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Palliative Care Triggers in the Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Success Story
Brian W Jones1, Charles Bernstein
1Brian W. Jones, DHSc, CHPCA, is director of Hospice and Palliative Care, St Elizabeth Healthcare, Edgewood, Kentucky. Dr Jones received his doctor of health sciences degree from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona. He is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator. Charles Bernstein, MD, is palliative medical director, St Elizabeth Healthcare, Edgewood, Kentucky. Dr Bernstein received his medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Electronic medical record triggers increased palliative care consultations in an intensive care unit (ICU). This review details the implementation process for these palliative care prompts within a healthcare system.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Palliative Care Medicine
- Healthcare Systems Management
Background:
- Electronic medical record (EMR) triggers are increasingly utilized to enhance palliative care consultations in intensive care units (ICUs).
- A suburban healthcare system piloted unique, culturally relevant EMR triggers, observing a rise in ICU palliative care consults.
- The implementation of EMR triggers is recognized as a complex, multifaceted process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the process of developing and implementing EMR-based palliative care prompts within an integrated healthcare system.
- To share practical steps from concept to execution for establishing palliative care triggers in an ICU setting.
Main Methods:
- A review of the steps involved in establishing palliative care prompts within one ICU.
- Focus on the unique triggers adopted by a suburban healthcare system.
- Description of the implementation journey from initial concept to full adoption.
Main Results:
- The pilot study demonstrated an increase in palliative care consultations following the adoption of unique EMR triggers.
- Successful implementation of palliative care prompts within the ICU setting.
Conclusions:
- EMR triggers can effectively increase palliative care consultations in the ICU.
- The implementation process, though complex, can be successfully navigated by detailing steps from concept to practice.
- This review provides a roadmap for other healthcare systems seeking to implement similar palliative care initiatives.
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