Standardized Trauma Admission Orders, a pilot project

The Standardized Trauma Admission Orders (STAOs) were developed in collaboration with the trauma team. Data supporting the development of the STAOs consisted of a retrospective chart review (group 1, n = 30) and a user satisfaction survey before the implementation of STAOs. A user satisfaction survey was administered before and after the STAOs were implemented. Both surveys showed a positive response to using the STAOs. STAOs were implemented in a surgical-trauma intensive care unit to reduce in-patient admission laboratory charges, the frequency of missed admission orders, and physician ordering variability. The difference between group 1 and group 2 (n = 30, STAOs) in-patient admission laboratory charges was significant. There was a $345 per patient reduction in the mean score between group 1 and group 2. Of the selected orders reviewed, completeness of orders was significantly improved in 5 of 21 orders. Survey results show that 11 (79%) of the staff surveyed were in favor of using the STAOs. The majority agreed that in-patient admission orders needs were being met. The STAOs are still being used in the surgical-trauma intensive care unit with some minor changes. Efforts are being directed toward the development of standardized admission orders for the neurosurgical intensive care unit and the trauma floor.