Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to D Shollenberger.
The advent of managed care, decreased reimbursement, and competition among providers has forced acute care institutions to examine care delivery. Clinical paths provide a method that manages patient care toward positive outcomes within a cost-effective environment. A collaborative project for total joint patients beginning with the office visit and continuing through the entire episode of care is described.
Fever is a common clinical problem in patients hospitalized with trauma. When an infection is suspected, it is important to identify the source of fever and begin definitive care before more severe morbidity occurs. An undirected approach with "pan cultures" has resulted in a high rate of negative cultures obtained and has increased patient care costs. By developing and using an evidence-based fever workup guideline, this institution was able to evaluate and identify infections and reduce costs.