Background: Hospitalizations related to opioid use disorder (OUD) are rising, creating opportunities to initiate medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and connect patients with outpatient resources.1,2 Despite evidence that MOUD reduces morbidity and mortality, most patients fail to receive evidence-based treatment during hospitalization.3-6 Addiction consultation services are becoming the standard of care to address this [...]

Background: Hospitalizations related to opioid use disorder (OUD) are rising, creating opportunities to initiate medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and connect patients with outpatient resources.1,2 Despite evidence that MOUD reduces morbidity and mortality, most patients fail to receive evidence-based treatment during hospitalization.3-6 Addiction consultation services are becoming the standard of care to address this [...]

Background: Rapid recognition of deteriorating patients and efficient physician – nursing communication is essential for patient safety and improved health outcomes (1,2).  We conducted a pilot study at a tertiary care academic hospital in September, 2024 with intervention to improve communication between night physicians (nocturnists) and nurses (RN). Methods: At the study site, night shifts last from 7pm-7am [...]

Background: Hospital reimbursement for medical necessity is based on the level of care a patient is receiving. In the electronic medical record (EMR), the level of care, inpatient or observation, is determined by a practitioner order or physician certification. The timeliness of this order is of utmost importance, as medical necessity is a dynamic status. [...]

Background: The benefits of palliative care for hospitalized cancer patients are well known and have become a hallmark of high-quality oncologic care. This evolution in cancer treatment has led to a growing demand for palliative care services, and to questions about how to most effectively integrate this specialty into patient care. Furthermore, the field of [...]

Background: There is some observational evidence for the benefit of having an infectious diseases (ID) physician provide consultative support in the care of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). A recent randomized trial was unable to document a similar benefit, although the control group received a concurrent stewardship intervention. We wanted to determine the effect [...]

Background: ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presents a healthcare burden in the United States. However, STEMI patients with COVID-19 have elevated in-hospital mortality. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for COVID-19 patients with STEMI is debated. We aimed to compare hospitalized STEMI patients with and without COVID-19, using a national database to understand the impact [...]

Background: Although 88% of inpatients with falls do not sustain injuries, those with fall-related injuries experience limitations in activities of daily living, residual disabilities, and additional medical costs. Therefore, predicting fall-related injuries is crucial. We previously developed a prediction model for fall-related injuries, the Saga Fall Injury Risk Model (SFIRM), in an acute care hospital [...]

Background: Caregivers of Children with Medical Complexity (CCMC) are essential to their child’s care during hospital admissions. Prior research suggests that prolonged hospitalization of their child negatively impacts the emotional, physical and psychosocial well-being of CCMC. However, there is a paucity of data regarding caregivers’ perspectives on potential effective solutions to improve their own wellness [...]

Background: Acute illness contributes to deconditioning of hospitalized older adults, significantly impacting their short- and long-term outcomes. The Banner Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) was developed to guide nurses in assessing mobility when promoting physical activity for their patients. We implemented a quality improvement initiative, “Mobilizing Older Adults using BMAT, Interprofessional Leadership, and Education (MOBILE)”, which [...]