Team Integrated Enhanced Recovery (TIGER) Protocol after Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Correction Lowers Direct Cost and Length of Stay While Increasing Daily Contribution Margins.

Introduction: Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) is the gold standard procedure for curve correction in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) have been found to decrease pain and hospital length of stay (LOS) resulting in decreased total hospital charges. Methods: We identified all adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients treated with a posterior spinal fusion at our children's hospital between 2015-2019. Length of stay, pain scores, and hospital direct costs were calculated to determine the pathway's efficacy. Results: Hospital LOS was reduced by 26% and post-op pain scores did not significantly change when using the Team Integrated Enhanced Recovery (TIGER) protocol (P<0.05). Total hospital costs decreased by 7.9%, daily contribution margins increased 7.9%, and daily net income increased 10.6% after TIGER protocol implementation. Conclusion: TIGER protocol resulted in decreased hospital LOS as well as direct costs for the hospital without increasing postoperative pain scores.

Electronic Medical Record Use and Satisfaction Among Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: Electronic medical record (EMR) use among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons has evolved substantially within the past decade. In response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, large hospitals and tertiary pediatric medical centers rapidly acquired and implemented EMRs with uncertainty as to the potential impact on patient care and operational efficiency of subspecialists. This study reviews the background and regulatory framework for Meaningful Use of EMR and assesses the current landscape of EMR utilization by pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. METHODS: In 2015, the Practice Management Committee distributed a survey regarding EMR use and satisfaction to members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. Survey responses from 324 members were used to analyze levels of satisfaction by EMR platform and practice type and to consider drivers of satisfaction or dissatisfaction of end users. RESULTS: Although there were no differences in overall satisfaction based on vendor or practice type, significant differences were noted for 5 specific parameters of satisfaction, including: usefulness of templates, efficiency of practice workflow, information services support, number of logon events, and speed of the system. A user/vendor map is provided to facilitate networking among providers and groups utilizing common EMR platforms to help bring about rational improvements in EMR functionality for the future. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial effort needs to be made to improve subspecialty-specific EMR documentation, order entry, research tools, and clinical workflows to enhance the processes of care for children with orthopaedic conditions in the era of EMR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.