New research reveals significant reductions in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and surgical intensive care unit (SICU) mortality rates after the implementation of electronic health records (EHR). In addition, the researchers from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine found no significant impact on length of stay, readmission rates after adoption of an EHR system, and Clostridium difficile colitis rates.
The retrospective chart review recorded quality indicators for patients admitted to ICU care over a period of 2 years. The rate of CLABSI per 1,000 catheter days was 85% lower, and overall SICU mortality was 28% lower, according to the American College of Chest Physicians. The implementation of EHRs also resulted in a notable increase in the average number of coded diagnoses from 17.8 to 20.8.
Mark J. Rosen, MD, Master FCCP, the medical director of CHEST, states, “Considering the large investment into EHRs and the high cost associated with ICU care, it’s important to develop EHRs that improve ICU quality of care.”
Source: American College of Chest Physicians
