Minimizing unnecessary tests at the point of patient care to reduce health care costs.
Nursesfor data entry
DDxRx software
Nurse practitioners (NPs)
Steps
Obtaining relevant clinical history by nurses when patients arrive at triage, on the floor, or when there is any change in condition
Running the DDxRx software by entering relevant information which includes signs, symptoms, laboratory and radiological studies
Creating progress notes and submitting recommendationsto concerning doctors
Doctors now will be able to judiciously order less tests as relevant, disease-specific, data is available in hand.
Benefits
Decreasedneed for physician supervision as NPs can function more independently
Reduced need of NPs and increased efficiency of all providers since rounding nurses can function effectively with less supervision using decision support system
Reduction of unnecessary tests ordered by providers as correct information is available.
Reduction of complications related to unnecessary testing
Decreased length of stay due to reduced unnecessary testing (reduced effect of false positive results which usually lead to further testing)
Reduction of readmission rate due to delivery of improved patient care process