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Quality assessment and clinical research: a collaborative approach.
K M Leahy-Gross1, F T Lee, J T Charlson
1University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison.
Summary
Integrating quality assessment with clinical research improved physician engagement. A study on peritoneal dialysis patients revealed significant underreporting of free air, prompting targeted improvements in radiological documentation and patient care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Quality Improvement
- Clinical Research
- Radiology
Background:
- Physician involvement in quality assessment can be challenging, with some viewing it as burdensome.
- Combining quality assessment with clinical research may enhance physician interest and provide practice insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the rate of free air detection in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.
- To evaluate the documentation and reporting of free air in radiology reports.
- To demonstrate the synergy between quality assessment and clinical research.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for PD patients.
- Comparison of free air findings in normal PD patients versus those with gastrointestinal perforation.
- Analysis of radiology reports for documentation and significance of free air.
Main Results:
- Radiology reports were available for all 59 PD cases reviewed.
- Free air was documented in only 22% of relevant cases, with significance noted in only 22%.
- Post-communication, improvements in free-air detection, documentation, and reporting were observed.
Conclusions:
- Quality assessment and clinical research can be effectively integrated.
- This combined approach can identify clinical deficiencies and drive practice improvements.
- Integrating research and quality assessment can foster greater physician involvement in quality initiatives.