International journal for quality in health care : journal of the International Society for Quality in Health Care
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Int J Qual Health Care · Dec 2015
Population experiences of primary care in 11 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries.
To develop a measure of individual user assessments of primary care and test its association with health system performance and quality indicators. ⋯ The measure of individual primary care experience can be used to differentiate among different country's primary care approaches and is strongly associated with overall health system performance and quality indicators.
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Int J Qual Health Care · Dec 2015
Predictors and outcomes of unplanned readmission to a different hospital.
To examine patient, hospital and market factors and outcomes associated with readmission to a different hospital compared with the same hospital. ⋯ Patient, hospital and market characteristics predicted different-hospital readmissions compared with same-hospital readmissions. Mortality and cost outcomes were worse among patients with different-hospital readmissions. Strategies for better care coordination targeting people at risk for different-hospital readmissions are necessary.
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Int J Qual Health Care · Dec 2015
Pathology test-ordering behaviour of Australian general practice trainees: a cross-sectional analysis†.
In the context of increasing over-testing and the implications for patient safety, to establish the prevalence and nature of pathology test-ordering of GP trainees, and to describe the associations of this test-ordering. ⋯ Compared with the established GPs, trainees order more pathology tests per consultation and per problem managed, and in a higher proportion of consultations. Our findings will inform educational policy to enhance quality and safety in general practice training.
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Int J Qual Health Care · Dec 2015
Implementation of a multidisciplinary clinical pathway for the management of postpartum hemorrhage: a retrospective study.
To compare the outcomes of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) episodes before and after the introduction of a clinical pathway known as the Severance Protocol to save postpartum bleeding through Expeditious care Delivery (SPEED). ⋯ Clinical pathways enable prompt and efficient care for patients experiencing PPH through faster evaluation and access to red blood cell transfusion, resulting in a decrease in maternal mortality.
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Int J Qual Health Care · Oct 2015
Differences between nurse- and physician-assessed ICU characteristics using a standardized survey.
Surveys are often used to assess intensive care unit (ICU) organizational characteristics for quality improvement. Typically these surveys target ICU nurse managers and/or physician directors. However, it is unclear whether these providers' assessments differ. We sought to determine whether differences existed in nurse- and physician-assessed ICU characteristics using a standardized survey. ⋯ Despite a standardized survey, we found substantial disagreement on ICU characteristics when assessed by the nurse manager or physician director. This study raises questions about the use of surveys to examine ICU organizational characteristics and suggests that differences in nurse managers' and medical directors' assessments could be helpful in guiding future ICU quality improvement projects.