IHQSE Alumna Diane Christopher, MD, was the lead author on a study investigating the current state of quality and patient safety (QPS) efforts in OB/GYN departments in the U.S. Dr. Christopher and her colleagues found that while departments leaders responded overwhelmingly positively regarding work to improve patient safety, most QPS committee leaders received neither protected time nor financial support, and formal training was required in less that one-third of the departments. The study also found that most departments monitored key performance indicators (KPI) for inpatient outcomes, but only half tracked outpatient KPI. Dr. Christopher and her colleagues concluded that OB/GYN departments should invest more resources in QPS efforts to fully realize the benefits to providers, patients, and hospitals.

Recent IHQSE graduate Shannon Acker, MD, was an author on an article published by JAMA advocating for better support systems for trainees during pregnancy and early parenthood. In addition to new policies from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, Dr. Acker and her colleague emphasize the importance of a cultural shift and a comprehensive network of support for your parents.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) provide reliable central vascular access for hospitalized patients, but PICCs are associated with morbid and potentially lethal complications. To curb these outcomes, IHQSE Faculty Dr. Tyler Anstett and team developed a decision support tool in the EHR to help hospital-based providers utilize more appropriate catheter devices for their patients.

The transfusion of blood is a life-saving measure but is sometimes overused leading to worse outcomes for patients and excess costs for health systems. A team including IHQSE Faculty member Dr. Tyler Anstett engaged clinicians from different specialties to rethink the design of blood transfusion orders in the EHR at University of Colorado Hospital.