Promoting Choosing Wisely Thyroid Function Test Guidelines in a Large Pediatric Hospital System.

BACKGROUND: Free thyroxine (fT4) is often ordered when not indicated. The goal of the current study was to use quality improvement tools to identify and implement an optimal approach to reduce inappropriate fT4 testing throughout a large pediatric hospital system. METHODS: After reviewing evidence-based guidelines and best practices, a thyroid-stimulating hormone with reflex to fT4 test and an outpatient thyroid order panel with clinical decision support at order entry, along with several rounds of provider education and feedback, were implemented. Outpatient and inpatient order sets and system preference lists were reviewed with subject matter experts and revised when appropriate. Tracking metrics were identified. Automated monthly run charts and statistical process control charts were created using data retrieved from the electronic health record. Charts established baseline data, balancing measure data, monitored the impact of interventions, and identified future interventions. RESULTS: Over a 44-month period, among nonendocrinology providers, a reduction in fT4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone co-orders from 67% to 15% and an increase in reflex fT4 tests from 0% to 77% was obtained in inpatient and outpatient settings. Direct cost savings as a result of performing 5179 fewer fT4 tests over 3 years was determined to be $45 800. CONCLUSIONS: After implementation of a reflex fT4 test, a novel order panel with clinical decision support, provider education, and changes to ordering modes, a large and sustainable reduction in fT4 tests that was associated with significant cost savings was achieved among nonendocrinology providers.

PHACES (Photographs of Academic Clinicians and Their Educational Status): a tool to improve delivery of family-centered care.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if an information sheet containing photographs and explanations of the training level of medical providers could enhance a parent's ability to identify their child's providers and whether this would impact parental attitudes toward trainee involvement and patient satisfaction. METHODS: This was a prospective, mixed methods study of parent-child dyads admitted to an academic general pediatric inpatient service. The intervention group received a photo information sheet (Photographs of Academic Clinicians and Their Educational Status [PHACES] tool) consisting of passport-sized photos of the medical team along with information regarding their training. Parents were asked to name their child's providers, were surveyed about their attitudes toward trainees, participated in a brief, semistructured interview and completed the patient satisfaction questionnaire (ABIM-PSQ). RESULTS: Comparing intervention with control parents, 40 of 49 (82%) versus 19 of 51 (37%) were able to name at least one provider (adjusted odds ratio 8.0; P < .01). Parents who received the intervention were more likely to correctly match the face with the name of the medical student (67% vs 14%; P < .01) and attending (80% vs 24%; P < .01). Parents who received the intervention were more likely to report acceptance of the involvement of medical students and house staff as well as an improved understanding of their roles. Parents who received the intervention scored higher on the ABIM-PSQ (mean 48.3 vs 45.4; P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: An information sheet containing the photographs of health care providers along with an explanation of their training improves recognition of the health care team members, improves acceptance of trainee involvement, and improves satisfaction with care delivered by physicians in training.

Risks of recreational exposure to waterborne pathogens among persons with HIV/AIDS in Baltimore, Maryland.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the prevalence of recreational activities in the waterways of Baltimore, MD, and the risk of exposure to Cryptosporidium among persons with HIV/AIDS. METHODS: We studied patients at the Johns Hopkins Moore Outpatient AIDS Clinic. We conducted oral interviews with a convenience sample of 157 HIV/AIDS patients to ascertain the sites used for recreational water contact within Baltimore waters and assess risk behaviors. RESULTS: Approximately 48% of respondents reported participating in recreational water activities (fishing, crabbing, boating, and swimming). Men and women were almost equally likely to engage in recreational water activities (53.3% versus 51.3%). Approximately 67% (105 of 157) ate their own catch or that of friends or family members, and a majority (61%, or 46 of 75) of respondents who reported recreational water contact reported consumption of their own catch. CONCLUSIONS: Baltimoreans with HIV/AIDS are engaging in recreational water activities in urban waters that may expose them to waterborne pathogens and recreational water illnesses. Susceptible persons, such as patients with HIV/AIDS, should be cautioned regarding potential microbial risks from recreational water contact with surface waters.