Thesis
Identifying delays in care of clinically decompensating patients in the post-anesthesia care unit: a gap analysis to improve patient flow
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
2019
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/avae-kr25
Abstract
The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) has an average Phase I length of stay goal of 60 minutes. The PACU has not met this goal. The purpose of this study is to identify a gap in care that could affect Phase I time. One gap identified was the time added for patients requiring a STAT order for a decompensating condition. These orders included a STAT chest x-ray, arterial blood gas, hemoglobin & hematocrit draw, or electrocardiogram. Direct observation revealed that up to ten minutes per patient was added by the current workflow. The study was a retrospective review of 74 patient charts of overall Phase I time and whether the patient had a STAT order placed during their PACU stay. The results concluded that the average Phase I time for patients without a STAT order was 74.4 minutes compared to 103.5 minutes for patients with a STAT order placed. This was an increase of 39%. A cost-savings analysis revealed that patients with STAT orders placed had an additional stay cost of $205 compared to hospital goal. A second cost-analysis reveals a staff productivity loss of $2,800 per month per RN, based on two patients per week required a STAT order. The recommendation from this study is for the organization to create a standing conditional order set for the PACU in the electronic medical record. There is a potential cost-savings of more than $3,000 per month. This could increase patient safety, expedite care, and improve patient throughput in the PACU.
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Details
- Title
- Identifying delays in care of clinically decompensating patients in the post-anesthesia care unit
- Creators
- Kate Rohlf - DU
- Contributors
- Alicemarie R. Poyss (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)Carrie Quinn (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 37 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Nursing (Graduate); College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 10931; 991014632421004721