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Castle JT, Levy BE, Wilt WS, Draus JM. Reducing Emergency Department Length of Stay in Critically Injured Pediatric Trauma Patients: A Quality Improvement Initiative. Am Surg 2023; 89:4367-4372. [PMID: 35768184 DOI: 10.1177/00031348221111514] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficient transfer of adult trauma patients to the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with decreased emergency department (ED) length of stay (ED LOS) and improved patient outcomes. While well studied in adults, quality improvement (QI) initiatives focused on the rapid transfer of pediatric trauma patients are lacking. We report the effect of institutional system changes directed at expediting the transfer of pediatric trauma patients to the pediatric ICU (PICU). METHODS This initiative commenced in 2013. Preliminary data regarding ED LOS for pediatric trauma patients were collected from January through December 2012 as the pre-implementation cohort. Using the plan-do-study-act (PDSA) framework of QI, the first PDSA cycle was implemented in January 2013. In subsequent PDSA cycles, we implemented the mandatory attendance of the PICU charge nurse and the PICU attending physician to all highest-level pediatric trauma activations. Throughout, ED LOS was collected and mapped on a run chart. ED LOS and variance were compared between all cycles of implementation. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-one pediatric patients arrived or were upgraded to the highest-level pediatric trauma activation and admitted to the PICU from 2012 through 2019. We observed a decrease in median ED LOS of 105 minutes between the pre- and post-implementation groups. With each PDSA cycle, we observed a decrease in median ED LOS and variation. CONCLUSION The inclusion of the PICU charge nurse and attending physician at highest-level pediatric trauma activations facilitated more rapid access to the PICU with decreased ED LOS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brittany E Levy
- Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Wesley S Wilt
- Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - John M Draus
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Levy BE, Castle JT, Virodov A, Wilt WS, Bumgardner C, Brim T, McAtee E, Schellenberg M, Inaba K, Warriner ZD. Artificial intelligence evaluation of focused assessment with sonography in trauma. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2023; 95:706-712. [PMID: 37165477 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000004021] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) is a widely used imaging modality to identify the location of life-threatening hemorrhage in a hemodynamically unstable trauma patient. This study evaluates the role of artificial intelligence in interpretation of the FAST examination abdominal views, as it pertains to adequacy of the view and accuracy of fluid survey positivity. METHODS Focused assessment with sonography for trauma examination images from 2015 to 2022, from trauma activations, were acquired from a quaternary care level 1 trauma center with more than 3,500 adult trauma evaluations, annually. Images pertaining to the right upper quadrant and left upper quadrant views were obtained and read by a surgeon or radiologist. Positivity was defined as fluid present in the hepatorenal or splenorenal fossa, while adequacy was defined by the presence of both the liver and kidney or the spleen and kidney for the right upper quadrant or left upper quadrant views, respectively. Four convolutional neural network architecture models (DenseNet121, InceptionV3, ResNet50, Vgg11bn) were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 6,608 images, representing 109 cases were included for analysis within the "adequate" and "positive" data sets. The models relayed 88.7% accuracy, 83.3% sensitivity, and 93.6% specificity for the adequate test cohort, while the positive cohort conferred 98.0% accuracy, 89.6% sensitivity, and 100.0% specificity against similar models. Augmentation improved the accuracy and sensitivity of the positive models to 95.1% accurate and 94.0% sensitive. DenseNet121 demonstrated the best accuracy across tasks. CONCLUSION Artificial intelligence can detect positivity and adequacy of FAST examinations with 94% and 97% accuracy, aiding in the standardization of care delivery with minimal expert clinician input. Artificial intelligence is a feasible modality to improve patient care imaging interpretation accuracy and should be pursued as a point-of-care clinical decision-making tool. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic Test/Criteria; Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany E Levy
- From the Department of Surgery (B.E.L., J.T.C., W.S.W., E.M.), Institute for Biomedical Informatics (A.V.), Department of Pathology (C.B.), and Department of Radiology (T.B.), University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky; Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery (M.S., K.I.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; and Division of Trauma Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery (Z.D.W.), University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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Levy BE, Wilt WS, Lantz S, Ballert E, Harris A. Standardization and Visualization of the Surgical Time-Out. J Patient Saf 2023; 19:453-459. [PMID: 37729643 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000001156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The time-out (TO) can prevent adverse events but is subject to TO engagement. We hypothesize transforming the TO to an auditable, active process will improve compliance and engagement. METHODS The passive nature of the current TO was identified as a potential safety issue on staff patient safety culture surveys. Subsequently, the Time Out Engagement and Standardization quality improvement initiative was developed and included a whiteboard checklist to be used in the operating room. As a baseline, 11 TOs were audited concerning engagement and content. Key stakeholders were engaged to determine potential interventions. A TO consisting of 15 elements using a TO whiteboard checklist with role-specific objectives was developed. Plan, Do, Study, Act cycles commenced. After implementation, 17 TOs were audited based on engagement and content. RESULTS Before intervention, engagement varied with nurse participating in 100% compared with anesthesia provider or surgeon participating in 18%. No TO included all 15 elements and only 13% of elements included in all TOs. After implementation of Time Out Engagement and Standardization, anesthesia and surgeon who participated increased to 100% and 76.5%, respectively (P < 0.0001, P = 0.006). The 15 standardized elements of the TO were discussed in 90% of cases. Overall, preintervention 88 elements (57.1%) were completed across all TOs, while postintervention 243 elements (98.8%) were completed (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We identified a need for increased engagement of the TO based on staff concerns, which were verified through auditing. Implementation of a team-driven intervention and 3 rapid Plan, Do, Study, Act cycles led to measurable improvement of the surgical TO.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wesley S Wilt
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky
| | - Sherry Lantz
- Department of Surgery, Lexington Veteran's Affairs Medical Center
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Levy BE, Castle JT, Wilt WS, Fedder K, Riser J, Burke ED, Hourigan JS, Bhakta AS. Improving physician documentation for malnutrition: A sustainable quality improvement initiative. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287124. [PMID: 37561733 PMCID: PMC10414681 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study compares documentation and reimbursement rates before and after provider education in nutritional status documentation. Our study aimed to evaluate accurate documentation of nutrition status between registered dietitian nutritionists and licensed independent practitioners before and after the implementation of a dietitian-led Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam intervention at an academic medical center in the southeastern US. ICD-10 codes identified patients from 10/1/2016-1/31/2018 with malnutrition. The percentage of patients with an appropriate diagnosis of malnutrition and reimbursement outcomes attributed to malnutrition documentation were calculated up to 24 months post-intervention. 528 patients were analyzed. Pre-intervention, 8.64% of patients had accurate documentation compared to 46.3% post-intervention. Post-intervention, 68 encounters coded for malnutrition resulted in an estimated $571,281 of additional reimbursement, sustained at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. A multidisciplinary intervention improved physician documentation accuracy of malnutrition status and increased reimbursement rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany E. Levy
- Graduate Medical Education, General Surgery Residency Program, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Jennifer T. Castle
- Graduate Medical Education, General Surgery Residency Program, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Wesley S. Wilt
- Graduate Medical Education, General Surgery Residency Program, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Kelly Fedder
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Center for Health Services Research, University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Jeremy Riser
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Center for Health Services Research, University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Erin D. Burke
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Jon S. Hourigan
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Avinash S. Bhakta
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
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Levy BE, Wilt WS, Johnson J, Wallace H, Ballert E, Newcomb M, Cavatassi W, Harris A. Procedure-Based Telehealth Utilization in General Surgery. Am J Med Qual 2023; 38:154-159. [PMID: 37125671 DOI: 10.1097/jmq.0000000000000122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The authors hypothesize that standardized telehealth (TH) scheduling processes will improve TH utilization without increasing adverse events. Fifty visits preimplementation and 67 visits postimplementation were audited from June 2021 to January 2022. Both leadership and frontline stakeholders were engaged to identify current workflows and potential interventions targeting outpatient elective procedures. Process mapping outlined current TH scheduling workflows. Outcomes related to TH completion, cost, and TH scheduling were collected after implementation. Preimplementation TH scheduling rate was 32%. The intervention required TH postoperative appointments to be scheduled in clinic at the time of surgery scheduling with TH being the default postsurgical appointment for a standardized list of eligible procedures. Following implementation, 95% of patients undergoing eligible procedures had TH follow-up. This provided improved access to surgical follow-up care, by reducing travel needs to the Veterans Affairs facility. Secondarily, this intervention increased clinic appointment availability and resulted in possible increased revenue for billable visits. Standardizing TH scheduling based on the procedure improves the utilization of TH resulting in improved clinic efficiency and increased revenue, without increasing adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany E Levy
- Department of General Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Wesley S Wilt
- Department of General Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | | | | | - Erik Ballert
- Department of General Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Lexington Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY
| | - Melissa Newcomb
- Department of General Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Lexington Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY
| | - William Cavatassi
- Department of General Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Lexington Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY
| | - Andrew Harris
- Lexington Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY
- Department of Urology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Levy BE, Wilt WS, Castle JT, McAtee E, Walling SC, Davenport DL, Bhakta A, Patel JA. Surgical Site Infections in Colorectal Resections: What is the Cost? J Surg Res 2023; 283:336-343. [PMID: 36427443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.10.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although surgical site infections (SSIs) associated with colectomy are tracked by the National Healthcare Safety Network/Center for Disease Control, untracked codes, mainly related to patients undergoing proctectomy, are not. These untracked codes are performed less often yet they may be at a greater risk of SSI due to their greater complexity. Determining the impact and predictors of SSI are critical in the development of quality improvement initiatives. METHODS Following an institutional review board approval, National Surgery Quality Improvement Program, institutional National Surgery Quality Improvement Program, and financial databases were queried for tracked colorectal resections and untracked colorectal resections (UCR). National data were obtained for January 2019-December 2019, and local procedures were identified between January 2013 and December 2019. Data were analyzed for preoperative SSI predictors, operative characteristics, outcomes, and 30-day postdischarge costs (30dPDC). RESULTS Nationally, 71,705 colorectal resections were identified, and institutionally, 2233 patients were identified. UCR accounted for 7.9% nationally and 11.8% of all colorectal resections institutionally. Tracked colorectal resection patients had a higher incidence of SSI predictors including sepsis, hypoalbuminemia, coagulopathy, hypertension, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class. UCR patients had a higher rate of SSIs [12.9% (P < 0.001), 15.2% (P = 0.064)], readmission, and unplanned return to the operating room. Index hospitalization and 30dPDC were significantly higher in patients experiencing an SSI. CONCLUSIONS SSI was associated with nearly a two-fold increase in index hospitalization costs and six-fold in 30dPDC. These data suggest opportunities to improve hospitalization costs and outcomes for patients undergoing UCR through protocols for SSI reduction and preventing readmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany E Levy
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky.
| | - Wesley S Wilt
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Jennifer T Castle
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Erin McAtee
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Samuel C Walling
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Daniel L Davenport
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Avinash Bhakta
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Jitesh A Patel
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
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Cocca AT, Levy BE, Castle JT, Wilt WS, Fleming MD, Kejner AE, Aouad RK, Tyagi SC. Management of Double Carotid Blow Out with Definitive Repair After Temporizing Stent Graft Placement. J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech 2022; 8:606-609. [PMID: 36248383 PMCID: PMC9556593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid blowout syndrome is a life-threatening complication for patients with head and neck cancer. Temporizing stent graft procedures improve short-term survival and can be the definitive treatment for various reasons, including a poor oncologic prognosis, unsuitability for definitive reconstruction, or a lack of operative options. A second carotid blowout will often be fatal. Preventing such events requires multidisciplinary strategic planning because of a hostile reoperative field. We have described a case of a 44-year-old man with a history of laryngeal cancer who had experienced a carotid blowout. Treated with a stent graft, the patient had experienced a second event 6 weeks later. Treatment involved excision and suture ligation with rotational muscle flap coverage.
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