Electronic safety checklists that automatically extract patient data from electronic medical records were associated with a three-fold drop central line-associated bloodstream infections, according to research published in Pediatrics
Researchers monitored CLABSI rates in a pediatric intensive care unit in which the automatic checklist was implemented. The system used EMR data to alert caregivers when a patient's central line was scheduled for maintenance, based on evidence-based guidelines and the patient's particular data.
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After the intervention, the ICU's CLABSI rate dropped form 2.6 to 0.7 per 1,000 days of central line use.
In addition to finding pathways to hospital-acquired infection reduction, another study goal was to demonstrate the feasibility of practical, everyday use of EMR data. "EMRs are data-rich and information-poor," said Natalie Pageler, MD, a lead study author.
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