Post-implementation Period Research Articles

The impact of the Ontario quality-based procedures funding model on radical prostatectomy outcomes.

In 2015, radical prostatectomy (RP) in Ontario transitioned to the quality-based procedures (QBP) funding model, which assigns disbursement from surgical quality indicator (QI) outcome performance. The objective of this study was to assess the QBP QI outcomes before and after implementation of the QBP funding model for RP, and to determine whether changes seen were attributable to the QBP model. We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study including all men who underwent RP for prostate cancer in Ontario from 2010-2019. We used administrative data from Ontario's health databases to gather surgical and QI outcome data. Our primary outcomes were the five measurable QBP QIs outlined by the province. We performed a pre- and post-intervention comparison, in addition to an interrupted-time series (ITS) analysis. Two of the five QIs improved after implementation of the QBP model (complication rate: 11.89% vs. 9.96%, p<0.001; proportion meeting length of stay target: 78.11% vs. 86.84%, p<0.001). ITS analysis revealed that there was no difference in trend in either outcome between pre- and post-implementation periods (p=0.913 and p=0.249, respectively). Two QIs were worse in the post-implementation period (unplanned visit rate: 23.45% vs. 25%, p=0.015; proportion meeting Wait 2 target: 94.39% vs. 92.88%, p<0.001). ITS revealed no significant trend changes post-implementation (p=0.260 and p=0.272, respectively). There was no difference in re-operation rate (2.84% vs. 2.45%, p=0.107). The QBP model for RP corresponds with mixed QI changes, but further analysis suggests that these changes were pre-existing trends and not attributable to the model.

Impact of mandatory indications for outpatient antibiotic orders on accurate tracking of antibiotic indications.

We sought to evaluate whether implementing mandatory indications for outpatient electronic antibiotic orders or using encounter International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD10) codes more accurately reflected clinicians' charted diagnosis in encounter notes. Secondarily, we examined the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions. Cross-sectional study. Mandatory indications were added to all outpatient electronic antibiotic orders on May 18, 2022. A randomly selected convenience sample of 1300 outpatient encounters with antibiotics from walk-in clinics was reviewed. Adjusted logistic regression was used to compare the congruence between encounter ICD10 code and charted diagnosis for encounters from July 15 to September 15, 2021 (pre-implementation period) to the congruence between encounter ICD10 code, charted diagnosis, and mandatory indication for encounters from July 15 to September 15, 2022 (post-implementation period). Antibiotic appropriateness based on charted diagnosis was also evaluated. Among 1300 outpatient encounters, congruence between charted diagnosis and ICD10 code significantly increased in the post-implementation period (87.7% (565/644)) versus pre-implementation (83.3% (540/648), adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.52; 95% CI 1.03-2.25). Congruence between charted diagnosis and mandatory indication during post-implementation was 95.2% (613/644) and >5 times more likely to be congruent than charted diagnosis and ICD10 code during pre-implementation (aOR 5.45; 95% CI 3.26-9.11). Antibiotic prescribing based on charted diagnosis was twice as likely to be appropriate in the post-implementation period (aOR1.99; 95% CI 1.32-2.98). Mandatory indications within antibiotic orders show better congruence with charted diagnosis than ICD10 codes and may increase antibiotic appropriateness and congruence between ICD10 code and charted diagnosis.

Determinants of Accounting Information Systems Success: The Case of the Greek Hotel Industry

Accounting information systems (AIS) are primarily designed to convert financial data into usable financial and management information. Their effectiveness or success, which shows the extent to which the requirements of their users are satisfied, is an essential factor in decision making. Previous research has found that user satisfaction is a particularly widely utilized and indicative measure of information system (IS) success. In this setting, the success or failure of an AIS is a crucial issue for all companies since a particular IS cannot be appropriate for everyone, especially in the case of accounting software that has to satisfy the requirements of its users. Furthermore, given the hotel industry’s information-intensive and competitive character, the AIS user satisfaction of hotel financial and accounting executives can be vital to their performance and the hotel’s operational efficiency. The aim of this research is to investigate a number of factors that influence AIS user satisfaction in the post-implementation period in the case of the Greek hotel industry. The findings of our empirical study show that system quality, information quality, system use, service quality, firm’s size, years of system use, information technology integration, and organic structure have a positive effect on user satisfaction with AIS. On the contrary, statistical analysis shows that users’ level of education is negatively correlated with AIS user satisfaction. Finally, the current research findings contribute theoretically to the IS and accounting literature, and they also shine a light on the managerial implications for IS developers, hotel managers, and financial executives.

Evaluating the impact ofthe Community Helpers Program on adolescents 12-18 years old in Edmonton, Canada.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) Community Helpers Program (CHP) to enhance mental health among youth. Identifying the impact of CHP on mental illness-related acute care use among adolescents aged 12-18 years in Edmonton and determining cost avoidance. Using administrative data from AHS, public school catchment area data from theEdmonton Public School Board, and area-level socioeconomic deprivation status indicators from the Pampalon deprivation index, we applied geographical regression discontinuity design to estimate the effect of CHP implementation on depression-, anxiety-, and suicide-related acute care use (emergency department visits and inpatient admissions). Cost data were derived from Interactive Health Data Application of Alberta Health. The study period (2002-2022) included pre (2002-2011) and post (2012-2020) CHP implementation periods. CHP had statistically significant impact when distance from the boundary (catchment area identifier to divide the sample into treated and control groups) was between 600 and 800 m. About 90 and 80 fewer anxiety- and depression-related visits (per 1000 visits) were observed among individuals aged 12-15 and 16-18 years, respectively, in catchment areas of the public schools where CHP was implemented. Impact of CHP on suicide-related visits was only statistically significant among individuals aged 12-15 years. Annual cost reduction ranged from $161,117 to $269,255 for anxiety- and depression-related visits. Findings show contextual effect of CHP; i.e., being potentially exposed to the program reduced the likelihood of anxiety- and depression-related visits. Costs of CHP implementation could be compared with the avoided costs to assess economic benefits of implementing CHP.

Length of Hospitalization and Mortality among Stroke Patients before and after the Implementation of a Specialized Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Real-World Data from One Reference Hospital in Southern Brazil.

Stroke constitutes a significant global cause of mortality and disability. The implementation of stroke units influences hospital quality indicators, guiding care management. We aimed to compare hospital length of stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality, and post-discharge mortality between stroke patients admitted in the pre- and post-implementation periods of a stroke unit in a public hospital in southern Brazil. This retrospective cohort study used real-world data from one reference hospital, focusing on the intervention (stroke unit) and comparing it to the general ward (control). We analyzed the electronic medical records of 674 patients admitted from 2009 to 2012 in the general ward and 766 patients from 2013 to 2018 in the stroke unit. Admission to the stroke unit was associated with a 43% reduction in the likelihood of prolonged hospitalization. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of in-hospital mortality between the groups (Hazard ratio = 0.90; Interquartile range = 0.58 to 1.39). The incidence of death at three, six and twelve months post-discharge did not differ between the groups. Our study results indicate significant improvements in care processes for SU patients, including shorter LOS and better adherence to treatment protocols. However, our observations revealed no significant difference in mortality rates, either during hospitalization or after discharge, between the SU and GW groups. While SU implementation enhances efficiency in stroke care, further research is needed to explore long-term outcomes and optimize management strategies.

Using the WHO individual near miss case review (NMCR) cycle to improve quality of emergency obstetric care and maternal outcome in Keren hospital, Eritrea: an interrupted time series analysis

BackgroundIn 2016, the WHO regional office for Europe prepared a manual for conducting routine facility based individual near miss case review cycle. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the individual near miss case review (NMCR) cycle in improving quality of emergency obstetric care and maternal outcome in Keren hospital.MethodsAn interrupted time series design was used to achieve the objectives of this study. Monthly data on women with potentially life-threatening conditions (PLTCs) admitted between April 2018 and October 2022 (i.e. 33 months pre-implementation and 22 months post-implementation) were collected from medical records. Segmented regression analysis was used to assess the intervention’s effect on three process and outcome measures, namely, SMO, delayed care, and substandard care. The intervention was expected a priori to show immediate improvements without time-lag followed by gradual increment in slope. Segmented regression analyses were performed using the “itsa’ command in STATA.ResultsDuring the entire study period, 4365 women with potentially life threatening conditions were identified. There was a significant reduction in the post-implementation period in the proportion of mothers with PLTC who experienced SMO (− 8.86; p < 0.001), delayed care (− 8.76; p < 0.001) and substandard care (− 5.58; p < 0.001) compared to pre-implementation period. Results from the segmented regression analysis revealed that the percentage of women with SMO showed a significant 4.75% (95% CI: − 6.95 to − 2.54, p < 0.001) reduction in level followed by 0.28 percentage points monthly (95% CI: − 0.37 to − 0.14, p < 0.001) drop in trend. Similarly, a significant drop of 3.50% (95% CI: − 4.74 to − 2.26, p < 0.001) in the level of substandard care along with a significant decrease of 0.21 percentage points (95% CI: − 0.28 to − 0.14, p < 0.001) in the slope of the regression line was observed. The proportion of women who received delayed care also showed a significant 7% (95% CI: − 9.28 to − 4.68, p < 0.001) reduction in post-implementation level without significant change in slope.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the WHO individual NMCR cycle was associated with substantial improvements in quality of emergency obstetric care and maternal outcome. The intervention also bears a great potential for scaling-up following the guidance provided in the WHO NMCR manual.

Indicated vs universal third-trimester ultrasound examination in low-risk pregnancies: a pre-post-intervention study

In low-risk pregnancies, a third-trimester ultrasound examination is indicated if fundal height measurement and gestational age discrepancy are observed. Despite potential improvement in the detection of ultrasound abnormality, prior trials to date on universal third-trimester ultrasound examination in low-risk pregnancies, compared with indicated ultrasound examination, have not demonstrated improvement in neonatal or maternal adverse outcomes. The primary objective was to determine if universal third-trimester ultrasound examination in low-risk pregnancies could attenuate composite neonatal adverse outcomes. The secondary objectives were to compare changes in composite maternal adverse outcomes and detection of abnormalities of fetal growth (fetal growth restriction or large for gestational age) or amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios). Our pre-post intervention study at 9 locations included low-risk pregnancies, those without indication for ultrasound examination in the third trimester. Compared with indicated ultrasound in the preimplementation period, in the postimplementation period, all patients were scheduled for ultrasound examination at 36.0-37.6 weeks. In both periods, clinicians intervened on the basis of abnormalities identified. Composite neonatal adverse outcomes included any of: Apgar score ≤5 at 5 minutes, cord pH <7.00, birth trauma (bone fracture or brachial plexus palsy), intubation for >24 hours, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, seizure, sepsis (bacteremia proven with blood culture), meconium aspiration syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III or IV, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, stillbirth after 36 weeks, or neonatal death within 28 days of birth. Composite maternal adverse outcomes included any of the following: chorioamnionitis, wound infection, estimated blood loss >1000 mL, blood transfusion, deep venous thrombus or pulmonary embolism, admission to intensive care unit, or death. Using Bayesian statistics, we calculated a sample size of 600 individuals in each arm to detect >75% probability of any reduction in primary outcome (80% power; 50% hypothesized risk reduction). During the preintervention phase, 747 individuals were identified during the initial ultrasound examination, and among them, 568 (76.0%) met the inclusion criteria at 36.0-37.6 weeks; during the postintervention period, the corresponding numbers were 770 and 661 (85.8%). The rate of identified abnormalities of fetal growth or amniotic fluid increased from between the pre-post intervention period (7.1% vs 22.2%; P<.0001; number needed to diagnose, 7; 95% confidence interval, 5-9). The primary outcome occurred in 15 of 568 (2.6%) individuals in the preintervention and 12 of 661 (1.8%) in the postintervention group (83% probability of risk reduction; posterior relative risk, 0.69 [95% credible interval, 0.34-1.42]). The composite maternal adverse outcomes occurred in 8.6% in the preintervention and 6.5% in the postintervention group (90% probability of risk; posterior relative risk, 0.74 [95% credible interval, 0.49-1.15]). The number needed to treat to reduce composite neonatal adverse outcomes was 121 (95% confidence interval, 40-200). In addition, the number to reduce composite maternal adverse outcomes was 46 (95% confidence interval, 19-74), whereas the number to prevent cesarean delivery was 18 (95% confidence interval, 9-31). Among low-risk pregnancies, compared with routine care with indicated ultrasound examination, implementation of a universal third-trimester ultrasound examination at 36.0-37.6 weeks attenuated composite neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes.

The impact of implementing barrier curtain placement in reducing nosocomial COVID-19 clusters at a tertiary care facility

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to asses the impact of a physical barrier-based infection prevention and control (IPC) intervention in patient wards at a tertiary care center on patient-to-patient coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) transmission and cluster formation. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at a 1300-bedded South Indian tertiary care center. Barrier curtains were deployed between ward beds, accompanied by a social interaction protocol, at eight locations, each containing eleven 4-bedded cubicles accommodating 44 patient beds. A surveillance team daily audited adherence to mask usage, barrier curtains, and the social interaction protocol using a predefined checklist. An effective implementation hybrid design was employed to evaluate clinical impact (cluster formation) and implementation effectiveness (adherence to interventions) between the pre-implementation and post-implementation phases. Results: During the pre-implementation and post-implementation periods, 2398 and 1024 positive COVID-19 cases were recorded in the selected areas, respectively, with an average monthly positivity rate of 40%. The number of clusters decreased from three clusters with an average of 11.3 positive cases per cluster in the pre-implementation period to no clusters in the post-implementation period. Implementation effectiveness showed compliance rates of 90% for barrier curtain placement and 100% for the social interaction protocol. Conclusion: This study confirms that physical barriers, specifically curtains, are effective measures against nosocomial COVID-19 transmission. It underscores the importance of adopting context-specific, cost-effective strategies, especially in low-to-middle-income countries, and provides a strong rationale for further research and implementation of such interventions.

Impact of Deep Learning Image Reconstruction Methods on MRI Throughput.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of implementing two distinct commercially available deep learning reconstruction (DLR) algorithms on the efficiency of MRI examinations conducted in real clinical practice within an outpatient setting at a large, multicenter institution. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included 7346 examinations from 10 clinical MRI scanners analyzed during the pre- and postimplementation periods of DLR methods. Two different types of DLR methods, namely Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)-based and k-space-based methods, were implemented in half of the scanners (three DICOM-based and two k-space-based), while the remaining five scanners had no DLR method implemented. Scan and room times of each examination type during the pre- and postimplementation periods were compared among the different DLR methods using the Wilcoxon test. Results The application of deep learning methods resulted in significant reductions in scan and room times for certain examination types. The DICOM-based method demonstrated up to a 53% reduction in scan times and a 41% reduction in room times for various study types. The k-space-based method demonstrated up to a 27% reduction in scan times but did not significantly reduce room times. Conclusion DLR methods were associated with reductions in scan and room times in a clinical setting, though the effects were heterogeneous depending on examination type. Thus, potential adopters should carefully evaluate their case mix to determine the impact of integrating these tools. Keywords: Deep Learning MRI Reconstruction, Reconstruction Algorithms, DICOM-based Reconstruction, k-Space-based Reconstruction © RSNA, 2024 See also the commentary by GharehMohammadi in this issue.

Evaluating the Association between the Implementation of the PoET (Prevention of Error-Based Transfers) Southwest Spread Project and Palliative Care Provision: A Quasi-Experimental Matched Cohort Study Using Population-Level Health Administrative Data

ObjectivesThe PoET (Prevention of Error-based Transfers) project seeks to align long-term care (LTC) home informed consent practices to existing legislation, thereby reducing consent-related error-based transfers to acute care. We sought to measure changes in resident-level palliative care provision after participating in the PoET Southwest Spread Project (PSSP), and to identify patient and LTC home characteristics associated with palliative care provision. DesignQuasi-experimental matched (1:1 ratio) cohort study design using linked population-based health administrative data. SettingSixty LTC homes (PSSP = 30; Control = 30) in Ontario, Canada, from November 2019 to December 2021. MethodsWe matched 30 PSSP to 30 control homes and described incidence rates for resident-level palliative care provision (ie, physician palliative care encounters and palliative medication prescriptions) during the 7-month postimplementation period. We used generalized linear mixed models to evaluate the association between PSSP implementation and palliative care provision during the postimplementation period. We adjusted for resident-level characteristics (ie, age, sex, comorbidity status) and home-level characteristics (ie, rurality status, profit model, COVID-19 impact). We identified a decedent subcohort to measure palliative care provision patterns during the last 2 months of life. ResultsWe captured a matched cohort of 8894 residents (PSSP = 4103; Control = 4791). Incidence rates of palliative care encounters increased during the postimplementation period for PSSP (82.6 to 85.4 per 100 person-months) but not for control residents (68.8 to 65.3 per 100 person-months). After adjusting for key covariates, PSSP exposure was associated increased palliative care provision (incidence rate ratio 2.47, 95% CI 2.31-2.64) and palliative care medication prescription (1.16, 95% CI 1.12-1.20). Larger home size, certain health regions, and higher number of comorbidities were associated with increased physician palliative care encounters. Conclusions and ImplicationsBy promoting correct informed consent practices in LTC, PSSP participation increased palliative care provision for PSSP LTC residents across all settings.

Non-operating room anesthesia workflow (NORA) implementation to improve start times in interventional radiology

BackgroundNon-OR Anesthesia (NORA) is rapidly becoming standard in many high-volume institutions and efficiency in these spaces has yet to be optimized. On-time first start percentage has been suggested to correlate with more efficient flow, and this correlation is established within the surgical space. PurposeTo investigate the effects of timetable targets on first case on-time first start percentage within a NORA setting. Materials and MethodsA retrospective study of anesthesia-supported first start cases from October 2022 to April 2023 was performed to analyze the effect of timetable targets on on-time first-case starts for planned cases. Statistical analysis was calculated using Student's t-tests with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. Additionally, analysis of variance was used to compare three or more groups, and Tukey Kramer was used to evaluate groups pairwise. ResultsOne hundred twenty-four first start cases were included in the evaluation. After intervention with timetable targets, average patient arrival to the room time improved from 7:49 AM to 7:40 AM (p < 0.05) and procedure start time improved from 8:31 AM to 8:20 AM (p < 0.01). The percentage of procedure start times occurring prior to the goal time increased from 35 % to 58 % after the implementation (p < 0.05). With exception of Tuesdays (Anesthesia Late Start Day), on-time starts improved from 17 % to 48 % (p < 0.01) and sustained this improvement throughout the post-implementation period. ConclusionImplementation of novel timetable targets yielded statistically significant improvement in first case start times. This improvement in efficiency and throughput results in increased room utilization, improved case throughput, and decreased block overrun times, all of which contribute toward increased revenues, decreased costs, and thus improved return on investment.

A Quality Improvement Initiative To Reduce Invasive Candidiasis In Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonates

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a quality improvement (QI) initiative, which included a Fluconazole prophylaxis protocol and provider education on neonatal Candidiasis. Study Design: Retrospective longitudinal study. Place and Duration of Study: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Aga Khan University, Karachi Pakistan, from Apr 2015 to Dec 2019. Methodology: All extremely low birth weight neonates (ELBW) neonates admitted to the NICU between April 2015 and March 2017 were included in the pre-implementation phase. All ELBW neonates admitted between April 2017 and December 2019 were included in the post-implementation phase. Data were collected from medical records. The primary outcome was the frequency of Invasive Candidiasis (IC) before and after the QI initiative. Results: Altogether, 272 neonates were included in the study, with 115 neonates in the Pre-Implementation Group and 157 neonates in the Post-Implementation Group. The frequency of IC was 6(5.2%) in the pre-implementation and 1(0.6%) in the post-implementation period, (p=0.044). Candida parapsilosis 2(40%) and Candida glabrata 2(40%) were the organisms most commonly isolated from blood cultures. All organisms were sensitive to Fluconazole in both the pre-and post-implementation cohorts. There was no difference in mortality (54(50.5%) vs. 69(44.2%), p=0.32) or length of stay (19.6±13.3 vs. 23.4±18.4 days,p=0.061) before and after Fluconazole prophylaxis. Conclusion: The frequency of invasive Candidiasis in ELBW neonates was successfully reduced by introducing a Fluconazole prophylaxis protocol in the NICU as a QI initiative. A team-based approach and provider education ensured high compliance.

Leveraging prescription monitoring program data to evaluate the implementation of buprenorphine telehealth flexibilities: An interrupted time series analysis in Texas

BackgroundIn March 2020, policy changes by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration aimed to maintain access to office-based opioid treatment services by easing telehealth buprenorphine prescribing restrictions. However, the effectiveness of these changes remains largely unmeasured. The objective of this study was to measure the effectiveness of COVID-19-related telehealth flexibilities in an all-payer cohort from the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program. MethodsUsing Texas Prescription Monitoring Program data, we identified oral buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone prescriptions dispensed in Texas between September 1, 2019, and September 26, 2020. Weekly counts of prescriptions, prescribing physicians, and dispensing pharmacies were analyzed. An autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model estimated changes in prescription volume between pre-implementation (September 1, 2019 - February 15, 2020) and post-implementation (April 12, 2020 - September 26, 2020) periods. ResultsPre-flexibility, an average of 8898 (SD: 342) buprenorphine prescriptions were dispensed to 7829 (SD: 326) patients weekly. This declined to 8360 (SD: 247) prescriptions and 7661 (SD: 229) patients post-flexibility. Adjusted for seasonality, this represented a statistically significant average decline of −257.27 (95% CI: −426.06, −88.49) patients and −647.01 (95% CI: −856.67, −437.36) prescriptions per week. DiscussionOur results suggest a modest decline in buprenorphine dispensing volume early in the COVID-19 pandemic. While difficult to assess its significance, it can be assumed that telehealth flexibilities mitigated a potentially larger decline. Future research should explore system and individual-level barriers to telehealth utilization.

Safety and Effectiveness of the High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin HEART Pathway in Patients With Possible Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The HEART Pathway (History, Electrocardiogram, Age, Risk factors, Troponin) can be used with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin to risk stratify emergency department patients with possible acute coronary syndrome. However, data on whether a high-sensitivity HEART Pathway (hs-HP) are safe and effective is lacking. An interrupted time series study was conducted at 5 North Carolina sites in 26 126 adult emergency department patients being investigated for possible acute coronary syndrome and without ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Patients were accrued into 16-month preimplementation and postimplementation cohorts with a 6-month wash-in phase. Preimplementation (January 2019 to April 2020), the traditional HEART Pathway was used with 0- and 3-hour contemporary troponin measures (Siemens). In the postimplementation period (November 2020 to February 2022), a modified hs-HP was used with 0- and 2-hour high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (Beckman Coulter) measures. The primary safety and effectiveness outcomes were 30-day all-cause death or myocardial infarction and 30-day hospitalizations. These outcomes and early discharge rate (emergency department discharge without stress testing or coronary angiography) were determined from health records and death index data. Outcomes were compared preimplementation versus postimplementation using χ2 tests and multivariable logistic regression to adjust for potential confounders. Preimplementation and postimplementation cohorts included 12 317 and 13 809 patients, respectively, of them 52.7% (13 767/26 126) were female with a median age of 54 years (interquartile range, 42-66). Rates of 30-day death or MI were 6.8% (945/13 809) postimplementation and 7.7% (948/12 317) preimplementation (adjusted odds ratio, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.90-1.11]). hs-HP implementation was associated with 19.9% (95% CI, 18.7%-21.1%) higher early discharges (post versus pre: 63.6% versus 43.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.22 [95% CI, 2.10-2.35]). The hs-HP was also associated with 16.1% (95% CI, 14.9%-17.3%) lower 30-day hospitalizations (postimplementation versus preimplementation, 31.4% versus 47.5%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.48-0.54]). Among early discharge patients, death or myocardial infarction occurred in 0.5% (41/8780) postimplementation versus 0.4% (22/5383) preimplementation (P=0.61). hs-HP implementation is associated with increased early discharges without increasing adverse events. These findings support the use of a modified hs-HP to improve chest pain care.

Long-term efficacy of a continuity-of-care treatment model for patients with severe mental illness who transition from in-patient to out-patient services.

Despite its significance, ensuring continuity of care demands substantial resources, which might not be readily accessible in many public healthcare systems. Studies indicate that continuity of care remains uncertain in numerous healthcare systems. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a continuity-of-care model for patients with severe mental illness (SMI), providing seamless treatment from discharge from a closed ward to subsequent psychiatric, psychological and rehabilitation services. Data from patients discharged before (1 January to 31 December 2018) and after (1 June 2021 to 31 May 2022) full implementation of the model were analysed and compared in terms of average duration of hospital stay, emergency department visits within 90 days of discharge, readmission rate within a year post-discharge and initiation of rehabilitation process. In the post-implementation period (n = 482), the average admission time significantly decreased from 30.51 ± 29.72 to 26.77 ± 27.89 days, compared with the pre-implementation period (n = 403) (P = 0.029). Emergency department visits within 90 days following discharge decreased from 38.70 to 26.35% of discharged patients (P < 0.001). The rate of readmission decreased from 50.9 to 44.0% (P = 0.041) for one readmission and from 28.3 to 22.0% (P = 0.032) for two readmissions in the year following discharge. Additionally, the proportion of patients entering formal rehabilitation increased from 7.94 to 12.03% (P = 0.044). This study highlights the effectiveness of a continuity-of-care model spearheaded by senior psychiatrists and involving paramedical personnel. These findings underscore the significant potential of the model to substantially enhance mental health services and outcomes. Moreover, they emphasise its relevance for patients, clinicians and policy makers.

Vascular Access Team Central Line Dressing Changes to Reduce Infection Risk: A Focused Two-Person Approach in High-Risk Patients.

Due to low compliance by bedside nursing with a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention bundle and increased CLABSI rates, a mandatory re-education initiative at a 1200-bed university-affiliated hospital was undertaken. Despite this, 2 units, housing high-risk immunocompromised patients, continued to experience increased CLABSI rates. A quality improvement before-after project design in these units replaced bedside nursing staff with 2 nurses from the vascular access team (VAT) to perform central vascular access device (CVAD) dressing changes routinely every 7 days or earlier if needed. The VAT consistently followed the bundled components, including use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)-impregnated dressings on all patients unless an allergy was identified. In this case, a non-CHG transparent semipermeable membrane dressing was used. There were 884 patients with 14 211 CVAD days in the preimplementation period and 1136 patients with 14 225 CVAD days during the postimplementation period. The VAT saw 602 (53.0%) of the 1136 patients, performing at least 1 dressing change in 98% of the patients (n = 589). The combined CLABSI rate for the 2 units decreased from 2.53 per 1000 CVAD days preintervention to 1.62 per 1000 CVAD days postintervention. The estimated incidence rate ratio (IRR) for the intervention was 0.639, a 36.1% reduction in monthly CLABSI rates during the postimplementation period.

Abstract TMP38: Enhancing Door-In-Door-Out Time in a Rural Primary Stroke Center: Early Activation of a Large Vessel Occlusion Alert/Bundle of Care Utilizing EMS Pre-Alert, Parallel System Processing and Auto-Launch of Transfer Resources

Background: Thrombectomy has become the primary treatment in the management of acute stroke Large Vessel Occlusions (LVO). For a rural primary stroke center that does not have in house thrombectomy services, expedited transfer to a Comprehensive Stroke Center is imperative. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative is aimed at optimizing the Door-In-Door-Out (DIDO) time for stroke patients at a Rural Primary Stroke Center, with a specific goal of DIDO time of &lt;90 minutes, 50% of the time and &lt;120 minutes, 75% of the time. Methods: System inefficiencies in serial event processing, radiology interpretation, teleneurology application and activation of transferring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were identified. We implemented several systematic changes utilizing multiple Plan Do Study Act cycles. The final implementation was an “LVO-Alert” process, which utilized parallel event processing of emergency medicine, teleneurology, radiology, and transfer center auto-lance of EMS transfer resources. This process is activated based on a positive prehospital modified Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation score prior to the patient’s hospital arrival rather than a positive Computed Tomography Angiogram and can be cancelled in the case of negative imaging or declination of transfer. Pre and post metrics were compared. Results: Pre LVO-Alert implementation, DIDO time averaged 184 minutes (n=21) over 2 years, and anterior circulation LVO’s achieved a &lt;90-minute DIDO time 5% of the time. Post implementation, DIDO averaged 109 minutes (n=21) and anterior circulation LVOs achieved a &lt;90-minute DIDO 48% of the time. Post implementation, anterior circulation LVOs went from 19% to 90% transferred in &lt;120 minutes. Pre implementation, posterior circulation LVO’s achieved a &lt;120-minute DIDO time 0% (n= 2) of the time while post implementation, posterior circulation LVOs achieved a &lt;120-minute DIDO 50% (n=4) of the time. Among LVO alert activations over the post-implementation period, 27.4% resulted in transfer for thrombectomy. Conclusion: The application of a parallel process bundle of care model with early activation from a prehospital positive LVO scale may help to improve DIDO times in this patient population.

Abstract TP61: 15 Minutes Can Save Lives: An EMS Direct to CT Protocol for Stroke Patients in the Emergency Department

Purpose: To evaluate an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Direct-to-CT Protocol developed and implemented to reduce diagnostic and treatment times in eligible adult patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with an acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methodology: A pre-and post-implementation design at a primary stroke center in a New Jersey small-scale urban city. The chart review consisted of 54 records of patients presenting to the adult ED by EMS with a stroke activation from September 2022 to November 2022 and was measured to determine the time of provider evaluation, door-to-Code Stroke time, door-to-CT (DTCT) time, and door-to-needle (DTN) time. Results: 50/101 (49.5%) pre-and 4/17 (23.5%) post-implementation charts met inclusion criteria. Statistically significant decreases occurred in the post-implementation period for door-toprovider evaluation time (median, 11.5 minutes vs 3 minutes; P = .026), door-to-Code Stroke activation time (median, 18.5 minutes vs 3.5 minutes; P = .002), and DTCT time (median, 21 minutes vs 7.5 minutes; P = &lt; .001). Although median DTN time was reduced, it was not statistically significant (median 72 minutes vs 53 minutes, P = .060). The rate of patients with a DTN time of &lt; 60 minutes was 50% higher in the post-implementation group. Implications for Practice: This project demonstrates improvement in the knowledge of the current American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recommended guidelines in stroke management and treatment. This program evaluation identifies improvements in DTCT and DTN times with the future integration of this protocol into a policy. The most cost-effective intervention for an acute ischemic stroke is early treatment with thrombolytics.

Implementation and evaluation of an EHR-integrated perpetual inventory system in a large tertiary hospital oncology pharmacy.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. This study aimed to compare the impact of an electronic health record (EHR)-integrated perpetual inventory management system (EIMS) versus a traditional inventory management system (TIMS) on inventory accuracy, visibility, and turnover in a large academic tertiary hospital. The quasi-experimental study was conducted over 12 months (a 6-month preimplementation period and a 6-month postimplementation period, with an 11-month washout period) at Houston Methodist Hospital. The EIMS was implemented following the use of TIMS. A total of 114 matched inventory items from both systems were identified and compared. The primary outcome was inventory accuracy, calculated as cycle count accuracy. The secondary outcomes were inventory visibility and monthly inventory turnover rate. Analysis demonstrated a 6.02% absolute increase in inventory accuracy (P < 0.001) with use of the EIMS versus the TIMS. After adjusting for inflation, there was an increase in the captured cost of goods sold from $4.16 million to $5.16 million. The monthly inventory value, adjusted for inflation in the prices of studied inventory items, increased from $2.05 million to $2.33 million. The monthly inventory turnover rate increased from 2.03 to 2.23 turns per month (P = 0.305) when compared to the pre- and post-implementation periods. Inventory visibility increased from 133 inventory items to 264 inventory items after EIMS implementation, indicating a 98% visibility increase compared to preimplementation levels. This study found that implementing an EIMS significantly increased pharmacy inventory accuracy and inventory visibility, which are essential for optimizing patient care and pharmacy financial management.

Positive Effect of a Financial Incentive on Radiologist Compliance With Quality Metric Placement in Knee Radiography Reports

PurposeOngoing quality improvement (QI) processes in the authors’ department include the insertion of a Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) osteoarthritis grading template in knee radiography reports to decrease unnecessary MRI. However, uniform adoption of this grading system is lacking. Department-wide financial incentives were instituted to improve compliance with QI metrics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a financial incentive on KL grading system use and to compare compliance rates of musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologists with those of general radiologists who were not financially incentivized to use KL grading. MethodsPercentages of all knee radiography reports containing KL grading with standardized follow-up recommendations were determined by querying the departmental radiology database before and after the introduction of the new quality-based financial incentive. Preincentive compliance rates for MSK and general radiologists were compared with an adoption period and two separate 6-month postincentive periods. ResultsIn total, 52,673 reports were retrospectively analyzed for KL grading use (41,670 reports interpreted by MSK radiologists and 11,003 interpreted by general radiologists). Increase in compliance was greatest among MSK radiologists’ reports during the incentivized adoption period (from 36.1% to 53.2%). This improvement was sustained among MSK radiologists and averaged 62.7% during the most recently studied postimplementation period. A lesser degree of improvement in compliance was observed in nonincentivized general radiologists’ reports (from 19.3% to 27.5%); during the postimplementation follow-up period, their compliance decreased to 26.5%. ConclusionsThe introduction of a financial incentive resulted in significantly increased adoption of QI practices with sustained improvement among incentivized MSK radiologists compared with nonincentivized general radiologists.