HealthCare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement articles from June 2003

HealthCare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement archives from June 2003

Process improvement: scarce resources make prioritizing a must; existing or potential problems, outside agencies key determinants.
June 1, 2003... Key Points * Decision-making body or individual a key variable in prioritization. * Start with more obvious QI areas to develop a comfort level. * Is it harder to motivate staff to study issues that might become problems? It...

System improved heart attack care in study: reminding clinicians about therapies boosts use.
June 1, 2003... Key Points * Significant improvements were achieved within a period of 12 months. * A complicated, fast-paced environment taxes the best of memories. * Professional societies are committed to developing science of engineering...

NICU study: best practices are not always followed; dramatic variations in more than 13,000 cases.(neonatal intensive care unit)
June 1, 2003... Key Points * The goal of benchmarking is to reduce variances and improve outcomes. * Treatment of patients with sepsis, low birth weight merit a closer look. * More than 300 variables studied at more than 500 participating...

Center uses web images to aid diabetes treatment; digital photos of patients' eyes evaluated.
June 1, 2003... Key Points * Routine visits transformed into "one-stop shop" for diabetes eye care. * Partnership with BellSouth gives access to high-speed phone lines. * In-house staff trained to use digital cameras and software. Vanderbilt...

E-diaries help migraine sufferers predict attacks; 'early warning system' may lead to treatments.
June 1, 2003... A multicenter study of 97 patients found that 72% of those who reported premonitory (before the attack) symptoms (i.e., fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a stiff neck) experienced a migraine headache within 72 hours at least half the time....