Development and evaluation of a whole-chain management system for critical value reporting.

BACKGROUND

Critical value (CV) management is vital for patient safety and shows the quality of critical care. This study aimed to develop a whole-chain management system (WCMS) for CV reporting and evaluate its impact on clinical practice.

METHODS

A WCMS for CV reporting, considering sample, process and patient population, was developed. A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Zhoushan Hospital. 591 CVs were divided into two groups: the postapplication group (n = 298) and the preapplication group (n = 293). CV quality-related indicators were compared between the two groups, including the timely reporting rate, timely receiving rate, timely treatment rate, completeness of treatment records and closed-loop rate.

RESULTS

Before system implementation, the timely treatment rate (93.17%), completeness of treatment records (78.16%), and closed-loop rate (88.05%) were lower than the timely reporting rate (94.54%). After implementation, there were significant differences between the two groups in timely reporting rate (94.54% vs. 97.99%, P < 0.05), timely treatment rate (93.17% vs. 97.65%, P < 0.01), completeness of treatment records (78.16% vs. 94.97%, P < 0.01), and closed-loop rate (88.05% vs. 97.32%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Implementing the WCMS from sample, process and patient population has improved patient safety. The system's successful integration also shows its potential for use in health information systems of various healthcare facilities.