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Koh YX, Zhao Y, Tan IEH, Tan HL, Chua DW, Loh WL, Tan EK, Teo JY, Au MKH, Goh BKP. The impact of hospital volume on liver resection: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. Surgery 2024; 175:393-403. [PMID: 38052675 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to compare the outcomes of high-volume, medium-volume, and low-volume hospitals performing hepatic resections using a network meta-analysis. METHODS A literature search until June 2023 was conducted across major databases to identify studies comparing outcomes in high-volume, medium-volume, and low-volume hospitals for liver resection. Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted, and surface under cumulative ranking area values, odds ratio, and mean difference with 95% credible intervals were reported for postoperative mortality, failure-to-rescue, morbidity, length of stay, and hospital costs. RESULTS Twenty studies comprising 248,707 patients undergoing liver resection were included. For the primary mortality outcome, overall and subgroup analyses were performed: group I: high-volume = 5 to 20 resections/year; group II: high-volume = 21 to 49 resections/year; group III: high-volume ≥50 resections/year. Results demonstrated a significant association between hospital volume and mortality (overall-high-volume versus medium-volume: odds ratio 0.66, 95% credible interval 0.49-0.87; high-volume versus low-volume: odds ratio 0.52, 95% credible interval 0.41-0.65; group I-high-volume versus low-volume: odds ratio 0.34, 95% credible interval 0.22-0.50; medium-volume versus low-volume: odds ratio 0.56, 95% credible interval 0.33-0.92; group II-high-volume versus low-volume: odds ratio 0.67, 95% credible interval 0.45-0.91), as well as length of stay (high-volume versus low-volume: mean difference -1.24, 95% credible interval -2.07 to -0.41), favoring high-volume hospitals. No significant difference was observed in failure-to-rescue, morbidity, or hospital costs across the 3 groups. CONCLUSION This study supports a positive relationship between hospital volume and surgical outcomes in liver resection. Patients from high-volume hospitals experience superior outcomes in terms of lower postoperative mortality and shorter lengths of stay than medium-volume and low-volume hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xin Koh
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore; Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore; Liver Transplant Service, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Transplant Centre, Singapore.
| | - Yun Zhao
- Group Finance Analytics, Singapore Health Services, Singapore
| | | | - Hwee Leong Tan
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore; Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Darren Weiquan Chua
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore; Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore; Liver Transplant Service, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Transplant Centre, Singapore
| | - Wei-Liang Loh
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore; Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Ek Khoon Tan
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore; Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore; Liver Transplant Service, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Transplant Centre, Singapore
| | - Jin Yao Teo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore; Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Marianne Kit Har Au
- Group Finance Analytics, Singapore Health Services, Singapore; Finance, SingHealth Community Hospitals, Singapore; Finance, Regional Health System & Strategic Finance, Singapore Health Services, Singapore
| | - Brian Kim Poh Goh
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore; Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore; Liver Transplant Service, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Transplant Centre, Singapore
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Farhadi F, Ansari S, Jara-Moroni F. Optimization models for patient and technician scheduling in hemodialysis centers. Health Care Manag Sci 2023; 26:558-582. [PMID: 37395914 DOI: 10.1007/s10729-023-09642-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Patient and technician scheduling problem in hemodialysis centers presents a unique setting in healthcare operations as (1) unlike other healthcare problems, dialysis appointments have a steady state and the treatment times are determined in advance of the appointments, and (2) once the appointments are set, technicians will have to be assigned to two types of jobs per appointment: putting on and taking off patients (connecting to and disconnecting from dialysis machines). In this study, we design a mixed-integer programming model to minimize technicians' operating costs (regular and overtime costs) at large-scale hemodialysis centers. As this formulation proves to be computationally challenging to solve, we propose a novel reformulation of the problem as a discrete-time assignment model and prove that the two formulations are equivalent under a specific condition. We then simulate instances based on the data from our collaborating hemodialysis center to evaluate the performance of our proposed formulations. We compare our results to the current scheduling policy at the center. In our numerical analysis, we reduced the technician operating costs by 17% on average (up to 49%) compared to the current practice. We further conduct a post-optimality analysis and develop a predictive model that can estimate the number of required technicians based on the center's attributes and patients' input variables. Our predictive model reveals that the optimal number of technicians is strongly related to the time flexibility of patients and their dialysis times. Our findings can help clinic managers at hemodialysis centers to accurately estimate the technician requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farbod Farhadi
- Mario J. Gabelli School of Business, Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI, 02809, USA
| | - Sina Ansari
- Driehaus College of Business, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, 60604, USA.
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Kohn R, Harhay MO, Weissman GE, Urbanowicz R, Wang W, Anesi GL, Scott S, Bayes B, Greysen SR, Halpern SD, Kerlin MP. A Data-Driven Analysis of Ward Capacity Strain Metrics That Predict Clinical Outcomes Among Survivors of Acute Respiratory Failure. J Med Syst 2023; 47:83. [PMID: 37542590 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-023-01978-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Supply-demand mismatch of ward resources ("ward capacity strain") alters care and outcomes. Narrow strain definitions and heterogeneous populations limit strain literature. Evaluate the predictive utility of a large set of candidate strain variables for in-hospital mortality and discharge destination among acute respiratory failure (ARF) survivors. In a retrospective cohort of ARF survivors transferred from intensive care units (ICUs) to wards in five hospitals from 4/2017-12/2019, we applied 11 machine learning (ML) models to identify ward strain measures during the first 24 hours after transfer most predictive of outcomes. Measures spanned patient volume (census, admissions, discharges), staff workload (medications administered, off-ward transports, transfusions, isolation precautions, patients per respiratory therapist and nurse), and average patient acuity (Laboratory Acute Physiology Score version 2, ICU transfers) domains. The cohort included 5,052 visits in 43 wards. Median age was 65 years (IQR 56-73); 2,865 (57%) were male; and 2,865 (57%) were white. 770 (15%) patients died in the hospital or had hospice discharges, and 2,628 (61%) were discharged home and 964 (23%) to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Ward admissions, isolation precautions, and hospital admissions most consistently predicted in-hospital mortality across ML models. Patients per nurse most consistently predicted discharge to home and SNF, and medications administered predicted SNF discharge. In this hypothesis-generating analysis of candidate ward strain variables' prediction of outcomes among ARF survivors, several variables emerged as consistently predictive of key outcomes across ML models. These findings suggest targets for future inferential studies to elucidate mechanisms of ward strain's adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Kohn
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Michael O Harhay
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gary E Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Wei Wang
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - George L Anesi
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stefania Scott
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian Bayes
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Ryan Greysen
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott D Halpern
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Meeta Prasad Kerlin
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Endo Y, Sasaki K, Moazzam Z, Woldesenbet S, Yang J, Araujo Lima H, Alaimo L, Munir MM, Shaikh CF, Schenk A, Kitago M, Pawlik TM. The Impact of a Liver Transplant Program on the Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Ann Surg 2023; 278:230-238. [PMID: 36994716 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the impact of liver transplantation (LT) programs on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who underwent liver resection (LR) and noncurative intent treatment. BACKGROUND LT programs have an array of resources and services that would positively affect the prognosis of patients with HCC. METHODS Patients who underwent LT, LR, radiotherapy (RT), or chemotherapy (CTx) for HCC between 2004 and 2018 were included in the National Cancer Database. Institutions with LT programs were defined as those that performed 1 or more LT for at least 5 years. Centers were stratified by hospital volume. The impact of LT programs was assessed after propensity score matching to achieve covariate balance. RESULTS A total of 71,735 patients were identified, of which 7997 received LT (11.1%), 12,683 LR (17.7%), 15,675 RT (21.9%), and 35,380 CTx (49.3%). Among a total of 1267 distinct institutions, 94 (7.4%) were categorized as LT programs. Designation as an LT program was also associated with a high volume of LR and noncurative intent treatment (both P <0.001). After propensity score matching, LT programs were associated with better survival among LR and noncurative intent treatment patients. Although hospital volume was also associated with improved prognosis, LT programs were associated with additional survival benefits in noncurative intent treatment. On the other hand, no such benefit was noted in patients who underwent LR. CONCLUSIONS The presence of an LT program was associated with a higher volume of LR and noncurative intent treatment. Furthermore, designation as an LT program had a "halo effect" on the prognosis of patients undergoing RT/CTx that went beyond the procedure-volume effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Endo
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Zorays Moazzam
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Selamawit Woldesenbet
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Jason Yang
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Henrique Araujo Lima
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Laura Alaimo
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Muhammad Musaab Munir
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Chanza F Shaikh
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Austin Schenk
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Minoru Kitago
- Department of Surgery, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
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Morita K, Matsui H, Ono S, Fushimi K, Yasunaga H. Association between better night-shift nurse staffing and surgical outcomes: A retrospective cohort study using a nationwide inpatient database in Japan. J Nurs Scholarsh 2023; 55:494-505. [PMID: 36345776 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although many studies have investigated the relationship between patient outcomes and the level of nurse staffing, little is known about the association between increased night-shift nurse staffing and patient outcomes. In the Japanese universal health insurance system, a new scheme of additional financial incentives for acute care hospitals was launched in 2012 to increase the number of nurses during the night shift in general wards. The objective of this study was to investigate whether an additional financial incentive to increase night-shift nurse staffing in general wards was associated with better patient outcomes. DESIGN Adoption of the above-mentioned scheme of additional financial incentives was used as a natural experiment, and the difference-in-differences method was conducted to evaluate the effect of the scheme. The study was performed using a nationwide inpatient database and hospital information in Japan. METHODS To conduct a difference-in-differences analysis, first, hospitals with and without increased night-shift nurse staffing were matched using propensity score matching. A patient-level difference-in-differences analysis was then conducted. The intervention group comprised the hospitals that adopted the new scheme of additional financial incentives. The outcome measures were in-hospital mortality, failure to rescue, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS Subjects were 403,971 adult patients who underwent planned major surgeries in Japanese acute care hospitals from April 2012 to March 2018. The adjusted difference-in-differences estimates were not significant for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 0.83; 95% confidence interval: 0.68 to 1.01; p = 0.07) or failure to rescue (odds ratio: 0.92; 95% confidence interval: 0.73 to 1.14; p = 0.44). The adjusted difference-in-differences estimate for length of hospital stay was significant (percent change: -3.2%; 95% confidence interval: -6.1 to -0.3%; p = 0.029), indicating that the adoption of the scheme was associated with a decreased length of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS Increased night-shift nurse staffing was not associated with a decrease in in-hospital mortality or failure to rescue, but it was associated with a reduction in the length of hospital stay. It may be necessary to consider changes in policy content to make the policy more effective. The findings of this study are potentially useful for medical policymakers considering nurse staffing to decrease the length of stay, which may decrease costs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study showed that increased night-shift nurse staffing was not associated with a decrease in in-hospital mortality or failure to rescue, but it was associated with a reduction in the length of hospital stay. The examination of the effectiveness of increasing nurse staffing during a specific shift in acute care hospitals is potentially useful for health policymakers worldwide in their considerations of future nurse staffing policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kojiro Morita
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Matsui
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Ono
- Department of Eat-loss Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyohide Fushimi
- Department of Health Policy and Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Yasunaga
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Khanna AK, Labeau SO, McCartney K, Blot SI, Deschepper M. International variation in length of stay in intensive care units and the impact of patient-to-nurse ratios. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2022; 72:103265. [PMID: 35672212 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2022.103265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess variation in ICU length of stay between countries with varying patient-to-nurse ratios; to compare ICU length of stay of individual countries against an international benchmark. DESIGN Secondary analysis of the DecubICUs trial (performed on 15 May 2018). SETTING The study cohort included 12,794 adult ICU patients (57 countries). Only countries with minimally twenty patients discharged (or deceased) within 30 days of ICU admission were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Multivariate Cox regression was used to evaluate ICU length of stay, censored at 30 days, across countries and for patient-to-nurse ratio, adjusted for sex, age, admission type and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II. The resulting hazard ratios for countries, indicating longer or shorter length of stay than average, were plotted on a forest plot. Results by country were benchmarked against the overall length of stay using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS Patients had a median ICU length of stay of 11 days (interquartile range, 4-27). Hazard ratio by country ranged from minimally 0.42 (95% confidence interval 0.35-0.51) for Greece, to maximaly1.94 (1.28-2.93) for Lithuania. The hazard ratio for patient-to-nurse was 0.96 (0.94-0.98), indicating that higher patient-to-nurse ratio results in longer length of stay. CONCLUSIONS Despite adjustment for case-mix, we observed significant heterogeneity of ICU length of stay in-between countries, and a significantly longer length of stay when patient-to-nurse ratio increases. Future studies determining underlying characteristics of individual ICUs and broader organisation of healthcare infrastructure within countries may further explain the observed heterogeneity in ICU length of stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish K Khanna
- Department of Anesthesiology, Section on Critical Care Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; Outcomes Research Consortium, Cleveland 44195, OH, USA.
| | - Sonia O Labeau
- School of Healthcare, Nurse Education Programme, HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Keramiekstraat 80, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kathryn McCartney
- Department of Anesthesiology, Section on Critical Care Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Stijn I Blot
- School of Healthcare, Nurse Education Programme, HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Keramiekstraat 80, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. https://twitter.com/@StijnBLOT
| | - Mieke Deschepper
- Strategic Policy Cell, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. https://twitter.com/@MiekeDeschepper
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Mihalj M, Corona A, Andereggen L, Urman RD, Luedi MM, Bello C. Managing bottlenecks in the perioperative setting: Optimizing patient care and reducing costs. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol 2022; 36:299-310. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpa.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Yin Y, Sun M, Li Z, Bu J, Chen Y, Zhang K, Hu Z. Exploring the Nursing Factors Related to Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in the Intensive Care Unit. Front Public Health 2022; 10:715566. [PMID: 35462831 PMCID: PMC9019058 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.715566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the key nursing factors associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critical care patients. Methods Through the quality control platform of Hebei Province, questionnaires were sent to intensive care nurses in 32 tertiary hospitals in Hebei Province, China to collect data concerning the incidence of VAP and the status of the nursing staff. All the data were analyzed using an independent t-test and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyse the correlation between the nursing factors and the incidence of VAP. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors affecting VAP. Results In terms of nursing, the incidence of VAP was affected by the differential nursing strategies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the incidence of VAP was significantly associated with the following six variables: the ratio of nurses to beds (p = 0.000), the ratio of nurses with a bachelor's degree or higher (p = 0.000), the ratio of specialist nurses (p = 0.000), the proportion of nurses with work experience of 5–10 years (p = 0.04), the number of patients nurses were responsible for at night (p = 0.01) and the frequency of oral care (p = 0.000). Conclusion The incidence of VAP is closely related to nursing factors. In terms of nursing human resources, even junior nurses (less experienced nurses) can play an essential role in reducing VAP. In addition, to reduce VAP, the number of patients that nurses are responsible for at night should be reduced as much as possible, and improving nursing qualifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Yin
- Department of ICU, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Meirong Sun
- Department of ICU, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Department of ICU, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jingjing Bu
- Department of ICU, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuhong Chen
- Department of ICU, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of ICU, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhenjie Hu
- Department of ICU, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Rae PJL, Pearce S, Greaves PJ, Dall'Ora C, Griffiths P, Endacott R. Outcomes sensitive to critical care nurse staffing levels: A systematic review. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2021; 67:103110. [PMID: 34247936 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2021.103110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine associations between variations in registered nurse staffing levels in adult critical care units and outcomes such as patient, nurse, organisational and family outcomes. METHODS We published and adhered to a protocol, stored in an open access repository and searched for quantitative studies written in the English language and held in CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS and NDLTD databases up to July 2020. Three authors independently extracted data and critically appraised papers meeting the inclusion criteria. Results are summarised in tables and discussed in terms of strength of internal validity. A detailed review of the two most commonly measured outcomes, patient mortality and nosocomial infection, is also presented. RESULTS Our search returned 7960 titles after duplicates were removed; 55 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies with strong internal validity report significant associations between lower levels of critical care nurse staffing and increased odds of both patient mortality (1.24-3.50 times greater) and nosocomial infection (3.28-3.60 times greater), increased hospital costs, lower nurse-perceived quality of care and lower family satisfaction. Meta-analysis was not feasible because of the wide variation in how both staffing and outcomes were measured. CONCLUSIONS A large number of studies including several with high internal validity provide evidence that higher levels of critical care nurse staffing are beneficial to patients, staff and health services. However, inconsistent approaches to measurement and aggregation of staffing levels reported makes it hard to translate findings into recommendation for safe staffing in critical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J L Rae
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK. https://twitter.com/@DrPamelaJLRae
| | - Susie Pearce
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK. https://twitter.com/@susiempearce
| | - P Jane Greaves
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Northumbria, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. https://twitter.com/@JaneGreaves4
| | - Chiara Dall'Ora
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, UK. https://twitter.com/@ora_dall
| | - Peter Griffiths
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, UK. https://twitter.com/@workforcesoton
| | - Ruth Endacott
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK; Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, University of Plymouth Clinical School, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road Exeter EX2 5DW, UK; School of Nursing & Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic 3199, Australia. https://twitter.com/@rdepu
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Paredes AZ, Hyer JM, Tsilimigras DI, Sahara K, White S, Pawlik TM. Interaction of Surgeon Volume and Nurse-to-Patient Ratio on Post-operative Outcomes of Medicare Beneficiaries Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy. J Gastrointest Surg 2020; 24:2551-2559. [PMID: 31745895 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-019-04449-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to assess the effect of nurse-to-patient ratio on outcomes with a focus on defining whether nurse-to-patient ratio altered outcomes relative to pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) surgeon specific volume. METHODS Medicare SAFs from 2013-2015 were used to identify patients who underwent PD. Nurse-to-patient ratio, PD specific surgeon volume were stratified. Association of factors associated with short term outcomes was evaluated. RESULTS Overall, 6668 patients (median age 73, IQR 68-77; 52.8% male) were identified. The median annual PD volume of surgeons in the highest volume tier was 24 (IQR 21-29), whereas surgeons in the lowest tier performed 2 PDs annually (IQR 1-3) (p < 0.001). Compared with hospitals that had the highest nurse-to-patient ratio tier, patients at hospitals with the lowest nurse-to-patient ratio tier were 26% more likely to have a complication (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.55). Additionally, patients of surgeons in the lowest tier had 43% greater odds of suffering a complication compared to patients of surgeons in the highest tier (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.11-1.84). However, patients who underwent a PD by a surgeon within the lowest tier had similar odds of a complication irrespective of nurse-to-patient ratio (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.97-1.86). CONCLUSION Compared with patients who underwent an operation by a surgeon in highest PD volume tier, patients treated by surgeons in the lowest tier had higher odds of post-operative complications which was not mitigated by a higher nurse-to-patient ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anghela Z Paredes
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - J Madison Hyer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Diamantis I Tsilimigras
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kota Sahara
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Susan White
- Division of Health Information Management and Systems, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite, Columbus, OH, 670, USA.
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11
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Keyhan SO, Fallahi HR, Motamedi A, Khoshkam V, Mehryar P, Moghaddas O, Cheshmi B, Firoozi P, Yousefi P, Houshmand B. Reopening of dental clinics during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an evidence-based review of literature for clinical interventions. Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg 2020; 42:25. [PMID: 32793519 PMCID: PMC7396263 DOI: 10.1186/s40902-020-00268-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes serious acute respiratory diseases including pneumonia and bronchitis with approximately 2.3% fatality occurrence. Main body This study argues the main concepts that need to be considered for the gradual reopening of dental offices include treatment planning approaches, fundamental elements needed to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus in dental healthcare settings, personal protection equipment (PPE) for dental health care providers, environmental measures, adjunctive measures, and rapid point of care tests in dental offices. Conclusion This article seeks to provide an overview of existing scientific evidence to suggest a guideline for reopening dental offices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seied Omid Keyhan
- CMFRC, National Advance Center for Craniomaxillofacial Reconstruction, Tehran, Iran.,Craniomaxillofacial Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Fallahi
- Dental Research Center, Research Institute of Dental Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | - Omid Moghaddas
- Department of Periodontology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Cheshmi
- Faculty of Dentistry, Boroujerd Islamic Azad University, Boroujerd, P.O 6915136111 Iran
| | - Parsa Firoozi
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Parisa Yousefi
- Resident of prosthodontics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, College of Dentistry, Isfahan, Iran
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12
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Han M, Zhang X. Impact of medical professionals on Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: moderating effect of workload based on the panel data in China. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:670. [PMID: 32690017 PMCID: PMC7372746 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05535-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), causes a serious increase in morbidity, mortality and costs. Medical professionals play an important role in curbing AMR. Previous studies overlooked the impact of workload on the relationship between medical professionals and AMR. This study aimed to explore the relationship between medical professionals and the CRPA rate as well as the moderating effect of medical professionals’ workload on this relationship. Methods A provincial-level panel dataset from 2014 to 2017 was constructed. Medical professionals were measured by the numbers of physicians, registered nurses, pharmacists, and clinical microbiologists per 1000 population. Workload was measured by the number of daily physician visits. Fixed effect model and hierarchical regression analysis were performed to explore the moderating effect of workload on medical professionals and the CRPA rate. Results The numbers of physicians, registered nurses, pharmacists and clinical technicians were significantly negative associated with the CRPA rate (coef. = − 0.889, − 0.775, − 1.176, and − 0.822; P = 0.003, 0.003, 0.011, and 0.007, respectively). Workload had a significant and positive moderating effect on physicians, registered nurses, pharmacists, clinical technicians and the CRPA rate (coef. = 1.270, 1.400, 2.210, and 1.634; P = 0.004, 0.001, 0.035, and 0.003, respectively). Conclusions Increasing the number of medical professionals may help curb the CRPA rate. Measures aimed at reducing medical professionals’ workload should be implemented to further improve CRPA performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Han
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.13. Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xinping Zhang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.13. Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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13
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Jansson M, Ohtonen P, Syrjälä H, Ala‐Kokko T. The proportion of understaffing and increased nursing workload are associated with multiple organ failure: A cross‐sectional study. J Adv Nurs 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jan.14410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miia Jansson
- Research Group of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology University of Oulu Oulu Finland
- Oulu University Hospital Oulu Finland
| | - Pasi Ohtonen
- Division of Operative care Oulu University Hospital Oulu Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu University of Oulu Oulu Finland
| | - Hannu Syrjälä
- Department of Infection Control Oulu University Hospital Oulu Finland
| | - Tero Ala‐Kokko
- Medical Research Center Oulu University of Oulu Oulu Finland
- Division of Intensive Care Department of Anesthesiology Oulu University Hospital Oulu Finland
- Research Group of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medical Research Center Oulu Oulu Finland
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Bourgon Labelle J, Audet LA, Farand P, Rochefort CM. Are hospital nurse staffing practices associated with postoperative cardiac events and death? A systematic review. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223979. [PMID: 31622437 PMCID: PMC6797123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Postoperative cardiac events are frequent complications of surgery, and their occurrence could be associated with suboptimal nurse staffing practices, but the existing evidence remains scattered. We systematically reviewed studies linking nurse staffing practices to postoperative cardiac events and two related outcomes, all-cause mortality and failure-to-rescue. METHODS A systematic search of the English/French literature was undertaken in the CINAHL, PsychInfo, and Medline databases. Studies were included if they: a) were published between 1996 and 2018; b) used a quantitative design; c) examined the association between at least one of seven staffing practices of interest (i.e., staffing levels, skill mix, work environment characteristics, levels of education and experience of the registered nurses, and overtime or temporary staff use) and postoperative cardiac events, mortality or failure-to-rescue; and d) were conducted among surgical patients. Data extraction, analysis, and synthesis, along with study methodological quality appraisal, were performed by two authors. High methodological heterogeneity precluded a formal meta-analysis. RESULTS Among 3,375 retrieved articles, 44 studies were included (39 cross-sectional, 3 longitudinal, 1 case-control, 1 interrupted time series). Existing evidence shows that higher nurse staffing levels, a higher proportion of registered nurses with an education at the baccalaureate degree level, and more supportive work environments are related to lower rates of both 30-day mortality and failure-to-rescue. Other staffing practices were less often studied and showed inconsistent associations with mortality or failure-to-rescue. Similarly, few studies (n = 10) examined the associations between nurse staffing practices and postoperative cardiac events and showed inconsistent results. CONCLUSION Higher nurse staffing levels, higher registered nurse education (baccalaureate degree level) and more supportive work environments were cross-sectionally associated with lower 30-day mortality and failure-to-rescue rates among surgical patients, but longitudinal studies are required to corroborate these associations. The existing evidence regarding postoperative cardiac events is limited, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bourgon Labelle
- Division of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Charles-Le Moyne Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean sur les Innovations en Santé, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Li-Anne Audet
- Centre de Recherche Charles-Le Moyne Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean sur les Innovations en Santé, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Farand
- Division of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christian M. Rochefort
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Charles-Le Moyne Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean sur les Innovations en Santé, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Abstract
RATIONALE Physicians are increasingly being held accountable for patient outcomes, yet their specific contribution to the outcomes remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES To determine variation in outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients among intensivists, as well as associations between intensivist experience and patient outcomes. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of mechanically ventilated Medicare fee-for-service patients in acute care hospitals in Pennsylvania using administrative, clinical, and physician data from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the American Medical Association from 2008 and 2009. We identified intensivists by training background, board certification, and claims for services provided to patients admitted to an intensive care unit. We assigned patients to intensivists for outcome attribution based on submitted claims for critical care and in-patient services. We estimated the physician-specific adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for 30-day mortality using a hierarchical model with a random effect for physician, adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics. We tested for independent association of physician experience with patient outcomes using mixed-effects regression for the primary outcome of 30-day mortality. We defined physician experience in two ways: years since training completion ("duration") and annual number of mechanically ventilated patients ("volume"). RESULTS We assigned 345 physicians to 11,268 patients. The 30-day mortality was 43% and median hospital length of stay was 11 days (interquartile range = 6-18). The physician adjusted OR varied from 0.72 to 1.64 (median = 0.99; interquartile range = 0.92-1.09). A total of 48% of physicians was outliers, with an adjusted OR significantly different from 1. However, among intensivists, physician experience was not associated with 30-day mortality (duration OR = 1.00 per additional year; 95% confidence interval = 1.00-1.01; volume OR = 1.00 per additional patient; 95% confidence interval = 1.00-1.00). CONCLUSIONS Intensivists independently contribute to outcomes of Medicare patients who undergo mechanical ventilation, as evidenced by the variation in risk-adjusted mortality across intensivists. However, physician experience does not underlie this relationship between intensivists, suggesting the need to identify modifiable physician factors to improve outcomes.
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16
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Myers H, Pugh JD, Twigg DE. Identifying nurse-sensitive indicators for stand-alone high acuity areas: A systematic review. Collegian 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Mitchell BG, Gardner A, Stone PW, Hall L, Pogorzelska-Maziarz M. Hospital Staffing and Health Care-Associated Infections: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2018; 44:613-622. [PMID: 30064955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous literature has linked the level and types of staffing of health facilities to the risk of acquiring a health care-associated infection (HAI). Investigating this relationship is challenging because of the lack of rigorous study designs and the use of varying definitions and measures of both staffing and HAIs. METHODS The objective of this study was to understand and synthesize the most recent research on the relationship of hospital staffing and HAI risk. A systematic review was undertaken. Electronic databases MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were searched for studies published between January 1, 2000, and November 30, 2015. RESULTS Fifty-four articles were included in the review. The majority of studies examined the relationship between nurse staffing and HAIs (n = 50, 92.6%) and found nurse staffing variables to be associated with an increase in HAI rates (n = 40, 74.1%). Only 5 studies addressed non-nurse staffing, and those had mixed results. Physician staffing was associated with an increased HAI risk in 1 of 3 studies. Studies varied in design and methodology, as well as in their use of operational definitions and measures of staffing and HAIs. CONCLUSION Despite the lack of consistency of the included studies, overall, the results of this systematic review demonstrate that increased staffing is related to decreased risk of acquiring HAIs. More rigorous and consistent research designs, definitions, and risk-adjusted HAI data are needed in future studies exploring this area.
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18
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Giuliani E, Lionte G, Ferri P, Barbieri A. The burden of not-weighted factors - Nursing workload in a medical Intensive Care Unit. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2018; 47:98-101. [PMID: 29622474 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Body weight and infection status affect nursing workload and are not accounted for in the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System 28 (TISS-28) and Nine Equivalents of Nursing Manpower Use Score (NEMS). The objective of this study was to analyse the correlation between weight and infection status with TISS 28 and NEMS in a cohort of medical Intensive Care Unit patients. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY A retrospective observational trial was conducted on the nursing records of 26 randomly selected patients over a 12-month period. TISS-28 and NEMS were calculated for each day of ICU stay. Infectious status was determined based on positive cultures to multi-resistant organisms while overweight and obesity were based on Body Mass Index. RESULTS A total of 809 nursing shifts' activity records were analysed. There were 12 infected patients that required isolation, 14 overweight patients and 3 obese: 9 patients presented both conditions. Only the presence of both conditions was statistically associated with an increase in workload (TISS-28p-value = 0.041 and NEMS p-value = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS Although TISS-28 and NEMS do not specifically consider body weight and infection status, their integration into nursing workload scores may improve the accuracy as management tools, increasing the quality of the cares provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Giuliani
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lionte
- Intensive Care, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Paola Ferri
- Nursing School, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alberto Barbieri
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Kraljic S, Zuvic M, Desa K, Blagaic A, Sotosek V, Antoncic D, Likic R. Evaluation of nurses’ workload in intensive care unit of a tertiary care university hospital in relation to the patients’ severity of illness: A prospective study. Int J Nurs Stud 2017; 76:100-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
Concerns about nurse staffing in hospitals, nursing's influence on patient safety and health care outcomes, and nurses' work environment (e.g., equipment failures, documentation burden) have led to increased interest in measuring and reporting nursing's performance. This article reviews recent efforts and issues involved in identifying a set of nursing-sensitive performance measures. Sustaining and strengthening current efforts requires developing measures that address all the domains of nursing, addressing technical issues needed to analyze the impact of nursing on patient safety and health care outcomes, developing data systems that provide the information needed to implement the model system, regularly improving the set of endorsed standards to reflect the most current science and empirical evidence, and persuading all health care stakeholders that measurement and reporting nursing-sensitive standards make a difference in the care and quality that are delivered. Each of these tasks requires substantial development work and construction and maintenance of the infrastructure to sustain the performance measurement efforts.
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21
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Merkouris A, Papathanassoglou EDE, Pistolas D, Papagiannaki V, Floros J, Lemonidou C. Staffing and Organisation of Nursing Care in Cardiac Intensive Care Units in Greece. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2016; 2:123-9. [PMID: 14622637 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-5151(03)00029-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To explore staffing and organisational characteristics of nursing care in cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) in Greece. Methodology: An exploratory descriptive survey design with additional cross-sectional comparisons was employed. A specifically developed survey-type questionnaire, addressed to nurse managers, was distributed to all CICUs in Greece. Results: The response rate was 76.2% ( N=32 units). Nursing staff per bed ratios over 24 h (whole-time equivalent) were very low and exhibited a mean of 1.25 (±0.53). The total registered nurse to assistance nurse (RN/AN) ratio was 2.74, but a lot of variability was observed and in many units ANs operated in RNs positions. Only 42% of the nurses had participated at in-service continuing education programs and a systematic training program in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was provided in only 12 (37.5%) units. The reported frequencies at which specific technical tasks were performed autonomously by nurses varied substantially and reflected a medium to low level of practice autonomy; the most frequently reported tasks were: peripheral IV line insertion, CPR chest compression, titration of vasoactive drugs and administration of analgesics. Higher percentages of nurses had received in-service training associated with the likelihood of performance of several technical tasks ( P<0.03). Conclusions: Future studies need to explore the effect of these organisational characteristics on patient outcomes. The endorsement of nation-wide standards for nursing staffing and training in CICUs is imperative.
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22
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Witt WP, Coffey RM, Lopez-Gonzalez L, Barrett ML, Moore BJ, Andrews RM, Washington RE. Understanding Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Postsurgical Complications Occurring in U.S. Hospitals. Health Serv Res 2016; 52:220-243. [PMID: 26969578 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the role of patient, hospital, and community characteristics on racial and ethnic disparities in in-hospital postsurgical complications. DATA SOURCES Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, 2011 State Inpatient Databases; American Hospital Association Annual Survey of Hospitals; Area Health Resources Files; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hospital Compare database. METHODS Nonlinear hierarchical modeling was conducted to examine the odds of patients experiencing any in-hospital postsurgical complication, as defined by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Patient Safety Indicators. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 5,474,067 inpatient surgical discharges were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Clinical risk, payer coverage, and community-level characteristics (especially income) completely attenuated the effect of race on the odds of postsurgical complications. Patients without private insurance were 30 to 50 percent more likely to have a complication; patients from low-income communities were nearly 12 percent more likely to experience a complication. Private, not-for-profit hospitals in small metropolitan or micropolitan areas and higher nurse-to-patient ratios led to fewer postsurgical complications. CONCLUSIONS Race does not appear to be an important determinant of in-hospital postsurgical complications, but insurance and community characteristics have an effect. A population-based approach that includes improving the socioeconomic context may help reduce disparities in these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney P Witt
- Maternal and Child Health Research, Truven Health Analytics, Inc., 4819 Emperor Boulevard, Suite 125, Durham, NC 27703
| | | | | | | | - Brian J Moore
- Federal Government, Truven Health Analytics, Inc., Bethesda, MD
| | - Roxanne M Andrews
- Center for Organization and Delivery Studies, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD
| | - Raynard E Washington
- Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Taylor
- University of Birmingham and Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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24
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Mohammadi M, Mazloumi A, Kazemi Z, Zeraati H. Evaluation of Mental Workload among ICU Ward's Nurses. Health Promot Perspect 2016; 5:280-7. [PMID: 26933647 PMCID: PMC4772798 DOI: 10.15171/hpp.2015.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: High level of workload has been identified among stressors of nurses in intensive care units (ICUs). The present study investigated nursing workload and identified its influencing performance obstacles in ICUs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted, in 2013, on 81 nurses working in ICUs in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran. NASA-TLX was applied for assessment of workload. Moreover, ICUs Performance Obstacles Questionnaire was used to identify performance obstacles associated with ICU nursing. Results: Physical demand (mean=84.17) was perceived as the most important dimensions of workload by nurses. The most critical performance obstacles affecting workload included: difficulty in finding a place to sit down, hectic workplace, disorganized workplace, poor-conditioned equipment, waiting for using a piece of equipment, spending much time seeking for supplies in the central stock, poor quality of medical materials, delay in getting medications, unpredicted problems, disorganized central stock, outpatient surgery, spending much time dealing with family needs, late, inadequate, and useless help from nurse assistants, and ineffective morning rounds (P-value<0.05). Conclusion: Various performance obstacles are correlated with nurses' workload, affirms the significance of nursing work system characteristics. Interventions are recommended based on the results of this study in the work settings of nurses in ICUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Mohammadi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adel Mazloumi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Kazemi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hojat Zeraati
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Growth in critical care services has led to a dramatic increase in the need for ICU physicians. The supply of intensivists is not easily increased and there is pressure to solve this problem by increasing the number of patients per intensivist. There is a scarcity of published data addressing this issue, and until recently, there were no guidelines on appropriate ratios of intensivists to patients. RECENT FINDINGS In 2013, the Society of Critical Care Medicine formed a task force to address this issue and published written guidelines to aid hospitals in determining their intensivist staffing. This study reviews the published data which can aid these decisions and summarize the SCCM Taskforce's recommendations. SUMMARY The complex nature of critical care patients and ICUs make it difficult to provide one specific maximum intensivist-to-patient ratio, but common-sense rules can be applied. These recommendations are predicated on the principles that staffing can impact patient care as well as staff well-being and workforce stability. Also, that worsening patient outcomes, teaching, and workforce issues can be markers of inappropriate staffing. Finally, if the predicted daily workload of an intensivist exceeds the time of a work shift, then adjustments need to be made.
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Patient Mortality Is Associated With Staff Resources and Workload in the ICU: A Multicenter Observational Study. Crit Care Med 2015; 43:1587-94. [PMID: 25867907 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000001015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Matching healthcare staff resources to patient needs in the ICU is a key factor for quality of care. We aimed to assess the impact of the staffing-to-patient ratio and workload on ICU mortality. DESIGN We performed a multicenter longitudinal study using routinely collected hospital data. SETTING Information pertaining to every patient in eight ICUs from four university hospitals from January to December 2013 was analyzed. PATIENTS A total of 5,718 inpatient stays were included. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We used a shift-by-shift varying measure of the patient-to-caregiver ratio in combination with workload to establish their relationships with ICU mortality over time, excluding patients with decision to forego life-sustaining therapy. Using a multilevel Poisson regression, we quantified ICU mortality-relative risk, adjusted for patient turnover, severity, and staffing levels. The risk of death was increased by 3.5 (95% CI, 1.3-9.1) when the patient-to-nurse ratio was greater than 2.5, and it was increased by 2.0 (95% CI, 1.3-3.2) when the patient-to-physician ratio exceeded 14. The highest ratios occurred more frequently during the weekend for nurse staffing and during the night for physicians (p < 0.001). High patient turnover (adjusted relative risk, 5.6 [2.0-15.0]) and the volume of life-sustaining procedures performed by staff (adjusted relative risk, 5.9 [4.3-7.9]) were also associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS This study proposes evidence-based thresholds for patient-to-caregiver ratios, above which patient safety may be endangered in the ICU. Real-time monitoring of staffing levels and workload is feasible for adjusting caregivers' resources to patients' needs.
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de Vos MLG, van der Veer SN, Wouterse B, Graafmans WC, Peek N, de Keizer NF, Jager KJ, Westert GP, van der Voort PHJ. A multifaceted feedback strategy alone does not improve the adherence to organizational guideline-based standards: a cluster randomized trial in intensive care. Implement Sci 2015; 10:95. [PMID: 26152568 PMCID: PMC4495635 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-015-0285-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Organizational data such as bed occupancy rate and nurse-to-patient ratio are related to clinical outcomes and to the efficient use of intensive care unit (ICU) resources. Standards for these performance indicators are provided in guidelines. We studied the effects of a multifaceted feedback strategy to improve the adherence to these standards. Methods In a cluster randomized controlled study design the intervention ICUs received extensive monthly feedback reports, they received outreach visits and initiated a quality improvement team. The control ICUs received limited quarterly feedback reports only. We collected primary data prospectively within the setting of a Dutch national ICU registry over a 14-month study period. The target indicators were bed occupancy rate (aiming at 80 % or below) and nurse-to-patient ratio (aiming at 0.5 or higher). Data were collected per 8-h nursing shift. Logistic regression analysis was performed. For both study end points, the odds ratios (OR) for improvements at follow-up versus at baseline were calculated separately for control and intervention ICUs. Results We analyzed data on 67,237 nursing shifts. The bed occupancy rate did not improve in the intervention group compared to baseline (adjusted OR 0.88; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 0.62–1.27) or compared to control group (OR 0.67; 95 % CI 0.39–1.15). The nurse-to-patient ratio did not improve (OR 0.72; 95 % CI 0.41–1.26 compared to baseline and OR 0.65; 95 % CI 0.35–1.19 compared to control group). Conclusions A multifaceted feedback intervention did not improve the adherence to guideline-based standards on the organizational issues bed occupancy rate and nurse-to-patient ratio in the ICU. The reasons may be a limited confidence in data quality, the lack of practical tools for improvement, and the relatively short follow-up. Trial registration ISRCTN: ISRCTN50542146
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Affiliation(s)
- Maartje L G de Vos
- Scientific Centre for Transformation in Care and Welfare (Tranzo), University of Tilburg, PO Box 90153, , 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands. .,Center for Prevention and Health Services Research, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, PO Box 1, , 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Sabine N van der Veer
- Department of Medical Informatics, Academic Medical Center, PO Box 22660, , 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Bram Wouterse
- Scientific Centre for Transformation in Care and Welfare (Tranzo), University of Tilburg, PO Box 90153, , 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands. .,Center for Public Health Forecasting, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, PO Box 1,, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Wilco C Graafmans
- Health Strategy and Health Systems Unit, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Niels Peek
- Health e-Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Nicolette F de Keizer
- Department of Medical Informatics, Academic Medical Center, PO Box 22660, , 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Kitty J Jager
- Department of Medical Informatics, Academic Medical Center, PO Box 22660, , 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Gert P Westert
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter H J van der Voort
- Department of Intensive Care, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, PO Box 95500, , 1090 HM, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,TIAS School for Business and Society, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
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Shang J, Stone P, Larson E. Studies on nurse staffing and health care-associated infection: methodologic challenges and potential solutions. Am J Infect Control 2015; 43:581-8. [PMID: 26042847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2015.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers have been studying hospital nurse staffing in relation to health care-associated infections (HAIs) for >2 decades, and the results have been mixed. We summarized published research examining these issues, critically analyzed the commonly used approaches, identified methodologic challenges, proposed potential solutions, and suggested the possible benefits of applying an electronic health record (EHR) system. METHODS A scoping review was conducted using MEDLINE and CINAHL from 1990 onward. Original research studies examining relationships between nurse staffing and HAIs in the hospital setting and published in peer-reviewed English-language journals were selected. RESULTS A total of 125 articles and abstracts were identified, and 45 met inclusion criteria. Findings from these studies were mixed. The methodologic challenges identified included database selection, variable measurement, methods to link the nurse staffing and HAI data, and temporality. Administrative staffing data were often not precise or specific. The most common method to link staffing and HAI data did not assess the temporal relationship. We proposed using daily staffing information 2-4 days prior to HAI onset linked to individual patient HAI data. CONCLUSION To assess the relationships between nurse staffing and HAIs, methodologic decisions are necessary based on what data are available and feasible to obtain. National efforts to promote an EHR may offer solutions for future studies by providing more comprehensive data on HAIs and nurse staffing.
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Wunsch H, Harrison DA, Jones A, Rowan K. The impact of the organization of high-dependency care on acute hospital mortality and patient flow for critically ill patients. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2015; 191:186-93. [PMID: 25494358 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201408-1525oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Little is known about the utility of provision of high-dependency care (HDC) that is in a geographically separate location from a primary intensive care unit (ICU). OBJECTIVES To determine whether the availability of HDC in a geographically separate unit affects patient flow or mortality for critically ill patients. METHODS Admissions to ICUs in the United Kingdom, from 2009 to 2011, who received Level 3 intensive care in the first 24 hours after admission and subsequently Level 2 HDC. We compared differences in patient flow and outcomes for patients treated in hospitals providing some HDC in a geographically separate unit (dual HDC) with patients treated in hospitals providing all HDC in the same unit as intensive care (integrated HDC) using multilevel mixed effects models. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS In 192 adult general ICUs, 21.4% provided dual HDC. Acute hospital mortality was no different for patients cared for in ICUs with dual HDC versus those with integrated HDC (adjusted odds ratio, 0.94 [0.86-1.03]; P = 0.16). Dual HDC was associated with a decreased likelihood of a delayed discharge from the primary unit. However, total duration of critical care and the likelihood of discharge from the primary unit at night were increased with dual HDC. CONCLUSIONS Availability of HDC in a geographically separate unit does not impact acute hospital mortality. The potential benefit of decreasing delays in discharge should be weighed against the increased total duration of critical care and greater likelihood of a transfer out of the primary unit at night.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Wunsch
- 1 Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Schreuders LW, Bremner AP, Geelhoed E, Finn J. The relationship between nurse staffing and inpatient complications. J Adv Nurs 2014; 71:800-12. [PMID: 25414059 DOI: 10.1111/jan.12572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare characteristics of hospitalizations with and without complications and examine the impact of nurse staffing on inpatient complications across different unit types. BACKGROUND Studies investigating the relationship between nurse staffing and inpatient complications have not shown consistent results. Methodological limitations have been cited as the basis for this lack of uniformity. Our study was designed to address some of these limitations. DESIGN Retrospective longitudinal hospitalization-level study. METHOD Adult hospitalizations to high intensity, general medical and general surgical units at three metropolitan tertiary hospitals were included. Data were sourced from Western Australian Department of Health administrative data collections from 2004-2008. We estimated the impact of nurse staffing on inpatient complications adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics and accounted for patients with multiple hospitalizations. RESULTS The study included 256,984 hospitalizations across 58 inpatient units. Hospitalizations with complications had significantly different demographic characteristics compared with those without. The direction of the association between nurse staffing and inpatient complications was not consistent for different inpatient complications, nurse skill mix groups or for hospitalizations with different unit movement patterns. CONCLUSION Our study design addressed limitations noted in the field, but our results did not support the widely held assumption that improved nurse staffing levels are associated with decreased patient complication rates. Despite a strong international focus on improving nurse staffing to reduce inpatient complications, our results suggest that adding more nurses is not a panacea for reducing inpatient complications to zero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Winton Schreuders
- The University of Western Australia, School of Population Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Higher surgical critical care staffing levels are associated with improved National Surgical Quality Improvement Program quality measures. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2014; 77:83-8; discussion 88. [PMID: 24977760 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000000279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The changing face of American health care demands careful scrutiny of resource allocation. The impact of the surgical intensivist model on general surgical quality measures has not been studied. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between surgical critical care staffing and indicators of general surgical quality measured by the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). METHODS We retrospectively examined the number of attending surgical intensivists at our tertiary care center biannually from January 2008 through June 2012. Risk-adjusted indicators of general surgical quality were captured and reported semiannually by NSQIP. Mortality, overall morbidity, patients on ventilator for more than 48 hours, unplanned intubations, and venous thromboembolism were included. Student's t test was used to compare the staffing levels and associated NSQIP odds ratios of a 3-year control period of full commitment with a 2-year period following significant provider attrition. RESULTS The number of full-time surgical intensivists ranged from 2 to 8, with a period of rapid decline in late 2010 to early 2011 followed by slow recovery. There was a mean of 6.6 surgical intensivists during the 3 years before the decline and a mean of 4 in the 2 years after the decline and recovery (p < 0.005). This period of decline was associated with a significant increase in the odds ratio of ventilation for more than 48 hours (before, 0.936; after, 1.87; p = 0.0086) and of venous thromboembolism (before, 0.844; after 1.43; p = 0.0268). A trend in increased unplanned intubations was also observed. Overall morbidity and mortality were not affected. Notably, quality indicators seemed to rapidly approach baseline levels as new surgical intensivists were recruited. CONCLUSION Institutional commitment to recruitment and retention of a surgical critical care team leads to improved NSQIP general surgery quality measures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Care management study, level IV.
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Lam SC. Validation and cross-cultural pilot testing of compliance with standard precautions scale: self-administered instrument for clinical nurses. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014; 35:547-55. [PMID: 24709724 DOI: 10.1086/675835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform detailed psychometric testing of the compliance with standard precautions scale (CSPS) in measuring compliance with standard precautions of clinical nurses and to conduct cross-cultural pilot testing and assess the relevance of the CSPS on an international platform. DESIGN A cross-sectional and correlational design with repeated measures. SETTING Nursing students from a local registered nurse training university, nurses from different hospitals in Hong Kong, and experts in an international conference. METHODS The psychometric properties of the CSPS were evaluated via internal consistency, 2-week and 3-month test-retest reliability, concurrent validation, and construct validation. The cross-cultural pilot testing and relevance check was examined by experts on infection control from various developed and developing regions. RESULTS Among 453 participants, 193 were nursing students, 165 were enrolled nurses, and 95 were registered nurses. The results showed that the CSPS had satisfactory reliability (Cronbach α = 0.73; intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.79 for 2-week test-retest and 0.74 for 3-month test-retest) and validity (optimum correlation with criterion measure; r = 0.76, P < .001; satisfactory results on known-group method and hypothesis testing). A total of 19 experts from 16 countries assured that most of the CSPS findings were relevant and globally applicable. CONCLUSIONS The CSPS demonstrated satisfactory results on the basis of the standard international criteria on psychometric testing, which ascertained the reliability and validity of this instrument in measuring the compliance of clinical nurses with standard precautions. The cross-cultural pilot testing further reinforced the instrument's relevance and applicability in most developed and developing regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon C Lam
- Division of Nursing and Health Studies, School of Science and Technology, Open University of Hong Kong, Homantin, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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de Cordova PB, Phibbs CS, Schmitt SK, Stone PW. Night and day in the VA: associations between night shift staffing, nurse workforce characteristics, and length of stay. Res Nurs Health 2014; 37:90-7. [PMID: 24403000 DOI: 10.1002/nur.21582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In hospitals, nurses provide patient care around the clock, but the impact of night staff characteristics on patient outcomes is not well understood. The aim of this study was to examine the association between night nurse staffing and workforce characteristics and the length of stay (LOS) in 138 veterans affairs (VA) hospitals using panel data from 2002 through 2006. Staffing in hours per patient day was higher during the day than at night. The day nurse workforce had more educational preparation than the night workforce. Nurses' years of experience at the unit, facility, and VA level were greater at night. In multivariable analyses controlling for confounding variables, higher night staffing and a higher skill mix were associated with reduced LOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela B de Cordova
- College of Nursing, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 110 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901
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Richardson AJ, Pang TCY, Johnston E, Hollands MJ, Lam VWT, Pleass HCC. The volume effect in liver surgery--a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gastrointest Surg 2013; 17:1984-96. [PMID: 24002759 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-013-2314-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an inverse relationship between hospital and surgeon volume and mortality in many types of complex surgery. The aim of this paper is to investigate the volume effect on outcomes of liver surgery. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. A literature search was conducted using Medline and EMBASE from 1995 to 2012. A random effects model was used. RESULTS Seventeen studies were selected for detailed analysis. Definition of a high-volume institution varied from 2 to more than 33 procedures per year. The pooled odds ratio of mortality rate in low- vs high-volume centres was 2.0 [95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.6-2.4; P < 0.001]. Some studies divided centres into more than two groups and compared the highest and lowest volume groups. The pooled odds ratio of mortality rate for this comparison type was 3.2 (95 % CI, 1.7-5.8; P < 0.001). Funnel plots suggest possible publication bias. There was inadequate data to compare morbidity. Only two of seven studies demonstrated a shorter length of stay in the high-volume centres. There was no convincing volume effect on long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a strong relationship between volume and perioperative mortality. No difference in morbidity, length of stay or survival was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur J Richardson
- Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney, Australia,
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Matsuyama T, Iranami H, Fujii K, Inoue M, Nakagawa R, Kawashima K. Risk factors for postoperative mortality and morbidities in emergency surgeries. J Anesth 2013; 27:838-43. [PMID: 23700220 DOI: 10.1007/s00540-013-1639-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency surgery itself induces high risk for postoperative mortality and morbidities; however, it remains unknown which concomitant pathological conditions of emergency surgeries are causative factors of deteriorating outcomes. This study examined the causal factors of postoperative mortality and morbidity in cases of emergency surgery. METHODS Patients undergoing emergency surgery from January to December 2007 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Causal relationships were analyzed by stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis between possible independent factors (sex, age, kind of surgical department, timing of surgery, duration of surgery, blood transfusion, deteriorated consciousness level, shock state, abnormal coagulate state, and history of hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal failure, and anemia) and postoperative mortality or morbidities (failure of removal of tracheal tube after operation, tracheotomy, cerebral infarction, massive hemorrhage, severe hypotension, severe hypoxemia, and severe arrhythmia during or after surgery). RESULTS Shock, deteriorated consciousness level, chronic obstructive lung disease, and ischemic heart disease were significant risk factors for mortality (OR 14.2, 7.9, 6.4, and 3.8, respectively), and deteriorated consciousness level, blood transfusion, shock, chronic obstructive lung disease, diabetes, cardiovascular surgery, and operation longer than 2 h were significant risk factors for morbidity (OR 19.1, 3.3, 3.0, 2.5, 2.4, 2.4, and 1.8, respectively). CONCLUSION State of shock, deteriorated consciousness level, chronic obstructive lung disease, ischemic heart disease, hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion, age over 80 years, cardiovascular surgery, surgeries at night, and surgeries of duration more than 2 h cause patients to be strongly susceptible to postoperative mortality or morbidity in emergency surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Matsuyama
- Department of Anesthesia, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Kawaharacho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
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Kandeel NA, Attia AK. Physical restraints practice in adult intensive care units in Egypt. Nurs Health Sci 2013; 15:79-85. [PMID: 23302019 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 08/04/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Physical restraints are commonly used in intensive care units to reduce the risk of injury and ensure patient safety. However, there is still controversy regarding the practice of physical restraints in such units. The purpose of this study was to investigate the practices of physical restraints among critical care nurses in El-Mansoura City, Egypt. The study involved a convenience sample of 275 critically ill adult patients, and 153 nurses. Data were collected from 11 intensive care units using a "physical restraint observation form" and a "structured questionnaire." The results revealed that physical restraint was commonly used to ensure patient safety. Assessment of physical restraint was mainly restricted to peripheral circulation. The most commonly reported physically restrained site complications included: redness, bruising, swelling, and edema. The results illustrated a lack of documentation on physical restraint and a lack of education of patients and their families about the rationale of physical restraint usage. The study shed light on the need for standard guidelines and policies for physical restraint practices in Egyptian intensive care units.
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Lee H, Bae H. The Association of Nurse Staffing Levels and Patient Outcome in Intensive Care Units. Korean J Crit Care Med 2013. [DOI: 10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.2.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjung Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Hongbeom Bae
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Interest in international comparisons of critical illness is growing, but the utility of these studies is questionable. This review examines the challenges of international comparisons and highlights areas in which international data provide information relevant to clinical practice and resource allocation. RECENT FINDINGS International comparisons of ICU resources demonstrate that definitions of critical illness and ICU beds vary due to differences in ability to provide organ support and variable staffing. Despite these limitations, recent international data provide key information to understand the pros and cons of different availability of ICU beds on patient flow and outcomes, and also highlight the need to ensure long-term follow-up due to heterogeneity in discharge practices for critically ill patients. With increasing emphasis on curbing costs of healthcare, systems that deliver lower cost care provide data on alternative options, such as regionalization, flexible allocation of beds, and bed rationing. SUMMARY Differences in provision of critical care can be leveraged to inform decisions on allocation of ICU beds, improve interpretation of clinical outcomes, and assess ways to decrease costs of care. International definitions of key components of critical care are needed to facilitate research and ensure rigorous comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Prin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Wunsch
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Goran SF. Measuring tele-ICU impact: does it optimize quality outcomes for the critically ill patient? J Nurs Manag 2012; 20:414-28. [PMID: 22519619 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01414.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the relationship between tele-ICU (intensive care unit) implementations and improvement in quality measures and patient outcomes. BACKGROUND Tele-ICUs were designed to leverage scarce critical-care experts and promised to improve patient quality. EVALUATION Abstracts and peer-reviewed articles were reviewed to identify the associations between tele-ICU programmes and clinical outcomes, cost savings, and customer satisfaction. KEY ISSUES Few peer-reviewed studies are available and many variables in each study limit the ability to associate study conclusions to the overall tele-ICU programme. Further research is required to explore the impact of the tele-ICU on patient/family satisfaction. Research findings are highly dependent upon the level of ICU acceptance. CONCLUSIONS The tele-ICU, in collaboration with the ICU team, can be a valuable tool for the enhancement of quality goals although the ability to demonstrate cost savings is extremely complex. Studies clearly indicate that tele-ICU nursing vigilance can enhance patient safety by preventing potential patient harm. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Nursing managers and leaders play a vital part in optimizing the quality role of the tele-ICU through supportive modelling and the maximization of ICU integration.
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Measuring the nursing workload per shift in the ICU. Intensive Care Med 2012; 38:1438-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s00134-012-2648-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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de Cordova PB, Phibbs CS, Bartel AP, Stone PW. Twenty-four/seven: a mixed-method systematic review of the off-shift literature. J Adv Nurs 2012; 68:1454-68. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.05976.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Cartmill L, Comans TA, Clark MJ, Ash S, Sheppard L. Using staffing ratios for workforce planning: evidence on nine allied health professions. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2012; 10:2. [PMID: 22293082 PMCID: PMC3398270 DOI: 10.1186/1478-4491-10-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern healthcare managers are faced with pressure to deliver effective, efficient services within the context of fixed budget constraints. Managers are required to make decisions regarding the skill mix of the workforce particularly when staffing new services. One measure used to identify numbers and mix of staff in healthcare settings is workforce ratio. The aim of this study was to identify workforce ratios in nine allied health professions and to identify whether these measures are useful for planning allied health workforce requirements. METHODS A systematic literature search using relevant MeSH headings of business, medical and allied health databases and relevant grey literature for the period 2000-2008 was undertaken. RESULTS Twelve articles were identified which described the use of workforce ratios in allied health services. Only one of these was a staffing ratio linked to clinical outcomes. The most comprehensive measures were identified in rehabilitation medicine. CONCLUSION The evidence for use of staffing ratios for allied health practitioners is scarce and lags behind the fields of nursing and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Cartmill
- School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, 4059, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tracy A Comans
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbrook, 4131, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michele J Clark
- School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, 4059, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Susan Ash
- School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, 4059, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lorraine Sheppard
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Public Health, Tropic Medicine & Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Australia
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Versa GLGDS, Inoue KC, Nicola AL, Matsuda LM. Influência do dimensionamento da equipe de enfermagem na qualidade do cuidado ao paciente crítico. TEXTO & CONTEXTO ENFERMAGEM 2011. [DOI: 10.1590/s0104-07072011000400020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Estudo na modalidade Revisão Integrativa, com objetivo de analisar a influência do dimensionamento do pessoal de enfermagem intensivista na qualidade do cuidado ao paciente crítico adulto. Foram incluídas apenas publicações científicas, das principais bases eletrônicas, veiculadas em periódicos de acesso livre e eletrônico, referentes à última década (janeiro de 2000 a janeiro de 2010), nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol. Obteve-se um total de 10 publicações, dentre as quais três avaliaram a incidência de mortalidade e extubação acidental no pós-operatório; três avaliaram os reflexos no cuidado resultantes da redução no número de enfermeiros; dois avaliaram o desenvolvimento de infecções; e um, respectivamente, avaliou a incidência de quedas e de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica. Os estudos indicam relação entre o subdimensionamento de trabalhadores da enfermagem e o aumento nas taxas de infecções, mortalidade, quedas, pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica e extubação acidental.
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Chamberlain RS, Klaassen Z, Paragi PR. Complex hepatobiliary surgery in the community setting: is it safe and feasible? Am J Surg 2011; 202:273-80. [PMID: 21871981 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2010.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2010] [Revised: 07/26/2010] [Accepted: 07/26/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex hepatobiliary surgical procedures for benign and malignant conditions are regularly performed at tertiary academic referral centers with excellent outcomes, but whether similar surgical outcomes are achievable in community hospitals is not well documented. METHODS Eighty-four patients underwent complex hepatobiliary surgery between December 2004 and December 2008. Data were prospectively analyzed, including patient demographics, operative procedures, perioperative parameters, pathology, complications up to 30 days postoperatively, and long-term outcomes. RESULTS The most frequent procedures performed were isolated segmentectomy or segmentectomies (n = 41 [49%]). Major hepatic resections (n = 32 [38%]) included 25 lobectomies (30%) and 7 trisegmentectomies (8%). Nine patients (11%) had surgical complications, and the most common indications for surgery was metastatic carcinoma (n = 42 [50%]). CONCLUSIONS Complex hepatobiliary surgery can be performed safely at a community-based teaching hospital with excellent outcomes. In the ongoing debate centering on mandatory referral and centralization of complex surgical procedures, tertiary community hospitals with well-determined outcomes should be included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Mourad
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, M1287, Box 0131, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - Josh Adler
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
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Abstract
Preventable hospital errors are the accepted impetus to the establishment of quality measures and served as a catalyst for the ongoing evolution of healthcare reform. Nurses are crucial members of the hospital quality team, and their actions are integral to the hospital's quality performance. The authors explore some of the practical challenges created by quality performance standards, specifically around venous thromboembolism, and the contribution nurses can make, to patient safety, quality of care, and the institutions financial performance.
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Surgical intensive care unit - essential for good outcome in major abdominal surgery? Langenbecks Arch Surg 2011; 396:417-28. [PMID: 21369847 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-011-0758-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Surgical intensive care units (ICU) play a pivotal role in perioperative care of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Differences in quality of care provided by medical staff in ICUs may be linked to improved outcome. This review aims to elucidate the relationship between quality of care at various ICUs and patient outcome, with the ultimate aim of identifying key measures for achieving optimal outcome. METHODS We reviewed the literature in PubMed to identify current ICU structural and process concepts and variations before evaluating their respective impact on quality of care and outcome in major abdominal surgery. RESULTS ICU leadership, nurse and physician staffing, and provision of an intermediate care unit are important structural components that impact on patients' outcome. A "mixed ICU" model, with intensivists primarily caring for the patients in close cooperation with the primary physician, seems to be the most effective ICU model. Surgeons' involvement in intensive care is essential, and a close cooperation between surgeons and anesthesiologists is vital for good outcome. Current general process concepts include early mobilization, enteral feeding, and optimal perioperative fluid management. To decrease failure-to-rescue rates, procedure-specific intensive care processes are particularly focused on the early detection, assessment, and timely and consistent treatment of complications. CONCLUSIONS Several structures and processes in the ICU have an impact on outcome in major abdominal surgery. ICU structures and care processes connected with optimal outcome could be transmitted to other centers to improve outcome, independent of procedure volume.
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