Boston Medical Center implemented the following interventions:
1. Expansion of default parameters that trigger heart rate alarms.
2. Elevation of heart rate alarms from warning to crisis status.
3. Addition of audible alarm for atrial fibrillation episodes.
4. Parameter changes for individual patients.
The average number of weekly alarms on the cardiac unit fell by 89 percent, from 87,823 during the two weeks prior to implementation of the initiative to 9,967 per week during a six-week pilot test of the initiative. Also, surveys of cardiac unit patients during the seven months before and after the pilot found significant improvements in overall patient satisfaction.
More Articles on Quality:
Despite Guidelines, Antibiotics Prescribed at High Rate for Bronchitis
New Pathogen-Identification Method Leads to Cost Savings: Study
Kaiser South Sacramento Patients Potentially Exposed to Whooping Cough
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.