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L Cole

Publications and source records attributed to L Cole.

83 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1976

Auditing the quality of care in emergency departments.

A methodology for evaluating the quality of emergency department care in the form of a retrospective process audit for emergent and urgent cases was developed and tested in the Philadelphia General Hospital Emergency Department. A physician panel develped criteria against which the management of six "chief complaints," as indicated on the medical record, was measured. Then nonphysician auditors examined records retrospectively for a three-week period, covering every day and shift for a total sample of 389 cases. The physician panel made an implicit review of those records that varied from the criteria. The results of the review in four diagnostic areas showed that for chest pain 51% (36) did not meet the provisional standards; for abdominal pain 35% (35) did not; for wounds 51% (51) did not, and for sore throats 43% (22) did not. These results were presented to the ED staff and charts were re-audited after one month. The results of this second audit are being tabulated though preliminary findings indicate an improvement in the percentage of cases meeting the criteria.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Plans↗
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New triple screen test for Down syndrome: combined urine analytes and serum AFP.

In this study we report a new triple test that combines serum AFP, urine beta-core fragment of hCG, total urine estriol, and maternal age for calculating individual Down syndrome odds in the second trimester. The urine beta-core fragment/estriol ratio was used as a single screening variable. Analyte levels were measured prospectively in 10 Down syndrome cases and 346 normals. Individual Down syndrome odds were calculated by multiplying the product of the Down syndrome likelihood ratios of serum AFP and urine beta-core/estriol levels by the age-related midtrimester risk. The screening efficiency of an algorithm that combines urine beta-core/estriol with maternal age was compared to one that included serum AFP data. A 90% detection rate for Down syndrome was obtained at a 4.65% false positive rate. This was superior to the 75% sensitivity at 5% false positive rate observed when beta-core/estriol and age alone were used. This new triple test has a higher screening efficiency than that generally reported for the traditional serum triple screen and other urine tests, and it also provides information on the risk of neural tube defects. If confirmed in larger trials, the new algorithm could be used as an alternative to the traditional serum triple screen.

Adult↗
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Linking outcomes management and practice improvement. Structured care methodologies: evolution and use in patient care delivery.

Structured care methodologies are tools that provide a comprehensive approach to patient care delivery. These tools have evolved in their application and purpose over the years. In many situations, multiple tools are needed to obtain the best outcomes for a patient. The presence of a SCM does not preclude clinical judgment. On the contrary, the fundamental purpose of any SCM is to assist practitioners in implementing practice patterns associated with good clinical judgment, research-based interventions, and improved patient outcomes. These tools support smooth operation and appropriate use of resources, establish a means of patient management across the continuum of care, facilitate collaboration among disciplines, reflect patient outcomes, and provide outcomes data. Data from SCMs permit benchmarking, comparison of pre-implementation and post-implementation outcomes, development of action plans for quality enhancement, identification of high-risk patients, identification of issues and problems in the system that require interventions, and the development of research protocols and studies. Structured care methodology development and implementation can be challenging, rewarding, and at times frustrating. When used appropriately, these tools can have a major impact on the standardization of care and the achievement of desired outcomes. However, individual patient needs may supersede adherence to a tool. The challenge then becomes one of balancing the unique needs of each patient and appropriate use of SCMs. Change comes slowly, but persistence pays off.

Algorithms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Structured care methodologies: tools for standardization and outcomes measurement.

In today's healthcare environment, institutions are striving to streamline processes, reduce costs of healthcare, and establish best practice patterns while maintaining and improving the quality of care provided. Various healthcare delivery models are in use including case management and outcomes management. Various tools or structured-care methodologies (SCMs) are incorporated into these different models to support cost reduction and streamline processes while enhancing quality of care. This article discusses the tools frequently used, such as critical pathways, algorithms, and guidelines, as well as how these tools can be used in combination to support each other. This article also addresses the benefits of SCMs, how these tools are developed, and how the data obtained can be used in quality enhancement programs.

Algorithms↗