Innovations
Two-Track ED Process Flow Reduces the Number of Untreated Patients, Lengths of Stay, and Waiting Times 4/3/2013
A new change mode helps emergency departments redesign patient flow processes so that a clinical team rapidly triages each patient, allowing for accelerated treatment of less sick patients and faster admission for those who are very ill.
Enhancements to Interpreter Program Lead to Better Productivity for Interpreters, More Depression Screening, and Potential Reduction in Readmissions for Non–English-Speaking Patients 3/20/2013
Cambridge Health Alliance enhanced its round-the-clock interpreter services by tracking key indicators that gauge the quality of these services; analyses of these data led to significant improvements in the program's telephone-based services and staff efficiency and the decision to implement depression screening in patients with limited English proficiency.
Multifaceted Program Reduces Decision-to-Incision Time and Increases Rate of On-time Starts for Emergency Cesarean Deliveries 3/13/2013
A multifaceted program in a rural, community hospital reduced mean decision-to-incision time for emergency cesarean deliveries and increased adherence to guidelines that recommend that such deliveries begin in less than 30 minutes.
Teams of Diabetes Educators Regularly Visit Rural Clinics to Coach African-American Patients, Leading to Better Glycemic Control and Potential Cost Savings 3/13/2013
A traveling team of certified diabetes educators (including a nurse, pharmacist, and dietitian) regularly visits rural clinics to help coordinate diabetes care with clinicians and educate and coach African-American patients with diabetes, leading to improved glycemic control and the potential for meaningful cost savings.
Nurse-Managed Facility in Home-Like Setting Helps Residents With Dementia Maintain Function, Avoid Falls and Disruptive Behaviors 2/6/2013
Liberty Country Living, a long-term care facility for people with dementia, offered nurse-managed care in a home-like setting, with a focus on supporting residents' capabilities. The facility had a high ratio of staff to residents and promoted social interaction, ambulation, and continence. The program helped residents stay ambulatory, maintain continence, avoid weight loss, avoid falls and disruptive behaviors, and reduce psychotropic medication use. After 5 years of operation, Liberty closed abruptly due to changes in State regulations.
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