May 29, 2025

This Point-Counterpoint debate article explores whether secure messaging improves or hinders inpatient communication. Dr. Michelle Knees (IHQSE faculty) and co-authors examine the evidence behind this increasingly common communication tool. The "Point" argues that secure messaging supports collaboration and efficiency, while the "Counterpoint" raises concerns about cognitive load, interruptions, and patient safety. A shared rebuttal underscores the need for thoughtful implementation and institutional guidance. This balanced discussion reflects the evolving communication landscape in hospital medicine and highlights the need for evidence-based best practices.

May 1, 2025

To address rising opioid overdose rates, the study team developed and implemented an interruptive, electronic health record (EHR)-integrated clinical decision support (CDS) to increase buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in the emergency department. The CDS uses real-time EHR data to identify at-risk patients and guide clinicians through OUD evidence-based care pathways. This strategy significantly improved OUD treatment metrics and demonstrated high rates of adoption by providers. By balancing automation with clinician-driven decision-making, this approach offers a scalable, generalizable solution to address barriers in emergency department-initiated OUD care and supports a growing body of evidence for CDS as an effective implementation tool in high-acuity settings.

Nov 13, 2024

Clinical pathways translate best evidence into the local context through a structured multidisciplinary care plan. However, little is known about clinical pathway programs especially in pediatric settings. This study sought to determine the prevalence of clinical pathway programs in pediatric hospitals and describe similarities and differences. The team, led by IHQSE graduate, Dr. Leigh Anne Bakel, surveyed 81 of 111 Pediatric Research in Inpatient Settings (PRIS) network hospitals regarding the existence of a clinical pathway program, number, type, creation or revision of clinical pathways as well as other pathway program characteristics. More than half of respondents confirmed that clinical pathways were in place; however, nearly half of those programs were hindered by limited funding and an inability to measure pathway outcomes or improvements in care.

Nov 11, 2024

IHQSE faculty member, Dr. Katie Raffel, along with colleague Dr. Josué Zapata, published a Leadership and Professional Development piece in Journal of Hospital Medicine, "Strategies to disagree productively: Persuasive DISNT". As providers, we often have experiences and insights that can improve how decisions are made within healthcare organizations. In expressing these perspectives, we may need to disagree. However, dissent is not always well-received. They discuss the need to: Determine value, Illustrate commitment, Show logic, Negotiate partnerships and Transform success into future impact in order to have the most success in disagreeing.