Preventable inpatient time: Adequacy of electronic patient information systems
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
1-1-1999
Journal
American Journal of Public Health
Volume
89
Issue
12
DOI
10.2105/AJPH.89.12.1885
Abstract
Objectives. This study assessed hospital electronic patient information systems (EPIS) for inclusion of variables associated with avoidable and extended hospitalization (preventable inpatient time). Methods. We searched MEDLINE and HealthSTAR databases to identify predictors of preventable inpatient time. We then audited the admissions process and the handwritten medical record at 1 hospital and the EPIS at all hospitals, affiliated with the Yale University School of Medicine for inclusion of the predictors. Results. Whereas the written medical record included all 58 predictors, the EPIS of the 10 hospitals surveyed included an average of only 38% of the predictors. Conclusions. The conventional approach to information gathering during hospital admission is highly inefficient. Revising EPIS to include predictors of preventable inpatient time could enhance efficiency and quality, while reducing costs, of hospital care.
APA Citation
Katz, D., Mazhari, R., Kalus, R., & Nawaz, H. (1999). Preventable inpatient time: Adequacy of electronic patient information systems. American Journal of Public Health, 89 (12). http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.89.12.1885