Optimizing inpatient care for lung cancer patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis using a clinical care pathway algorithm.

PURPOSE: Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (ICI-P) is a condition associated with high mortality, necessitating prompt recognition and treatment initiation. This study aimed to assess the impact of implementing a clinical care pathway algorithm on reducing the time to treatment for ICI-P. METHODS: Patients with lung cancer and suspected ICI-P were enrolled, and a multimodal intervention promoting algorithm use was implemented in two phases. Pre- and post-intervention analyses were conducted to evaluate the primary outcome of time from ICI-P diagnosis to treatment initiation. RESULTS: Of the 82 patients admitted with suspected ICI-P, 73.17% were confirmed to have ICI-P, predominantly associated with non-small cell lung cancer (91.67%) and stage IV disease (95%). Pembrolizumab was the most commonly used immune checkpoint inhibitor (55%). The mean times to treatment were 2.37 days in the pre-intervention phase, 3.07 days (p = 0.46), and 1.27 days (p = 0.40) in the post-intervention phases 1 and 2, respectively. Utilization of the immunotoxicity order set significantly increased from 0 to 27.27% (p = 0.04) after phase 2. While there were no significant changes in ICU admissions or inpatient mortality, outpatient pulmonology follow-ups increased statistically significantly, demonstrating enhanced continuity of care. The overall mortality for patients with ICI-P was 22%, underscoring the urgency of optimizing management strategies. Notably, all patients discharged on high-dose corticosteroids received appropriate gastrointestinal prophylaxis and prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia infections at the end of phase 2. CONCLUSION: Implementing a clinical care pathway algorithm for managing severe ICI-P in hospitalized lung cancer patients standardizes practices, reducing variability in management.

Emergency department hospice care pathway associated with decreased ED and hospital length of stay.

INTRODUCTION: While increasing evidence shows that hospice and palliative care interventions in the ED can benefit patients and systems, little exists on the feasibility and effectiveness of identifying patients in the ED who might benefit from hospice care. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of a clinical care pathway on the identification of patients who would benefit from hospice in an academic medical center ED setting. METHODS: We instituted a clinical pathway for ED patients with potential need for or already enrolled in hospice. This pathway was digitally embedded in the electronic health record and made available to ED physicians, APPs and staff in a non-interruptive fashion. Patient and visit characteristics were evaluated for the six months before (05/04/2021-10/4/2021) and after (10/5/2021-05/04/2022) implementation. RESULTS: After pathway implementation, more patients were identified as appropriate for hospice and ED length of stay (LOS) for qualifying patients decreased by a median of 2.9 h. Social work consultation for hospice evaluation increased, and more patients were discharged from the ED with hospice. As more patients were identified with end-of-life care needs, the number of patients admitted to the hospital increased. However, more patients were admitted under observation status, and admission LOS decreased by a median of 18.4 h. CONCLUSION: This non-interruptive, digitally embedded clinical care pathway provided guidance for ED physicians and APPs to initiate hospice referrals. More patients received social work consultation and were identified as hospice eligible. Those patients admitted to the hospital had a decrease in both ED and hospital admission LOS.

An institutional experience in applying quality improvement measures to pituitary surgery: clinical and resource implications.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the authors' experience developing a Lean Six Sigma clinical care pathway (CCP) for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal operations. METHODS: Using Lean Six Sigma quality improvement principles-including the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control framework-the authors developed a CCP for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal operations, incorporating preoperative, intraoperative, and inpatient and outpatient postoperative phases of care. Efficacy and quality metrics were defined as postoperative length of stay (LOS), presentation to the emergency department (ED) or readmission within 30 days of discharge, and hospital charges. The study included all adult patients who underwent elective endoscopic endonasal resection for pituitary adenoma, Rathke's cleft cyst, craniopharyngioma, pituicytoma, or arachnoid cyst during the sampling period (April 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022). RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-eight patients met criteria and were included; 94 were treated before and 134 were treated after implementation of the CCP. Differences between groups in age, gender, race, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, geographic distribution, preoperative serum sodium, tumor size, adenoma functional status, and prior surgery were not significant. The mean postoperative LOS significantly decreased from 4.5 to 1.7 days following CCP implementation (p < 0.0001); LOS variability also decreased, with the standard deviation declining from 3.1 to 1.5 days. The proportion of patients discharged on postoperative day (POD) 1 significantly increased from 0% to 61.9% (p < 0.0001). Fewer than one-quarter of the patients (23.4%) were discharged by POD 2 prior to the CCP, while 88.8% of were discharged by POD 2 after CCP implementation (p < 0.0001). Rates of 30-day ED presentations or readmissions were not significantly different (2.1% vs 6.0%, p = 0.20, and 7.5% vs 6.7%, p > 0.99, respectively). Mean per-patient hospital costs declined from $38,326 to $26,289 (p < 0.0001), with an associated change in cost variability from a standard deviation of $16,716 to $12,498. CONCLUSIONS: CCP implementation significantly improved LOS and costs of endoscopic endonasal resection, without adversely impacting postoperative ED presentations or readmissions.

Clinical Care Pathway for the Risk Stratification and Management of Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Find AGA's NASH Clinical Care Pathway App for iOS and Android mobile devices at nash.gastro.org. Scan this QR code to be taken directly to the website.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming increasingly common, currently affecting approximately 37% of US adults. NAFLD is most often managed in primary care or endocrine clinics, where clinicians must determine which patients might benefit from secondary care to address hepatic manifestations, comorbid metabolic traits, and cardiovascular risks of the disease. Because NAFLD is largely asymptomatic, and because optimal timing of treatment depends on accurate staging of fibrosis risk, screening at the primary care level is critical, together with consistent, timely, evidence-based, widely accessible, and testable management processes. To achieve these goals, the American Gastroenterological Association assembled a multidisciplinary panel of experts to develop a Clinical Care Pathway providing explicit guidance on the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of NAFLD. This article describes the NAFLD Clinical Care Pathway they developed and provides a rationale supporting proposed steps to assist clinicians in diagnosing and managing NAFLD with clinically significant fibrosis (stage F2-F4) based on the best available evidence. This Pathway is intended to be applicable in any setting where care for patients with NAFLD is provided, including primary care, endocrine, obesity medicine, and gastroenterology practices.

Exploring clinician perceptions of a care pathway for the management of shoulder pain: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical care pathways may be useful tools to improve the quality of healthcare by facilitating the translation of evidence into practice. Our study is situated within a larger project, whereby end-users co-developed a care pathway for the management of shoulder pain. In this study, we explored end-user perceptions of the usefulness and practicality of implementing a care pathway to manage shoulder pain. We also solicited feedback for the pathway's improvement. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using a transcendental phenomenological approach seen through a constructivist lens. Clinicians recorded themselves interacting with the care pathway while working through a clinical case. Clinicians described their thoughts and movements aloud as they completed the activity. Second, we conducted individual semi-structured interviews to discuss the usefulness and practicality of pathway implementation. Interview transcripts were coded independently by reviewers. Transcript codes and associated quotes were grouped into themes. Themes were sequenced and linked creating a 'web' of thematic connections. Summary statements were developed to synthesize the overall essence of the phenomena. RESULTS: Nine clinicians participated. Participants included eight chiropractors and one medical physician. We found that clinicians believed the care pathway could be useful at various levels, including education (students, interns), for early career clinicians, for engaging patients, facilitating interprofessional communication, and as a reminder of information for certain, less familiar conditions. When discussing the practicality of implementing the care pathway into practice settings, clinicians expressed that agreement with the care pathway and its recommendations may influence its acceptability among clinicians. Additionally, integrating recommendations into practice may be a skill requirement included into clinical training. Clinicians described the importance of opinion leaders in the acceptability of new evidence. Various difficulties with the replicability of interventions into clinical care was also discussed. In general, clinicians suggested the layout of the care pathway was manageable, and there was sufficient information for clinical decision-making. Clinicians also made several recommendations for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: End-user involvement and collaboration provides tangible instruction to improve care pathways themselves, their implementation strategies and helps to support and strengthen future research for overcoming individual, systemic and contextual barriers.

Optimizing Outcomes After Cleft Palate Repair: Design and Implementation of a Perioperative Clinical Care Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the development process and clinical impact of implementing a standardized perioperative clinical care pathway for cleft palate repair. DESIGN: Medical records of patients undergoing primary cleft palate repair prior to pathway implementation were retrospectively reviewed as a historical control group (N = 40). The historical cohort was compared to a prospectively collected group of patients who were treated according to the pathway (N = 40). PATIENTS: Healthy, nonsyndromic infants undergoing primary cleft palate repair at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. INTERVENTIONS: A novel, standardized pathway was created through an iterative process, combining literature review with expert opinion and discussions with institutional stakeholders. The pathway integrated multimodal analgesia throughout the perioperative course and included intraoperative bilateral maxillary nerve blocks. Perioperative protocols for preoperative fasting, case timing, antiemetics, intravenous fluid management, and postoperative diet advancement were standardized. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes include: (1) length of hospital stay, (2) cumulative opioid consumption, (3) oral intake postoperatively. RESULTS: Patients treated according to the pathway had shorter mean length of stay (31 vs 57 hours, P < .001), decreased cumulative morphine consumption (77 vs 727 µg/kg, P < .001), shorter time to initiate oral intake (9.3 vs 22 hours, P = .01), and greater volume of oral intake in first 24 hours postoperatively (379 vs 171 mL, P < .001). There were no differences in total anesthesia time, total surgical time, or complication rates between the control and treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a standardized perioperative clinical care pathway for primary cleft palate repair is safe, feasible, and associated with reduced length of stay, reduced opioid consumption, and improved oral intake postoperatively.

Exploring clinicians' experiences and perceptions of end-user roles in knowledge development: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: End-user involvement in developing evidence-based tools for clinical practice may result in increased uptake and improved patient outcomes. Understanding end-user experiences and perceptions about the co-production of knowledge is useful to further the science of integrated knowledge translation (iKT) - a strategy for accelerating the uptake and impact of research. Our study had two main objectives: (1) explore end-user (clinician) experiences of co-producing an evidence-based practice tool; and (2) describe end-user perceptions in knowledge development. METHODS: We used a qualitative study design. We conducted semi-structured interviews with clinicians and used a transcendental phenomenological approach to analyze themes/phenomena. In addition, we explored the interrelated themes between the thematic maps of each objective. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from clinicians' experiences in co-producing the practice tool: ease/convenience of participating, need for support and encouragement, understanding the value of participating, and individual skillsets yield meaningful contributions. Stakeholder roles in knowledge tool development and improving dissemination of evidence and knowledge tools were themes that related to clinician perceptions in knowledge development. The review of interrelated thematic maps depicts an intertwined relationship between stakeholders and dissemination. CONCLUSIONS: End-users provide invaluable insight and perspective into the development of evidence-based clinical tools. Exploring the experiences and perceptions of end-users may support future research endeavours involving iKT, such as the co-production of clinical resources, potentially improving uptake and patient health outcomes.

Consensus for a primary care clinical decision-making tool for assessing, diagnosing, and managing shoulder pain in Alberta, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is a highly prevalent condition and a significant cause of morbidity and functional disability. Current data suggests that many patients presenting with shoulder pain at the primary care level are not receiving high quality care. Primary care decision-making is complex and has the potential to influence the quality of care provided and patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a clinical decision-making tool that standardizes care and minimizes uncertainty in assessment, diagnosis, and management. METHODS: First a rapid review was conducted to identify existing tools and evidence that could support a comprehensive clinical decision-making tool for shoulder pain. Secondly, provincial consensus was established for the assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients presenting to primary care with shoulder pain in Alberta, Canada using a three-step modified Delphi approach. This project was a highly collaborative effort between Alberta Health Services' Bone and Joint Health Strategic Clinical Network (BJH SCN) and the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute (ABJHI). RESULTS: A clinical decision-making tool for shoulder pain was developed and reached consensus by a province-wide expert panel representing various health disciplines and geographical regions. This tool consists of a clinical examination algorithm for assessing, diagnosis, and managing shoulder pain; recommendations for history-taking and identification of red flags or additional concerns; recommendations for physical examination and neurological screening; recommendations for the differential diagnosis; and care pathways for managing patients presenting with rotator cuff disease, biceps pathology, superior labral tear, adhesive capsulitis, osteoarthritis, and instability. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical decision-making tool will help to standardize care, provide guidance on the diagnosis and management of shoulder pain, and assist in clinical decision-making for primary care providers in both public and private sectors.

The power of a checklist: Decrease in emergency department epistaxis transfers after clinical care pathway implementation.

BACKGROUND: Annually, epistaxis costs US hospitals over $100 million dollars. Many patients visit emergency departments (ED) with variable treatment, thus providing opportunity for improvement. OBJECTIVE: To implement an epistaxis clinical care pathway (CCP) in the ED, and analyze its effects on treatment and ED transfers. METHODS: An interdisciplinary team developed the CCP to be implemented at a tertiary hospital system with 11 satellite EDs. The analysis included matched eight-month periods prior to pathway implementation and after pathway implementation. Subjects included patients with ICD-10 code diagnosis of epistaxis. Patients under 18 years old, recent surgery or trauma, or bleeding disorders were excluded. There were 309 patients from the pre-implementation cohort, 53 of which were transferred and 37 met inclusion criteria; 322 from the post-implementation cohort, 37 of which were transferred, and 15 met inclusion criteria. Outcome measures included epistaxis intervention by ED providers and otolaryngologists before and after pathway implementation. RESULTS: CCP implementation resulted in a 61% reduction in patient transfers (p < 0.001). ED providers showed a 51% increase in documentation of anterior rhinoscopy with proper equipment, 34% increased use of topical vasoconstrictors, 40% increased use of absorbable packing, 7% decrease in use of unilateral non-absorbable packing, and 17% decrease in use of bilateral non-absorbable packing. CONCLUSIONS: Prior to CCP implementation, ED treatment of epistaxis varied significantly. CCP resulted in standardized treatment and significant reduction in transfers. A CCP checklist is an effective way to standardize care and prevent unnecessary hospital transfers.

An in-hospital clinical care pathway with integrated decision support for cancer pain management reduced pain intensity and needs for hospital stay.

PURPOSE: A clinical care pathway for pain management in a palliative care unit was studied with outcomes related to patients, physicians, and health care service. Mandatory use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and physician-directed decision support (DS) were integrated parts of the pathway. METHODS: Adult cancer patients with pain intensity (PI) ≥ 5 (NRS 0-10) at admission were eligible. The patients reported average and worst PI at admission, day four, and discharge. The physicians completed the DS at admission and day four. The DS presented potential needs for treatment changes based on pain severity and pathophysiology. The physicians reported treatment changes due to input from the DS system. The two primary outcomes were average and worst PI changes from admission to discharge. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was registered. RESULTS: Of 52 included patients, 41 were discharged alive. For those, the mean average PI at admission and at discharge was 5.8 and 2.4, respectively, a reduction of 3.4 points (CI 95% 2.7-4.1). The corresponding worst pain intensities were 7.9 and 3.8, a reduction of 4.1 points (CI 95% 3.4-4.8). The physicians completed DS forms for all patients. Fifty-five percent (CI 95% 41-69) of the patients had pain intervention changes based on the DS. A significant reduction in LOS (4.4 days, CI 95% 0.5-8.3) was observed during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The interventions were implemented according to the intentions and PI was reduced as hypothesized. For evaluation of generalizability, the interventions should be studied in other settings and with a controlled design.

He Tamariki Kokoti Tau-Tackling Preterm: a data-linkage methodology to explore the clinical care pathway in preterm deliveries.

BACKGROUND: Significant health inequities exist around maternal and infant health for Maori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand - and in particular around a premature (preterm) delivery. Maori babies are more likely to be born preterm (8.1%, compared to an overall rate of 7.4%) and they are more likely to have a preterm death. An essential part of redressing these disparities is to examine the clinical care pathway and outcomes associated with preterm deliveries. This paper describes a protocol utilising national and local health collections to enable such a study. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study comprising 5 years data pertaining to preterm deliveries from 2010 to 2014. These data are generated from linked national administrative and local health information collections to explore a range of neonatal outcomes and infant mortality in relation to the antenatal care pathway and known risk factors for preterm delivery. This study is being conducted within a Kaupapa Maori paradigm that dismisses victim blaming and seeks to intervene at structural levels to improve the health and wellbeing of Maori whanau (family). SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Our data-linkage methodology optimises the utility of New Zealand health collections to address a significant health issue. Our findings will fill the information gaps around the burden of preterm delivery by quantifying the incidence of preterm delivery and adverse neonatal and infant outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand. It will explore access to evidenced based care including use of steroids before birth, and appropriate place of delivery. The results from this study will inform maternity care services to improve management of preterm deliveries - both locally and internationally. This in turn will improve the preterm sequela by reducing the long-term health burden and health inequities.

[Clinical care pathway for chronic kidney disease : development and perspectives]. / Le trajet de soins de l'insuffisance rénale chronique : développement et perspectives.

Because of the significant costs related to the treatment of end-stage kidney disease by dialysis, Belgian Health Care Authorities proposed in June 2009 to launch an early multidisciplinary care plan for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in the form of a clinical care pathway (CCP) focusing on a combined follow-up by the general practitioner and the nephrologist. The objective was to increase nephro-protection measures, reduce patient morbidity and mortality, and delay admission on dialysis. Our Nephrology Department at Erasme Hospital took the opportunity of CCP to set up workshops on therapy education which promote CKD patients' compliance and autonomy regarding their treatment (" empowerment "). These workshops are conducted by a health professional together with a patient partner recruited by our team according to the model developed by the faculty of medicine at the University of Montreal. This model is based on the patient's valued experience of living with a chronic disease, a knowledge which is complementary to that acquired by any health professional. This patient partnership (PP) may also be implemented in teaching and research. In health care services, patient partners with a resource profile are involved not only in the organization of these services, but also in the development and management of health care political programs. The PP model currently developed in the Nephrology Department is part of the Quality project of our academic hospital and helps to further the co-construction of future health care networks.

Suite aux surcoûts liés au traitement de l'insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC) terminale par la dialyse, l'INAMI a proposé depuis juin 2009 une prise en charge multidisciplinaire précoce du patient IRC sous la forme d'un trajet de soins (TDS) privilégiant le suivi par le médecin généraliste en alternance avec le néphrologue. Le but est d'optimiser les mesures de néphroprotection, de réduire la morbi-mortalité des patients et de retarder leur arrivée en dialyse. Notre service a saisi cette opportunité des TDS de l'IRC pour mettre en place des ateliers d'éducation thérapeutique susceptibles de favoriser l'adhésion et l'autonomie des patients IRC vis-à-vis de leur traitement (" empowerment "). Ces ateliers sont co-animés par un professionnel de santé et un patient partenaire recruté par le service selon le modèle développé à la Faculté de Médecine de l'Université de Montréal. Le partenariat patient (PP) s'appuie sur les savoirs expérientiels reconnus des patients, complémentaires aux savoirs professionnels, issus de la vie avec la maladie et acquis par la pratique des soins et des services de santé. Il peut aussi se développer dans l'enseignement et la recherche. En milieux de soins, il s'agit de patients partenaires au profil ressource, partenaires dans les soins directs, mais aussi dans l'organisation des services, la gouvernance et l'élaboration des politiques de santé. Ce modèle, en cours d'implémentation dans le Service de Néphrologie de l'Hôpital Erasme, fait partie du projet qualité institutionnel et tend vers la co-construction des milieux de soins de demain.

The eClinical Care Pathway Framework: a novel structure for creation of online complex clinical care pathways and its application in the management of sexually transmitted infections.

BACKGROUND: Despite considerable international eHealth impetus, there is no guidance on the development of online clinical care pathways. Advances in diagnostics now enable self-testing with home diagnosis, to which comprehensive online clinical care could be linked, facilitating completely self-directed, remote care. We describe a new framework for developing complex online clinical care pathways and its application to clinical management of people with genital chlamydia infection, the commonest sexually transmitted infection (STI) in England. METHODS: Using the existing evidence-base, guidelines and examples from contemporary clinical practice, we developed the eClinical Care Pathway Framework, a nine-step iterative process. Step 1: define the aims of the online pathway; Step 2: define the functional units; Step 3: draft the clinical consultation; Step 4: expert review; Step 5: cognitive testing; Step 6: user-centred interface testing; Step 7: specification development; Step 8: software testing, usability testing and further comprehension testing; Step 9: piloting. We then applied the Framework to create a chlamydia online clinical care pathway (Online Chlamydia Pathway). RESULTS: Use of the Framework elucidated content and structure of the care pathway and identified the need for significant changes in sequences of care (Traditional: history, diagnosis, information versus Online: diagnosis, information, history) and prescribing safety assessment. The Framework met the needs of complex STI management and enabled development of a multi-faceted, fully-automated consultation. CONCLUSION: The Framework provides a comprehensive structure on which complex online care pathways such as those needed for STI management, which involve clinical services, public health surveillance functions and third party (sexual partner) management, can be developed to meet national clinical and public health standards. The Online Chlamydia Pathway's standardised method of collecting data on demographics and sexual behaviour, with potential for interoperability with surveillance systems, could be a powerful tool for public health and clinical management.

The role of clinical care pathways: an experience with distal pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that clinical pathways may shorten hospital length of stay (HLOS) among patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy (DP). Here, we evaluate an institutional standardized care pathway (SCP) for patients undergoing DP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing DP from November 2006 to November 2012 was completed. Patients treated before and after implementation of the SCP were compared. Multivariable linear regression was then performed to identify independent predictors of HLOS. RESULTS: There were no differences in patient characteristics between SCP (n=50) and pre-SCP patients (n=100). Laparoscopic technique (62% versus 13%, P<0.001), splenectomy (52% versus 38%, P=0.117), and concomitant major organ resection (24% versus 13%, P=0.106) were more common among SCP patients. Overall, important complication rates were similar (24% versus 26%, P=0.842). SCP patients resumed a normal diet earlier (4 versus 5 d, P=0.025) and had shorter HLOS (6 versus 7 d, P=0.026). There was no increase in 30-d resurgery or readmission. In univariate comparison, SCP, cancer diagnoses, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm diagnoses, neoadjuvant therapy, operative technique, major organ resection, and feeding tube placement were associated with HLOS; however, after multivariable adjustment, only laparoscopic technique (-33%, P=0.001), concomitant major organ resection (+38%, P<0.001), and feeding tube placement (+68%, P<0.001) were independent predictors of HLOS. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a clinical pathway did not improve HLOS at our institution. The increasing use of laparoscopy likely accounts for shorter HLOS in the SCP cohort. In the future, it will be important to identify clinical scenarios most likely to benefit from implementation of a clinical pathway.

Optimizing Inpatient Care for Lung Cancer Patients with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor- Related Pneumonitis Using a Clinical Care Pathway Algorithm.

Purpose: Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (ICI-P) is a condition associated with high mortality, necessitating prompt recognition and treatment initiation. This study aimed to assess the impact of implementing a clinical care pathway algorithm on reducing the time to treatment for ICI-P. Methods: Patients with lung cancer and suspected ICI-P were enrolled, and a multi-modal intervention promoting algorithm use was implemented in two phases. Pre- and post-intervention analyses were conducted to evaluate the primary outcome of time from ICI-P diagnosis to treatment initiation. Results: Of the 82 patients admitted with suspected ICI-P, 73.17% were confirmed to have ICI-P, predominantly associated with non-small cell lung cancer (91.67%) and stage IV disease (95%). Pembrolizumab was the most commonly used immune checkpoint inhibitor (55%). The mean times to treatment were 2.37 days in the pre-intervention phase and, 3.07 days (p=0.46), and 1.27 days (p=0.40) in the post-intervention phases 1 and 2, respectively. Utilization of the immunotoxicity order set significantly increased from 0% to 27.27% (p = 0.04) after phase 2. While there were no significant changes in ICU admissions or inpatient mortality, outpatient pulmonology follow-ups increased statistically significantly, demonstrating enhanced continuity of care. The overall mortality for patients with ICI-P was 22%, underscoring the urgency of optimizing management strategies. Notably, all patients discharged on high-dose corticosteroids received appropriate gastrointestinal prophylaxis and prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia infections at the end of phase 2. Conclusion: Implementing a clinical care pathway algorithm for ICI-P management standardizes care practices and enhances patient outcomes, underscoring the importance of structured approaches.

Pregnancy outcomes after implementation of an induction of labor care pathway.

BACKGROUND: Induction of labor is common; however, the optimum clinical strategy for induction of labor is less clear. Variations in clinical practices related to induction of labor may lead to increased complications and longer induction of labor times. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze whether the implementation of an evidence-based standardized care pathway improves the clinical outcomes associated with induction of labor. STUDY DESIGN: This was an approved quality improvement project implementing a clinical care pathway for induction of labor. Moreover, this was a retrospective cohort study of inductions of labor for 5 months before (January 2018 to May 2018) and 14 months after (August 2018 to September 2019) the implementation of the care pathway. The primary outcome was time from admission to delivery. Time from admission to delivery was stratified by mode of delivery. The secondary outcomes included chorioamnionitis, endometritis, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and a composite of unanticipated outcomes (chorioamnionitis, endometritis, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, cesarean delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage). In addition, pathway adherence was analyzed. The outcomes were analyzed using 2-tailed t tests for continuous data and the Fisher exact test and chi-square tests for categorical data. Propensity score matching was used to assess for confounding by potential covariates. RESULTS: A total of 1471 inductions of labor were reviewed, with 392 inductions of labor before the implementation of the care pathway and 1079 inductions of labor after the implementation of the care pathway. The pathway was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in the time from admission to delivery by 1.2 hours (from 23.4 to 22.2 hours; P=.08). There was a nonsignificant increase in the time to cesarean delivery before (28.2 hours) and after (28.8 hours) protocol implementation (P=.71). There was a significant decrease in the time to delivery by 1.7 hours for vaginal deliveries (from 22.2 to 20.5 hours) after protocol implementation (P=.02). There was a significant decrease in chorioamnionitis (from 12.5% to 6.0%; odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.67), a significant decrease in endometritis (from 6.9% to 2.6%; odds ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.65), and a significant decrease in composite unanticipated outcomes (from 56.9% to 36.6%; odds ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.56) after the implementation of the care pathway. There was no significant difference in postpartum hemorrhage (from 7.9% to 6.1%; odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-1.22), neonatal intensive care unit admissions (from 18.1% to 14.0%; odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-1.02), or cesarean deliveries (from 19.6% to 20.1%; odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.40) after the implementation of the care pathway. Pathway adherence varied, ranging from 50% to 89%. CONCLUSION: The introduction of a standardized induction of labor pathway was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in the time from admission to delivery by 1.2 hours and improved pregnancy outcomes, including decreased infections and unanticipated outcomes. Further opportunities for improvements in clinical outcomes may be realized with increased compliance with the care pathway.

Development of a Soft Tissue Knee Clinical Decision-Making Tool for Patients Presenting to Primary Point-of-Care Providers in Alberta, Canada.

Several barriers exist in Alberta, Canada to providing accurate and accessible diagnoses for patients presenting with acute knee injuries and chronic knee problems. In efforts to improve quality of care for these patients, an evidence-informed clinical decision-making tool was developed. Forty-five expert panelists were purposively chosen to represent stakeholder groups, various expertise, and each of Alberta Health Services' 5 geographical health regions. A systematic rapid review and modified Delphi approach were executed with the intention of developing standardized clinical decision-making processes for acute knee injuries, atraumatic/overuse conditions, knee arthritis, and degenerative meniscus. Standardized criteria for screening, history-taking, physical examination, diagnostic imaging, timelines, and treatment were developed. This tool standardizes and optimizes assessment and diagnosis of acute knee injuries and chronic knee problems in Alberta. This project was a highly collaborative, province-wide effort led by Alberta Health Services' Bone and Joint Health Strategic Clinical Network (BJH SCN) and the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute (ABJHI).

Consensus for a primary care clinical decision-making tool for assessing, diagnosing, and managing low back pain in Alberta, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition causing disability and high healthcare costs. Alberta faces challenges with unnecessary referrals to specialists and long wait times. A province-wide standardized clinical care pathway based on evidence-based best practices can improve efficiency, reduce wait times, and enhance patient outcomes. Implementing such pathways has shown success in other areas of healthcare in Alberta. This study developed a clinical decision-making pathway to standardize care and minimize uncertainty in assessment, diagnosis, and management. METHODS: A systematic rapid review identified existing tools and evidence that could support a comprehensive LBP clinical decision-making tool. Forty-seven healthcare professionals participated in four rounds of a modified Delphi approach to reach consensus on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients presenting to primary care with LBP in Alberta, Canada. This project was a collaborative effort between Alberta Health Services' Bone and Joint Health Strategic Clinical Network (BJHSCN) and the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute (ABJHI). RESULTS: A province-wide expert panel consisting of professionals from different health disciplines and regions collaborated to develop an LBP clinical decision-making tool. This tool presents clinical care pathways for acute, subacute, and chronic LBP. It also provides guidance for history-taking, physical examination, patient education, and management. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical decision-making tool will help to standardize care, provide guidance on the diagnosis and management of LBP, and assist in clinical decision-making for primary care providers in both public and private sectors.

Clinical Care Pathway and Management of Major Bleeding Associated with Nonvitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants: A Modified Delphi Consensus from Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Background: The nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have become the mainstay anticoagulation therapy for patients requiring oral anticoagulants (OACs) in the Gulf Council Cooperation (GCC) countries. The frequency of NOAC-associated major bleeding is expected to increase in the Emergency Department (ED). Nonetheless, we still lack local guidelines and recommendations for bleeding management in the region. The present Delphi-based consensus aims to establish a standardized and evidence-based clinical care pathway for managing NOAC-associated major bleeding in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: We adopted a three-step modified Delphi method to develop evidence-based recommendations through two voting rounds and an advisory meeting between the two rounds. A panel of 11 experts from the KSA and UAE participated in the consensus development. Results: Twenty-eight statements reached the consensus level. These statements addressed key aspects of managing major bleeding events associated with NOACs, including the increased use of NOAC in clinical practice, clinical care pathways, and treatment options. Conclusion: The present Delphi consensus provides evidence-based recommendations and protocols for the management of NOAC-associated bleeding in the region. Patients with major DOAC-induced bleeding should be referred to a well-equipped ED with standardized management protocols. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for establishing the association between NOAC use and major bleeding. Treating physicians should have prompt access to specific reversal agents to optimize patient outcomes. Real-world evidence and national guidelines are needed to aid all stakeholders involved in NOAC-induced bleeding management.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols for Head and Neck Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to optimize the pre-, intra-, and postoperative care of patients to improve surgery outcomes, reduce complications, decrease length of stay, and more. We aim to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of ERAS protocols for head and neck cancer surgery with or without microvascular reconstruction. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were queried, and abstracts were screened independently by 2 investigators. REVIEW METHODS: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. We included comparative observational studies but excluded animal studies, case reports, and case series. RESULTS: Of 557 articles initially reviewed by title and/or abstract, we identified 30 for full-text screening, and 9 met the criteria for qualitative synthesis. Meta-analysis of length of stay revealed a mean decrease of 1.37 days (95% CI, 0.77-1.96; I2 = 0%; P < .00001) with the ERAS group as compared with non-ERAS controls. The standardized mean difference of the morphine milligram equivalent was 0.72 lower (95% CI, 0.26-1.18; I2 = 82%; P = .002) in the ERAS group vs controls. The quality of studies was moderate with a median MINORS score of 18.5 (range, 13.5-21.5). CONCLUSION: Implementation of ERAS protocols can lead to decreases in length of stay and opioid drug utilization. However, further high-quality prospective studies of ERAS protocols are needed, especially with stratified analysis of outcomes based on the type of head and neck cancer surgery.