Background: We have previously showed how implementing the Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters (MAGIC) to inform peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use can lead to more appropriate device use. In this analysis, we assessed the association between appropriateness and PICC-related complications. We hypothesized that improved PICC appropriateness is associated with reduced major PICC complications [...]

Background: Executing safe transitions of care for hospitalized patients is important because of the vulnerability of patients during this time period.  While hospital-based providers frequently schedule appointments on behalf of their patients prior to discharge, cancellations and non-attendance (“no-shows”) for post-discharge follow-up appointments are anecdotally common and diminish the quality  of patient care.  Little is [...]

Background: Pneumonia is often treated for longer than necessary, yet factors associated with excess duration of treatment are unknown. We sought to: (a) develop an algorithm to determine appropriate antibiotic duration in non-intensive care unit (ICU) patients hospitalized with pneumonia and (b) apply this algorithm to an ongoing prospective study to determine patient-, provider-, and [...]

Background: The HCAHPS survey is used nationally by health systems as a standard to measure the patient experience and identify opportunities for improvement. Historically, process improvement initiatives based on the survey are implemented retroactively, attempting to prevent negative experiences for future patients. However, given the increasing complexity of patient care, proactively addressing the identified concerns [...]

Background: Despite the widespread use of technology across our daily lives, many processes in the hospital remain manual and labor-intensive. As hospital medicine divisions grow, there is an increasing need for automated and scalable solutions. While many hospitals look to external vendors to provide automated solutions, these often lack customizability and gaps remain. Purpose: To [...]

Background: Executing safe transitions of care for hospitalized patients is important because of the vulnerability of patients during this time period.  While hospital-based providers frequently schedule appointments on behalf of their patients prior to discharge, cancellations and non-attendance (“no-shows”) for post-discharge follow-up appointments are anecdotally common and diminish the quality  of patient care.  Little is [...]

Background: Pneumonia is often treated for longer than necessary, yet factors associated with excess duration of treatment are unknown. We sought to: (a) develop an algorithm to determine appropriate antibiotic duration in non-intensive care unit (ICU) patients hospitalized with pneumonia and (b) apply this algorithm to an ongoing prospective study to determine patient-, provider-, and [...]

Background: A substantial proportion of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are placed for inappropriate indications. We performed a multi-hospital intervention to improve the appropriateness of PICC use. Methods: We conducted a collaborative cohort study of hospitals participating in the Hospital Medicine Safety Consortium. An evidence-based intervention centered on the Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters [...]

Background: One way academic organizations recognize staff achievements and scholarly activities is through four levels of academic appointments: Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants (NPPAs) employed by the Mayo Clinic are highly encouraged to pursue an academic appointment. A 2016 survey at our three main sites showed that only [...]

Background: From 2016 to 2018, advanced practice provider (APP) utilization in academic hospital medicine groups (HMGs) has increased by 23.6%, with 75.7% of academic HMGs now employing APPs. Due to a lack of standardization around APP utilization, and the frequent use of shared billing models, determination of return on investment for APPs is challenging and [...]