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Table 3 Hospital information systems

From: Increasing the options for reducing adverse events: Results from a modified Delphi technique

Proposals

Effect [1 = v.high 6 = negative] mean (std dev)

Implement (months)

Impact (months)

Total (years)

3.1 As a condition of accreditation all hospitals meeting designated criteria with respect to patient numbers and case complexity should have an appropriate internal information system for recording patient history, treatment (including drugs), digitized radiological imaging, pre- and post-discharge requirements.

2.11 (.68)

33

26

4.9

3.2 Clinical pathways should be tailored to individual patients and based on full information regarding patient history and co-morbidities, and not be geared to the average patient.a

2.71 (1.10)

30

35

5.4

3.3 All medical handovers should be documented in writing to minimise errors due to lack of continuity of care.

2.39 (1.14)

8

10

1.5

3.4 All hospitals should have systems in place to identify patients who become acutely ill and to summon appropriate expertise to the bedside within minutes.

2.00 (.89)

8

12

1.7

  1. a The Victorian Department of Human Services has pointed out that 'clinical pathways', by their nature, are geared to the average patient, which ensures that core sets of tools are utilised. However, they agree that 'the clinical pathway should allow for variances based on clinical judgement and patients within a known Diagnosis Related Group (DRG)'.