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John F Dixon

Publications and source records attributed to John F Dixon.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Going paperless with custom-built Web-based patient occurrence reporting.

BACKGROUND: Baylor University Medical Center (Dallas) converted patient occurrence reporting from a paper form to a custom-built Web-based system that used the medical center's intranet. DEVELOPING THE WEB-BASED SYSTEM: Non-medication patient occurrences were documented manually on paper forms known as incident reports, and medication variances were entered electronically. The medical center had used the same paper form for many years, without any interim updates or revisions. With a delay of more than a week in receiving forms, the process was not efficient or timely. In addition, paper forms were sometimes illegible or incomplete. LAUNCHING THE PROJECT: The project team, representing the Center for Quality and Care Coordination and information services, decided that the best approach would be a phased implementation based on development of system functionality and a facility's readiness for conversion. Reporting was to be conducted in terms of 10 standardized patient occurrence reporting categories. RESULTS AND EVALUATION: Comparison of quarterly data pre- and post-Web forms showed an 83.5% increase in number of submissions and a 79.5% reduction in event-to-submission time. Web forms also eliminated paper form limitations of legibility, completeness, and security. CONCLUSION: It is still an individual responsibility to report and then transform collected data into usable information, which will drive process improvement. Technology can make an important contribution to these efforts, but the culture of the organization must have a complete program strategy. The focus must shift to reporting as a cornerstone to quality and safety and away from traditional notions of error and blame.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed2002

Description and outcomes of a custom Web-based patient occurrence reporting system developed for Baylor University Medical Center and other system entities.

PROBLEM: To improve the timeliness, efficiency, and effectiveness of occurrence reporting. SETTING: Baylor University Medical Center, a 1000-bed tertiary facility, and other components of the Baylor Health Care System, all located in Dallas and the surrounding area. STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVEMENT: Designing a custom Web-based patient occurrence reporting system through the efforts of the Center for Quality and Care Coordination and Information Services and training staff not only in using the system but also in viewing reporting as a key element for quality and safety rather than as an individual performance or disciplinary measure. EFFECTS OF CHANGE: Both the number of occurrences reported and the timeliness of reports improved: prior to implementation of the Web forms, an average of 128 paper patient occurrence reports were received per month an average of 7.6 days after the occurrence; in the 12 months afterwards, an average of 175 patient occurrence reports were submitted, with 82% reported within 24 hours of the occurrence. Anecdotal comments about the system from end users have been positive. CONCLUSION: Paperless Web-based systems are timely, efficient, and effective. The system developed at Baylor met its goals, including being secure, offering online helps and formal education, creating a risk stratification model, remaining adaptable for system needs, and serving as a tool for data analysis. Efforts to change the culture around patient occurrence reporting are ongoing and an essential element for success.

Journal Article↗