Collection of process data after cardiac surgery: initial implementation with a Java-based intranet applet

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Clinical Process Improvement

Background:

• Postoperative process data collection after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is crucial for quality improvement.
• Traditional data collection methods can be time-consuming and may not provide real-time insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a Java-based intranet application for collecting postoperative process data in CABG patients.
• To assess the utility of this system in identifying critical pathway deviations and facilitating feedback.

Main Methods:

• A Java applet was developed for nurses to input patient process data via an intranet.
• Data were stored in a Microsoft Access database and validated against manual chart reviews.
• Weekly control charts were generated to monitor deviations from critical pathway goals.

Main Results:

• The intranet data collection method demonstrated 98% sensitivity compared to manual chart review.
• Control charts revealed deviations from critical pathway goals for extubation time, ICU, and hospital stay after 20 patients.
• Feedback based on identified deviations was associated with a return to critical pathway goals.

Conclusions:

• Java-based applets offer an inexpensive solution for accurate postoperative data collection.
• The system effectively identifies critical pathway deviations.
• Timely feedback of process data is achievable, facilitating process improvements.