Medical Errors
Conditions
Keywords
resident, intern, patient safety, medical error, time motion, handoff, sign-out, Resident Workflow, Resident Communications
Brief summary
The investigators propose to test the hypothesis that implementation of a comprehensive handoff program (CHP) - i.e., implementation of a computerized handoff tool along with teamwork training for internal medicine residents on inpatient units at Walter Reed and Madigan Army Medical Centers - will lead to reductions in resident miscommunications / medical errors and improvements in workflow and experience on the wards.
Detailed description
Following collection of baseline data on inpatient wards at both hospitals, teamwork training will be provided, accompanied by the introduction of a new computerized handoff tool that facilitates accurate transmission of data. The effects of this combined intervention on safety and workflow will be assessed on the intervention wards at both hospitals as compared with the historical control period.
Interventions
Computer program that facilitates accurate transmission of patient information between residents
BEHAVIORALTeam training
Training in teamwork and reorganization of handoff processes to optimize transmission of information and team care
Sponsors
United States Department of Defense
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Madigan Army Medical Center
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* all internal medicine residents completing rotations through intervention units during data collection periods
Exclusion criteria
* none
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Rates of resident communication and total medical errors | July 2010 |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Rates of all medical errors | July 2010 |
| Rates of verbal miscommunications | July 2010 |
| Rates of written miscommunications | July 2010 |
| Resident workflow, especially time spent updating the signout; time spent at bedside; time spent at computer | July 2010 |
| Resident care experience | July 2010 |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed