Improving Barriers to Timely Colonoscopies: A New Approach to Overcoming Gaps in Medical Care.

This study investigates delays in transitioning from positive noninvasive multitarget stool DNA test results to scheduled diagnostic colonoscopies and identifies strategies aimed at improving patient care. A retrospective review revealed a 53% reduction in the average time from positive multitarget stool DNA test results to ordering colonoscopies postintervention. The findings demonstrate the significance of implementing a new communication system to expedite transitions in health care processes, showcasing its potential to significantly improve efficiency in patient care and health care provider workflows across various clinical testing scenarios. The findings emphasize the transformative impact of this communication system, shedding light on its ability to streamline processes and enhance patient care and staff experience.

Stats on the desats: alarm fatigue and the implications for patient safety.

BACKGROUND: Physiological monitoring systems, like Masimo, used during inpatient hospitalisation, offer a non-invasive approach to capture critical vital signs data. These systems trigger alarms when measurements deviate from preset parameters. However, often non-urgent or potentially false alarms contribute to 'alarm fatigue,' a form of sensory overload that can have adverse effects on both patients and healthcare staff. The Joint Commission, in 2021, announced a target to mitigate alarm fatigue-related fatalities through improved alarm management. Yet, no established guidelines are presently available. This study aims to address alarm fatigue at the Mayo Clinic to safeguard patient safety, curb staff burnout and improve the sensitivity of oxygen saturation monitoring to promptly detect emergencies. METHODS: A quality improvement project was conducted to combat minimise the false alarm burden, with data collected 2 months prior to intervention commencement. The project's goal was to decrease the total alarm value by 20% from 55%-85% to 35%-75% within 2 months, leveraging quality improvement methodologies. INTERVENTIONS: February to April 2021, we implemented a two-pronged intervention: (1) instituting a protocol to evaluate patients' continuous monitoring needs and discontinuing it when appropriate, and (2) introducing educational signage for patients and Mayo Clinic staff on monitoring best practices. RESULTS: Baseline averages of red alarms (158.6), manual snoozes (37.8) and self-resolves (120.7); the first postintervention phase showed reductions in red alarms (125.5), manual snoozes (17.8) and self-resolves (107.8). Second postintervention phase recorded 138 red alarms, 13 manual snoozes and 125 self-resolves. Baseline comparison demonstrated an average of 16.92% reduction of alarms among both interventions (p value: 0.25). CONCLUSION: Simple interventions like education and communication techniques proved instrumental in lessening the alarm burden for patients and staff. The findings underscore the practical use and efficacy of these methods in any healthcare setting, thus contributing to mitigating the prevalent issue of alarm fatigue.