performed the experiments and along with Grant A. Ramm analyzed the data. Diego A. Calvopina and Gunter F. Hartel performed the more advanced statistical analyses. Louise E. Ramm collected clinical data and maintained the patient database. Peter J. Lewindon assisted in study design, enrollment of patients and collection of liver tissue specimens. Charlton Noble also helped enroll patients in the study and collected tissue specimens. Daniel H. Leung provided advice on study design.
TE in unsedated children is feasible from infancy but most reliable after 2 years. Intercurrent illness increases LSM; hence, study context is important when interpreting results.
Introduction:
Patients who are unable to fill prescriptions after discharge are at risk of hospital readmission. Ensuring that patients have prescriptions in hand at the time of discharge is a critical component of a safe and effective discharge process. Using a “Meds to Beds” program, we aimed to increase the percentage of patients discharged from Holtz Children’s Hospital with medications in hand from 49% to 80%, reduce turnaround time (TAT) from electronic prescription signature to bedside delivery from 4.9 hours (±2.6 hours) to 2 hours, and increase caregiver satisfaction.
Methods:
We formed a multidisciplinary team and implemented 4 patient-centered interventions through iterative plan-do-study-act cycles. Statistical process control charts were used to understand the impact of the interventions over 10 months. Hospital length of stay and discharges before 2:00 pm were used as balancing measures. We measured caregiver satisfaction using a telephone survey administered by pediatric residents within 7 days after discharge.
Results:
The mean percentage of patients discharged with medications in hand increased to 76%. TAT decreased to 3.5 hours (±1.8 hours). Length of stay did not significantly increase, whereas the percentage of patients discharged before 2:00 pm did. Caregivers of patients who had prescriptions delivered to their bedside reported high levels of satisfaction.
Conclusions:
Using a “Meds to Beds” program, we increased the percentage of patients discharged with medications in hand, decreased TAT with reduced variability, and achieved high levels of caregiver satisfaction. Importantly, there was a shift in the culture of the institution toward improved medication access for patients.
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