Follow-up of discrepancies in X-ray and electrocardiogram interpretations, and positive laboratory results
J P Santoro1, F S Blank, H Smithline
1Emergency Medicine Department, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts 01199, USA.
Insights
A new follow-up program at Baystate Medical Center Emergency Department improved timely patient care. The initiative significantly reduced delayed follow-up cases, enhancing patient management and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Follow-up Systems
Background:
- Previous emergency department follow-up systems relied on clinical staff, resulting in significant delays.
- A 57% follow-up rate within 3 days was insufficient, with 20% of cases experiencing delays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate a dedicated 1-year follow-up program in an emergency department setting.
- To improve the timeliness of patient follow-up and reduce case delays.
Main Methods:
- Implemented a structured 1-year follow-up program at Baystate Medical Center Emergency Department.
- Assigned nurse-physician pairs to manage follow-up tasks during non-clinical care periods.
Main Results:
- The percentage of follow-up cases completed within 3 days increased from 57% to 69%.
- Delayed follow-up cases were reduced from 20% to 4% of all cases.
Conclusions:
- The dedicated nurse-physician pairing model effectively reduced emergency department follow-up delays.
- This program improved patient management efficiency and timely care delivery.
Abstract:
This article describes the 1-year follow-up program implemented at Baystate Medical Center Emergency Department during 1999. Our previous system used staff who worked clinically, which led to prolonged delays in follow-up. Before initiating the program, 57% [95% confidence interval (CI): 55-59%] of all follow-up cases were done within 3 days. After program implementation, 69% (95% CI: 67-72%) of all follow-up cases were completed in the same time frame. We reduced our "delayed" follow-up cases from 20% (95% CI: 18-22%) to 4% (95% CI: 3-5%) of all cases. Critical to the new system is the assignment of nurse-physician pairing to do follow-up when they are not doing direct patient care.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias
Electrocardiogram
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion, evaluates...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

