Automation of Data Collection for NDNQI Pressure Ulcer Survey

Purpose

The purpose of the project was to decrease the time involved in data retrieval along with improving the accuracy of the data that the staff recorded.  Secondary goal was to easily retrieve data in a report form.

Relevance/Significance

Retrieval of the required NDNQI data was time consuming and very labor intensive. The data had the potential to be fraught with potential errors including inability to find information, transcription errors, and inconsistency between abstractors.

Strategy and Implementation

Multiple inefficiencies in the of extrapolating data by hand and collating and interpreting this data, were identified. A team of key players was convened to investigate correction of these issues. Once we identified the necessary data, we worked with   information systems to retrieve the lines from epic. Some of the data came from doc flow rows and some from the MAR. We then retested the data collection during two additional surveys and correlated the report generated data with the manual retrieved data and found our reports to be accurate. 

Results and Outcomes

We survey approximately  500 patients including adult and pediatric patients. This process can involve up to 60 staff ranging from staff nurses to advance practice nurses assigned to various tasks for the survey. We estimated that we save about $12,000 per survey. The project resulted in a significant increase in staff satisfaction from anyone involved in the survey process.  Now in addition to the quarterly survey  the  management at any time can pull up data on their patients to identify at risk patients and determine if  prevention  measures have been implemented.

Evaluation

The new process has allowed our teams to concentrate on skin assessment while the data collection is streamlined and efficient.  The cost savings will continue to benefit our institution and the staff satisfaction with the process results in an increase willingness to assist with the surveys.