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The Bernoulli® solution improves the daily
workflow by automating many things, including flowsheets, and
ventilator checks. A study conducted by our friends at Gaylord
Hospital in Wallingford, Connecticut sheds some light on their
respiratory unit's workflow.
In July of 2002, Gaylord became the first Long Term Acute Care
facility in the US to implement the Bernoulli® Enterprise
Monitoring System. Gaylord embarked on a situational analysis
of the clinical setting. As a means to constantly improve
patient care at Gaylord, the clinical staff investigated
practices specifically related to caring for mechanically
ventilated patients. Several issues were identified that, if
resolved, would significantly contribute to optimizing care
and improving workflow:
- An inordinate amount of nursing time was being spent
responding to, investigating, and resolving nuisance
ventilator alarms. These alarms also increased the anxiety
level and interrupted the sleep of the patients.
- Many different alarms sounding simultaneously could make
it difficult to prioritize response actions.
- Pulmonologists did not have easy access to historical
data needed to assess patient status and weaning
potential.
- Patients’ social interaction and physical activity was
further limited because they were confined to their rooms
for care.
- Transcribing data from each ventilator to the vent check
report carried a high risk of error and was time consuming
(approx. 15 min/check).
To summarize, time spent inadvertently leaves the entire staff
feeling drained, while patients may notice the lack of bedside
care. Bernoulli®'s prioritization of alarms aids in decision
support, while the wireless capabilities enable patients to
move around freely. Also the time savings in automating vent
checks increases productivity and overall improves the daily
workflow.
Next Innovation: Enhanced Patient
Care
Clinical Innovations: | Increased
Patient Safety | Improved
Workflow | Enhanced
Patient Care | Risk
Management
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