1
|
Johnsgård T, Elenjord R, Holis RV, Waaseth M, Zahl-Holmstad B, Fagerli M, Svendsen K, Lehnbom EC, Ofstad EH, Risør T, Garcia BH. How much time do emergency department physicians spend on medication-related tasks? A time- and-motion study. BMC Emerg Med 2024; 24:56. [PMID: 38594615 PMCID: PMC11003058 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-00974-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication-related problems are an important cause of emergency department (ED) visits, and medication errors are reported in up to 60% of ED patients. Procedures such as medication reconciliation and medication review can identify and prevent medication-related problems and medication errors. However, this work is often time-consuming. In EDs without pharmacists, medication reconciliation is the physician's responsibility, in addition to the primary assignments of examining and diagnosing the patient. The aim of this study was to identify how much time ED physicians spend on medication-related tasks when no pharmacists are present in the EDs. METHODS An observational time-and-motion study of physicians in three EDs in Northern Norway was conducted using Work Observation Method by Activity Timing (WOMBAT) to collect and time-stamp data. Observations were conducted in predefined two-hour observation sessions with a 1:1 relationship between observer and participant, during Monday to Friday between 8 am and 8 pm, from November 2020 to October 2021. RESULTS In total, 386 h of observations were collected during 225 observation sessions. A total of 8.7% of the physicians' work time was spent on medication-related tasks, of which most time was spent on oral communication about medications with other physicians (3.0%) and medication-related documentation (3.2%). Physicians spent 2.2 min per hour on medication reconciliation tasks, which includes retrieving medication-related information directly from the patient, reading/retrieving written medication-related information, and medication-related documentation. Physicians spent 85.6% of the observed time on non-medication-related clinical or administrative tasks, and the remaining time was spent standby or moving between tasks. CONCLUSION In three Norwegian EDs, physicians spent 8.7% of their work time on medication-related tasks, and 85.6% on other clinical or administrative tasks. Physicians spent 2.2 min per hour on tasks related to medication reconciliation. We worry that patient safety related tasks in the EDs receive little attention. Allocating dedicated resources like pharmacists to contribute with medication-related tasks could benefit both physicians and patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tine Johnsgård
- Hospital Pharmacy of North Norway Trust, Tromsø, Norway.
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Renate Elenjord
- Hospital Pharmacy of North Norway Trust, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Marit Waaseth
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Birgitte Zahl-Holmstad
- Hospital Pharmacy of North Norway Trust, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Marie Fagerli
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kristian Svendsen
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Elin Christina Lehnbom
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eirik Hugaas Ofstad
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | - Torsten Risør
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Beate Hennie Garcia
- Hospital Pharmacy of North Norway Trust, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zahl-Holmstad B, Garcia BH, Johnsgård T, Ofstad EH, Lehnbom EC, Svendsen K, Risør T, Holis RV, Elenjord R. Patient perceptions and experiences with medication-related activities in the emergency department: a qualitative study. BMJ Open Qual 2023; 12:bmjoq-2022-002239. [PMID: 37217242 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2022-002239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency department (ED) pharmacists reduce medication errors and improve quality of medication use. Patient perceptions and experiences with ED pharmacists have not been studied. The aim of this study was to explore patients' perceptions of and experiences with medication-related activities in the ED, with and without an ED pharmacist present. METHODS We conducted 24 semistructured individual interviews with patients admitted to one ED in Norway, 12 before and 12 during an intervention, where pharmacists performed medication-related tasks close to patients and in collaboration with ED staff. Interviews were transcribed and analysed applying thematic analysis. RESULTS From our five developed themes, we identified that: (1) Our informants had low awareness and few expectations of the ED pharmacist, both with and without the pharmacist present. However, they were positive to the ED pharmacist. (2) Our informants expressed a variation of trust in the healthcare system, healthcare professionals and electronic systems, though the majority expressed a high level of trust. They believed that their medication list was automatically updated and assumed to get the correct medication. (3) Some informants felt responsible to have an overview of their medication use, while others expressed low interest in taking responsibility regarding their medication. (4) Some informants did not want involvement from healthcare professionals in medication administration, while others expressed no problems with giving up control. (5) Medication information was important for all informants to feel confident in medication use, but the need for information differed. CONCLUSION Despite being positive to pharmacists, it did not seem important to our informants who performed the medication-related tasks, as long as they received the help they needed. The degree of trust, responsibility, control and information varied among ED patients. These dimensions can be applied by healthcare professionals to tailor medication-related activities to patients' individual needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Birgitte Zahl-Holmstad
- Hospital Pharmacy of North Norway Trust, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Pharmacy, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Beate Hennie Garcia
- Hospital Pharmacy of North Norway Trust, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Pharmacy, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Tine Johnsgård
- Hospital Pharmacy of North Norway Trust, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Pharmacy, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eirik Hugaas Ofstad
- Department of Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Elin Christina Lehnbom
- Department of Pharmacy, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Kristian Svendsen
- Department of Pharmacy, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Torsten Risør
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| | | | - Renate Elenjord
- Hospital Pharmacy of North Norway Trust, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Pharmacy, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Adelsjö I, Nilsson L, Hellström A, Ekstedt M, Lehnbom EC. Communication about medication management during patient-physician consultations in primary care: a participant observation study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e062148. [PMID: 36328391 PMCID: PMC9639081 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore communication about medication management during annual consultations in primary care. DESIGN passive participant observations of primary care consultations. SETTING Two primary care centres in southern Sweden. PARTICIPANTS Consultations between 18 patients (over the age of 60 years) with chronic diseases and 10 general practitioners (GPs) were observed, audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using content analysis. RESULTS Four categories emerged: communication barriers, striving for a shared understanding of medication management, evaluation of the current medication treatment and the plan ahead and behavioural changes in relation to medication management. Misunderstandings in communication, failure to report changes in the medication treatment and use of generic substitutes complicated mutual understanding and agreement on continued treatment. The need for behavioural changes to reduce the need for medication treatment was recognised but should be explored further. CONCLUSION Several pitfalls, including miscommunication and inaccurate medication lists, for safe medication management were identified. The purpose of annual consultations should be clarified, individual treatment plans could be used more actively during primary care consultations and efforts are needed to improve verbal communication and information continuity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Adelsjö
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Lina Nilsson
- eHealth Institute, Department of Medicine and Optometry, Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Amanda Hellström
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Mirjam Ekstedt
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics (LIME), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elin Christina Lehnbom
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Pharmacy, UiT The Arctic University of Norway Faculty of Health Sciences, Tromso, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Peute LW, Lichtner V, Baysari MT, Hägglund M, Homco J, Jansen-Kosterink S, Jauregui I, Kaipio J, Kuziemsky CE, Lehnbom EC, Leite F, Lesselroth B, Luna D, Otero C, Pedersen R, Pelayo S, Santos R, Silva NA, Tyllinen M, Van Velsen L, Zheng WY, Jaspers M, Marcilly R. Challenges and Best Practices in Ethical Review of Human and Organizational Factors Studies in Health Technology: a Synthesis of Testimonies. Yearb Med Inform 2020; 29:58-70. [PMID: 32303100 PMCID: PMC7442520 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1701979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Human and Organizational Factors (HOF) studies in health technology involve human beings and thus require Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Yet HOF studies have specific constraints and methods that may not fit standard regulations and IRB practices. Gaining IRB approval may pose difficulties for HOF researchers. This paper aims to provide a first overview of HOF study challenges to get IRB review by exploring differences and best practices across different countries. METHODS HOF researchers were contacted by email to provide a testimony about their experience with IRB review and approval. Testimonies were thematically analyzed and synthesized to identify and discuss shared themes. RESULTS Researchers from seven European countries, Argentina, Canada, Australia, and the United States answered the call. Four themes emerged that indicate shared challenges in legislation, IRB inefficiencies and inconsistencies, general regulation and costs, and lack of HOF study knowledge by IRB members. We propose a model for IRB review of HOF studies based on best practices. CONCLUSION International criteria are needed that define low and high-risk HOF studies, to allow identification of studies that can undergo an expedited (or exempted) process from those that need full IRB review. Enhancing IRB processes in such a way would be beneficial to the conduct of HOF studies. Greater knowledge and promotion of HOF methods and evidence-based HOF study designs may support the evolving discipline. Based on these insights, training and guidance to IRB members may be developed to support them in ensuring that appropriate ethical issues for HOF studies are considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda W Peute
- Centre for Human Factor Engineering of Health Information technology - Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Valentina Lichtner
- Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, UCL School of Pharmacy, UK
| | - Melissa T Baysari
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Hägglund
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Juell Homco
- Department of Medical Informatics, University of Oklahoma - Tulsa School of Community Medicine, USA
| | | | - Ignacio Jauregui
- Health Informatics Department, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Johanna Kaipio
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Finland
| | | | - Elin Christina Lehnbom
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway; Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Sweden
| | | | - Blake Lesselroth
- Department of Medical Informatics, University of Oklahoma - Tulsa School of Community Medicine, USA
| | - Daniel Luna
- Health Informatics Department, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Otero
- Health Informatics Department, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rune Pedersen
- Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, University Hospital of North Norway HF, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | - Sylvia Pelayo
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 - METRICS: Évaluation des technologies de santé et des pratiques médicales, INSERM-CIC-IT 1403/Evalab, Lille, France
| | | | | | - Mari Tyllinen
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Finland
| | - Lex Van Velsen
- Roessingh Research and Development, eHealth group, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Wu Yi Zheng
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Monique Jaspers
- Centre for Human Factor Engineering of Health Information technology - Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Romaric Marcilly
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 - METRICS: Évaluation des technologies de santé et des pratiques médicales, INSERM-CIC-IT 1403/Evalab, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Richardson LC, Lehnbom EC, Baysari MT, Walter SR, Day RO, Westbrook JI. A time and motion study of junior doctor work patterns on the weekend: a potential contributor to the weekend effect? Intern Med J 2017; 46:819-25. [PMID: 27094756 DOI: 10.1111/imj.13120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients admitted to hospital on weekends have a greater risk of mortality compared to patients admitted on weekdays. Junior medical officers (JMO) make up the majority of medical staff on weekends. No previous study has quantified JMO work patterns on weekends. AIM To describe and quantify JMO work patterns on weekends and compare them with patterns previously observed during the week. METHODS Observational time and motion study of JMO working weekends using the Work Observation Method by Activity Timing (WOMBAT; Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia) software. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the proportion of total observed time spent in tasks. RESULTS Weekend JMO predominately spent time in indirect care (32.0%), direct care (23.0%) and professional communication (22.1%). JMO spent 20.9% of time multitasking and were interrupted, on average, every 9 min. Weekend JMO spent significantly more time in direct care compared with weekdays (13.0%; P < 0.001) and nights (14.3%; P < 0.001). Weekend JMO spent significantly less time on breaks (8.5%), with less than 1 h in an 11-h shift, compared with JMO during weekdays (16.4%; P = 0.004) and nights (27.6%; P = <0.001). Weekend JMO were interrupted at a higher rate (6.6/h) than on weekdays (rate ratio (RR) 2.9, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.6, 3.3) or nights (RR 5.1, 95% CI 4.2, 6.1). Multitasking on weekends (20.9%) was comparable to weekdays (18.9%; P = 0.19) but significantly higher than nights (6.4%; P = <0.001). CONCLUSION On weekends, JMO had few breaks, were interrupted frequently and engaged in high levels of multitasking. This pattern of JMO work could be a potential contributing factor to the weekend effect in terms of JMO abilities to respond safely and adequately to care demands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L C Richardson
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - E C Lehnbom
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M T Baysari
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S R Walter
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R O Day
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J I Westbrook
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lehnbom EC, Douglas HE, Makeham MAB. Positive beliefs and privacy concerns shape the future for the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record. Intern Med J 2016; 46:108-11. [PMID: 26813902 DOI: 10.1111/imj.12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The uptake of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR) has been slowly building momentum in Australia. The purpose of the PCEHR is to collect clinically important information from multiple healthcare providers to provide a secure electronic record to patients and their authorised healthcare providers that will ultimately enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. Reasons for the slow uptake of the PCEHR and future directions to improve its usefulness is discussed later.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E C Lehnbom
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - H E Douglas
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney New South Wales, Australia
| | - M A B Makeham
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Baysari MT, Adams K, Lehnbom EC, Westbrook JI, Day RO. iPad use at the bedside: a tool for engaging patients in care processes during ward rounds? Intern Med J 2015; 44:986-90. [PMID: 24989476 DOI: 10.1111/imj.12518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous work has examined the impact of technology on information sharing and communication between doctors and patients in general practice consultations, but very few studies have explored this in hospital settings. AIMS To assess if, and how, senior clinicians use an iPad to share information (e.g. patient test results) with patients during ward rounds and to explore patients' and doctors' experiences of information sharing events. METHODS Ten senior doctors were shadowed on ward rounds on general wards during interactions with 525 patients over 77.3 h, seven senior doctors were interviewed and 180 patients completed a short survey. RESULTS Doctors reported that information sharing with patients is critical to the delivery of high-quality healthcare, but were not seen to use the iPad to share information with patients on ward rounds. Patients did not think the iPad had impacted on their engagement with doctors on rounds. Ward rounds were observed to follow set routines and patient interactions were brief. CONCLUSIONS Although the iPad potentially creates new opportunities for information sharing and patient engagement, the ward round may not present the most appropriate context for this to be done.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M T Baysari
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lehnbom EC, Brien JE, McLachlan AJ. Knowledge and attitudes regarding the personally controlled electronic health record: an Australian national survey. Intern Med J 2015; 44:406-9. [PMID: 24754689 DOI: 10.1111/imj.12384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The personally controlled electronic health record (PCHER) was designed to bring important information together to facilitate effective communication between clinicians and so improve patient care. This national cross-sectional survey of 405 healthcare providers and consumers found that they had relatively low awareness and knowledge about the PCEHR; that 62% of respondents believed that healthcare providers with access to the PCEHR would be able to provide better quality of care but only 50% of respondents would sign up to have a PCEHR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E C Lehnbom
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Therapeutics Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|