inflammatory process. The classification of sinus inflammation is based on histopathologic examination of these surgical specimens. Accurate identification of the pathology and standardized reporting are invaluable for postsurgical treatment options and our understanding of CRS. In a large multispecialty referral hospital where multiple surgeons and pathologists are involved in clinical practice, the lack of standardization in specimen collection, specimen processing, and reporting introduce several variables that make it extremely difficult for retrospective analysis. This report focuses on consecutive endoscopic sinus surgical procedures performed by 4 different sinus surgeons over a period of 4 years in a Central Texas multispecialty hospital. This is an analysis of the reality of clinical practice without intervention. At the core of this analysis are pathology reporting practices for fungal sinus disease and the undesirable variables introduced by nonstandardized reporting. A practical classification of CRS based on pathology is proposed.

Development of a Web Based Education Program for Infection Prevention and Control New Employee and Annual Training in a Large Multispecialty Clinic and Hospital Setting

PROJECT: Mayo Clinic Rochester is a multispecialty healthcare system employing in excess of 24,000 allied health staff and 3400 physicians and trainees. In order to meet the I P&C training needs of our diverse group of employees, provide consistent messages and track outcomes, we created a web-based education program. These programs allowed us to convert from multiple programs written and delivered by multiple departments to online training modules with the ability to adjust formats and provide consistent updated training and oversight by IP&C. Additionally in preparation for pandemic flu or bioterrorist events, the change allowed for ‘‘Just in Time training’’ which can be circulated immediately to all staff and allowed for well documented compliance reporting.

Defaulting Oncology Patient in a Multispecialty State-Run Hospital in India

A 14-year-old boy diagnosed with primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the L5 vertebra defaulted from his treatment, which significantly contributed to the progression of his disease. The possible causes of defaulting were (1) poor doctor/patient rapport, (2) inadequate communication between doctor and patient about the disease and its treatment, (3) unavailability of a "no show" defaulters' compliance program and case managers, (4) patients' economic constraints, (5) additional inconveniences because of referrals and consultations in a large multispecialty state-run hospital, and (6) patient's low education level and poor understanding of the disease and its treatment. Defaulting is multifactorial but can be contained. Good doctor/patient rapport, with emphasis on effective communication is important in improving compliance. Institutional administrative procedures should be more user-friendly. Medical institutions should consider having a "no show" defaulters' compliance program and case managers in those specialties where defaulting can adversely affect the clinical outcome.

Pulmonary Embolism: A Frequent Occurrence in Indian Patients with Symptomatic Lower Limb Venous Thrombosis

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most severe complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). There have been very few studies to assess the prevalence of PE in Asian patients. The objective of this study was to define the prevalence of PE in patients presenting with suspected lower limb DVT. This was a prospective cohort study at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, a large multispecialty hospital in New Delhi, India. From January 2001 to July 2004, 1,552 consecutive inpatients and outpatients who presented with clinically suspected lower limb DVT were enrolled in the study. Combined ascending radionuclide venography and lung perfusion scan was performed in all patients. Patients with evidence of pulmonary perfusion defects underwent ventilation lung scan. Radionuclide venography-detectable DVT was noted in 744 patients, of whom 521 (70%) had suprapopliteal DVT. Of patients with DVT, 294 (39.5%) showed a high-probability lung scan and 135 (18.1%) had an intermediate-probability lung scan. Overall, 47% of patients with a high-probability scan had no clinical manifestations suggestive of PE. PE occurs frequently in Indian patients with symptomatic DVT. Increasing awareness will provide us with clearer ideas about the prevalence of venous thromboembolism in Asian countries.

Converging patterns in hospital organization: beyond the professional bureaucracy

This study builds a framework to investigate the current trends emerging in hospital organizational design and its main consequences on human resources management. The analysis derives from an extensive literature review, which shows over the last 30 years a significant lack of works on organization design for hospitals, and from a number of experiences in hospital settings, which provide useful insights on changes taking place in hospitals. We intend to contribute to the filling of the gap in literature created by the lack of interest scholars have shown on hospital organization. The framework we discuss depicts the major converging trends of reorganization that can be observed in hospital contexts of industrialized countries. What we found is that large multi-specialty hospitals – by large we mean hospitals over about 300 beds – located in different countries, though starting from different internal and external organizational and environmental features are mostly converging towards a common design scheme.11We decided to concentrate on the large multi-specialty hospital because is becoming the dominant type of hospital in industrialized countries along with small focused single-specialty hospital. This is mainly determined by technological requirements, clinical reasons (volume-based quality) and logistical opportunities (transport easiness, creation of hub and spokes networks, emergency networks, etc.). On the subject see Herzingler [13], Shortell et al. [14], Nauert [15], McKee et al. [16]. We labelled that scheme the care-focused hospital and we analysed in-depth its features in the attempt to facilitate cross-national comparison, otherwise difficult due to the fact that organizational concepts are value loaded and tend to be culture-bound. Challenges and managerial implications of this more and more widely diffused organizational paradigm are debated in the last part of the study.