Multidisciplinary Sprint Program Achieved Specialty-Specific EHR Optimization in 20 Clinics.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to highlight and analyze the outcomes of software configuration requests received from Sprint, a comprehensive, clinic-centered electronic health record (EHR) optimization program. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1,254 Sprint workbook requests identified (1) the responsible EHR team, (2) the clinical efficiency gained from the request, and (3) the EHR intervention conducted. RESULTS: Requests were received from 407 clinicians and 538 staff over 31 weeks of Sprint. Sixty-nine percent of the requests were completed during the Sprint. Of all requests, 25% required net new build, 73% required technical investigation and/or solutions, and 2% of the requests were escalated to the vendor. The clinical specialty groups requested a higher percentage of items that earned them clinical review (16 vs. 10%) and documentation (29 vs. 23%) efficiencies compared with their primary care colleagues who requested slightly more order modifications (22 vs. 20%). Clinical efficiencies most commonly associated with workbook requests included documentation (28%), ordering (20%), in basket (17%), and clinical review (15%). Sprint user requests evaluated by ambulatory, hardware, security, and training teams comprised 80% of reported items. DISCUSSION: Sprint requests were categorized as clean-up, break-fix, workflow investigation, or new build. On-site collaboration with clinical care teams permitted consensus-building, drove vetting, and iteration of EHR build, and led to goal-driven, usable workflows and EHR products. CONCLUSION: This program evaluation demonstrates the process by which optimization can occur and the products that result when we adhere to optimization principles in health care organizations.

Standardizing Assessment of Competences and Competencies of Oncology Nurses Working in Ambulatory Care.

A nursing quality consortium standardized nursing practice across 17 independently functioning ambulatory oncology sites. Programs were developed to validate both competences and competencies. One program assessed nine competences needed to develop systems of care to detect and treat treatment-related side effects. A second program was developed to assess competencies needed to prevent harm to oncology patients. This manuscript describes a successful approach to standardizing nursing practice across geographically distant academic and community sites.

Cetuximab, paclitaxel, carboplatin, and radiation for head and neck cancer: a toxicity analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and toxicity of the addition of cetuximab to paclitaxel, carboplatin, and concurrent radiation for patients with head and neck cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with stage III or IV locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, without distant organ metastases, were eligible. Patients received 4 weeks of induction cetuximab followed by weekly cetuximab, paclitaxel, carboplatin, and concurrent radiation. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were assessable for chemoradiation toxicities. Grade 3 and grade 4 mucositis occurred in 53% and 16% of patients, respectively. Grade 3 and grade 4 radiation dermatitis occurred in 44% and 9% of patients, respectively. Grade 3/4 radiation dermatitis was associated with the use of intensity modulated radiation therapy (64% vs.14%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Grade 3 and grade 4 cetuximab associated acneiform rash developed in 6% and 3% of patients. Overall 21 patients (66%) had any grade 3 toxicity and 10 patients (31%) had any grade 4 toxicity. The percentages of the intended total dose delivered of carboplatin, cetuximab, paclitaxel, and radiation were 86%, 89%, 89%, and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cetuximab, when combined with paclitaxel, carboplatin and intensity modulated radiation therapy, increases dermatologic toxicity but does not increase mucosal toxicity as compared with previous Brown University Oncology Group studies of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and conventional radiation for patients with head and neck cancer.