Implementation of the Caprini risk assessment model (RAM) in surgical patients to decrease postsurgical venous thromboembolism and enoxaparin prescription at hospital discharge.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), has been an increasingly common post-surgical complication for surgical patients. In the United States, VTE has become a leading cause of preventable hospital death with more than half occurring after discharge and are directly linked to a recent (within 30 days) hospitalization or surgery [1]. In large, hospital-associated/acquired VTE (HA-VTE) are preventable through measures such as the use of risk stratification tools and chemoprophylaxis. The project institution, a community, academic, medical center, for multiple years has consistently remained a high outlier for postoperative VTE. Also, the choice of VTE chemoprophylaxis in surgical patients at the time of discharge depended on, and varied between, the individual prescribing physician. The goal was to implement and determine the efficacy of a standardized intervention tool, the Caprini risk assessment model (RAM), for reducing postoperative VTE complications and its influence on the physician's prescription of enoxaparin at discharge. Results: Risk assessment scoring pre-operatively increased from 0% baseline to 26.3% at Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle 1 and demonstrated a statistically significant change (p-value = 0.006). Risk assessment scoring pre-operatively was 42.9% by PDSA cycle 2 but was not statistically significantly different from PDSA cycle 1. Risk assessment scoring post-operatively (for eligible patients) remained the same throughout all three cycles at 0%. Appropriate prescription of anticoagulation declined from baseline (12.5%) to PDSA cycle 1 (0%), and improved at PDSA cycle 2 (33.3%), however no differences were significant (p-value 0.302). The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) database showed a decline in VTE occurrences at the projects institution from baseline (1.02%, 6 occurrences, 2021) to PDSA cycle 2 (0.92%, 4 occurrences, 2022) when compared to the national benchmark (1.0%) for the first time since 2018. Given the significant national problem HA-VTE pose to the public, and the rise in occurrences, this quality improvement (QI) project is clinically relevant.

Professional Case Management in Outpatient Settings for Patients With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this discussion is to review the management and symptomatic burden of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Patients with MPNs are at increased risk for thromboembolic events; thus, cardiovascular complications are not uncommon. Professional case managers can coordinate outpatient services with the health care team and assist patients to mitigate cardiovascular complications. PRIMARY PRACTICE SETTING: This discussion is relevant to professional case managers who manage patients with chronic conditions in outpatient settings. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: Professional case managers can intervene for patients with MPNs to improve (a) coordination of scheduled therapeutic phlebotomy procedures, and (b) education about subcutaneous injections and frequent monitoring of laboratory reports. In the outpatient setting, professional case managers can improve health care utilization for patients with MPNs and promote high-quality self-care and symptom management to prevent adverse complications. IMPLICATIONS FOR CASE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE: As a member of the outpatient health care team, the professional case manager can serve as a key clinician with comprehensive knowledge of the patient's experience of living with an MPN, their usual state of health and symptoms, and the factors affecting their quality of life. This article explores the role of the professional case manager in the outpatient setting and suggests specific interventions to improve delivery of care and contribute to better self-care management. Professional case managers can assess and validate symptom burden, coordinate and manage routine laboratory testing, support careful medication adjustment, and contribute to improved health outcomes.

Reducing Intubation Time in Adult Cardiothoracic Surgery Patients With a Fast-track Extubation Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged intubation after cardiac surgery increases the risk of morbidity and mortality and lengthens hospital stays. Factors that influence the ability to extubate patients with speed and efficiency include the operation, the patient's baseline physiological condition, workflow processes, and provider practice patterns. LOCAL PROBLEM: Progression to extubation lacked consistency and coordination across the team. The purpose of the project was to engage interprofessional stakeholders to reduce intubation times after cardiac surgery by implementing fast-track extubation and redesigned care processes. METHODS: This staged implementation study used the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control approach to quality improvement. Barriers to extubation were identified and reduced through care redesign. A protocol-driven approach to extubation was also developed for the cardiothoracic intensive care unit. The team was engaged with clear goals and given progress updates. RESULTS: In the preimplementation cohort, early extubation was achieved in 48 of 101 patients (47.5%) who were designated for early extubation on admission to the cardiothoracic intensive care unit. Following implementation of a fast-track extubation protocol and improved care processes, 153 of 211 patients (72.5%) were extubated within 6 hours after cardiac surgery. Reintubation rate, length of stay, and 30-day mortality did not differ between cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: The number of early extubations following cardiac surgery was successfully increased. Faster progression to extubation did not increase risk of reintubation or other adverse events. Using a framework that integrated personal, social, and environmental influences helped increase the impact of this project.