Lovely, Jenna K.

The influence of pharmacotherapy regimens on surgical patient outcomes is increasingly appreciated in the era of enhanced recovery protocols and institutional focus on reducing postoperative complications. Specifics related to medication selection, dosing, frequency of administration, and duration of therapy are evolving to optimize pharmacotherapeutic regimens for many enhanced recovery protocolized elements. This review provides a summary of recent pharmacotherapeutic strategies, including those configured within electronic health record (EHR) applications and functionalities, that are associated with the minimization of the frequency and severity of postoperative complications (POCs), shortened hospital length of stay (LOS), reduced readmission rates, and cost or revenue impacts. Further, it will highlight preventive pharmacotherapy regimens that are correlated with improved patient preparation, especially those related to surgical site infection (SSI), venous thromboembolism (VTE), nausea and vomiting (PONV), postoperative ileus (POI), and emergence delirium (PoD) as well as less commonly encountered POCs such as acute kidney injury (AKI) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The importance of interprofessional collaboration in all periprocedural phases, focusing on medication management through shared responsibilities for drug therapy outcomes, will be emphasized. Finally, examples of collaborative care through shared mental models of drug stewardship and non-medical practice agreements to improve operative throughput, reduce operative stress, and increase patient satisfaction are illustrated.

AbstractBackground The Clinical Monitoring List (CML) is a real-time scoring system and intervention tool used by Mayo Clinic pharmacists caring for hospitalized patients.Objective The study aimed to describe the iterative development and implementation of pharmacist clinical monitoring tools within the electronic health record at a multicampus health system enterprise.Methods Between October 2018 and January 2019, pharmacists across the enterprise were surveyed to determine opportunities and gaps in CML functionality. Responses were received from 39% (n = 162) of actively staffing inpatient pharmacists. Survey responses identified three main gaps in CML functionality: (1) the desire for automated checklists of tasks, (2) additional rule logic closely aligning with clinical practice guidelines, and (3) the ability to dismiss and defer rules. The failure mode and effect analysis were used to assess risk areas within the CML. To address identified gaps, two A/B testing pilots were undertaken. The first pilot analyzed the effect of updated CML rule logic on pharmacist satisfaction in the domains of automated checklists and guideline alignment. The second pilot assessed the utility of a Clinical Monitoring Navigator (CMN) functioning in conjunction with the CML to display rules with selections to dismiss or defer rules until a user-specified date. The CMN is a workspace to guide clinical end user workflows; permitting the review and actions to be completed within one screen using EHR functionality.Results A total of 27 pharmacists across a broad range of practice specialties were selected for two separate two-week pilot tests. Upon pilot completion, participants were surveyed to assess the effect of updates on performance gaps.Conclusion Findings from the enterprise-wide survey and A/B pilot tests were used to inform final build decisions and planned enterprise-wide updated CML and CMN launch. This project serves as an example of the utility of end-user feedback and pilot testing to inform project decisions, optimize usability, and streamline build activities.

This work aims to describe the implementation and subsequent learnings from the first decade after the full implementation of enhanced recovery pathway for colorectal surgery at a single institution. This paper will describe the diffusion efforts and plans through the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) process of ongoing quality improvement and through research efforts. The information applies to all readers that provide surgical care within their organization as the fundamental principles of enhanced recovery for surgery are applicable regardless of the setting.

BACKGROUND: Hospital readmission rate is an important quality metric and has been recognized as a key measure of hospital value-based purchasing programs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the risk factors for hospital readmission with a focus on potentially preventable early readmissions within 48 hours of discharge. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a tertiary academic facility with a standardized enhanced recovery pathway. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients undergoing elective major colorectal resections between 2011 and 2016 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Univariable and multivariable risk factors for overall and early (<48 hours) readmissions were identified. Specific surgical and medical reasons for readmission were compared between early and late readmissions. RESULTS: In total, 526 of 4204 patients (12.5%) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Independent risk factors were ASA score (≥3; OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2), excess perioperative weight gain (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3–2.3), ileostomy (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1–2), and transfusion (OR, 2; 95% CI, 1.4–3), or reoperation (OR, 11.4; 95% CI, 7.4–17.5) during the index stay. No potentially preventable risk factor for early readmission (128 patients, 24.3% of all readmissions, 3% of total cohort) was identified, and index hospital stay of ≤3 days was not associated with increased readmission (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.7–1.2). Although ileus and small-bowel obstruction (early: 43.8% vs late: 15.5%, p < 0.001) were leading causes for early readmissions, deep infections (3.9% vs 16.3%, p < 0.001) and acute kidney injury (0% vs 5%, p = 0.006) were mainly observed during readmissions after 48 hours. LIMITATIONS: Risk of underreporting due to loss of follow-up and the potential co-occurrence of complications were limitations of this study. CONCLUSIONS: Early hospital readmission was mainly due to ileus or bowel obstruction, whereas late readmissions were related to deep infections and acute kidney injury. A suspicious attitude toward potential ileus-related symptoms before discharge and dedicated education for ostomy patients are important. A short index hospital stay was not associated with increased readmission rates. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B237. REINGRESOS DENTRO DE LAS 48 HORAS POSTERIORES AL ALTA: RAZONES, FACTORES DE RIESGO Y POSIBLES MEJORAS ANTECEDENTES: La tasa de reingreso hospitalario es una métrica de calidad importante y ha sido reconocida como una medida clave de los programas hospitalarios de compras basadas en el valor. OBJETIVO: Evaluar los factores de riesgo para el reingreso hospitalario con énfasis en reingresos tempranos potencialmente prevenibles dentro de las 48 horas posteriores al alta. DISEÑO: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. ESCENARIO: Institución académica terciaria con programa de recuperación mejorada estandarizado. PACIENTES: Pacientes consecutivos sometidos a resecciones colorrectales mayores electivas entre 2011 y 2016. PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO: Se identificaron factores de riesgo uni y multivariables para reingresos totales y tempranos (<48 horas). Se compararon razones médicas y quirúrgicas específicas para el reingreso entre reingresos tempranos y tardíos. RESULTADOS: En total, 526/4204 pacientes (12,5%) fueron readmitidos dentro de los 30 días posteriores al alta. Los factores de riesgo independientes fueron puntuación ASA (≥3, OR 1.5; IC 95% 1.1–2), aumento de peso perioperatorio excesivo (OR 1.7; IC 95% 1.3–2.3), ileostomía (OR 1.4, IC 95%: 1–2) y transfusión (OR 2, IC 95% 1.4–3) o reoperación (OR 11.4; IC 95% 7.4–17.5) durante la estadía índice. No se identificó ningún factor de riesgo potencialmente prevenible para el reingreso temprano (128 pacientes, 24.3% de todos los reingresos, 3% de la cohorte total), y la estadía hospitalaria índice de ≤ 3 días no se asoció con un aumento en el reingreso (OR 0.9; IC 95% 0.7–1.2) Mientras que el íleo / obstrucción del intestino delgado (temprano: 43.8% vs. tardío: 15.5%, p < 0.001) fueron las principales causas de reingresos tempranos, infecciones profundas (3.9% vs 16.3%, p < 0.001) y lesión renal aguda (0 vs 5%, p = 0.006) se observaron principalmente durante los reingresos después de 48 horas. LIMITACIONES: Riesgo de subregistro debido a la pérdida en el seguimiento, posible co-ocurrencia de complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: El reingreso hospitalario temprano se debió principalmente a íleo u obstrucción intestinal, mientras que los reingresos tardíos se relacionaron con infecciones profundas y lesión renal aguda. Es importante tener una actitud suspicaz hacia los posibles síntomas relacionados con el íleo antes del alta y una educación específica para los pacientes con ostomía. La estadía hospitalaria índice corta no se asoció con mayores tasas de reingreso. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B237.

Multimodal fast-track (FT) pathways for both open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery have been shown to improve gastrointestinal recovery, shorten length of stay, and decrease morbidity. The aim of our study was to determine if using alvimopan (Entereg)™ in the setting of a FT minimally invasive colorectal pathway is beneficial and cost-effective. All minimally invasive colorectal surgeries performed by one surgeon using a multimodal FT pathway with and without alvimopan were reviewed. Ninety total patients were identified, 64 patients treated without and 26 with alvimopan. Main outcomes included postoperative day tolerating a soft diet, return of gastrointestinal function, length of stay, 30-day readmission rate, and patient care, anesthesia, pharmacy, and combined cost. Tolerance of a soft diet, return of gastrointestinal function, and length of stay were all shorter and showed significance in the alvimopan group (mean 2.1 vs 2.8 days, mean 1.5 vs 2.4 days, and mean 3.5 vs 4.5 days, respectively) ( P = 0.0197, P = 0.0029, and 0.0158, respectively). Patient care and combined hospital costs were both increased in the nonalvimopan group; however, combined hospital costs was not significant ( P = 0.0216 and P = 0.0875, respectively). The 30-day readmission rate of 6.3 per cent was also not significant in this group ( P = 0.0941). Patients undergoing minimally invasive colorectal surgery treated with a multimodal FT pathway tolerated a soft diet sooner, had earlier return of bowel function, a shorter length of stay, and lower patient care and combined costs when alvimopan was used.

AbstractRationaleThe aim of this study was to identify temporal readmission patterns according to baseline disease categories to provide opportunities for targeted interventions.MethodsRetrospective analysis of consecutive adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent elective colorectal resections (2011‐2017) at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN. A prospective administrative database including patient demographics, procedure characteristics, discharge information and specifics on 30‐day readmissions (to index facility) including timing and reasons was utilized. The ICD‐9 codes were regrouped into the main pathologies Cancer, Crohn's disease (CD)/chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC), and diverticular disease.ResultsIn total, 521 (7.2%) out of 7245 patients undergoing inpatient colorectal surgery were readmitted. In all increments of time from discharge (0‐2 days: 31.3% of all readmissions, 3‐7 days: 32.4% of all readmissions, 8‐14 days: 18% of all readmissions, and 15‐30 days: 18.3% of all readmissions), reasons for readmission differed significantly (all P < 0.001). Across all disease categories, early readmissions (within 2 days of discharge) were most likely due to ileus/obstruction (53.4% of early readmissions), whereas with 42.5%, infection was the most common cause for late readmissions (>7 days). Patients with home discharge were more likely to be readmitted earlier within the 30‐day observation period (P = 0.099), whereas patients with a longer length of index hospital stay (>7 days) were readmitted later (P = 0.080).ConclusionsReasons for readmission appear to be universal across different disease categories. Targeted educational and collaborative measures may help to mitigate the burden of hospital readmissions to index facilities.

AbstractCurrent published guidelines for perioperative pharmacy services have limited information on the development and implementation of a robust clinical pharmacy program across the surgical continuum of care. This publication defines the responsibilities and scope of practice of the Perioperative Clinical Pharmacist (PCPh), supporting the PCPh as a critical member of the interprofessional surgical patient care team. Opportunities for pharmacist role integration into perioperative medication management processes are described along with published examples of successful PCPh practice models, including those with interventions targeted toward Enhanced Recovery Pathways (ERP). Recommended training and competencies for future and practicing perioperative pharmacists, in addition to considerations for precepting and scholarly activities, are also outlined. Finally, future developments in perioperative pharmacy practice are discussed, including technological advancements, improved predictive models, and expansion of collaborative practice agreements.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus remains an issue after colorectal surgery delaying recovery and increasing the length of hospital stay and costs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of perioperative fluid management on ileus occurrence after colorectal surgery within a fully implemented enhanced recovery pathway. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of a prospectively maintained institutional database. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a tertiary academic facility with fully implemented standardized enhanced recovery pathway over the entire study period. PATIENTS: All of the consecutive elective major colorectal resections for benign or malign indications between 2011 and 2016 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative ileus was defined as the need for nasogastric tube reinsertion. Perioperative fluid management and surgical outcome were compared between patients presenting with ileus and those without. Potential risk factors for ileus were identified through multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Postoperative ileus occurred in 377 (9%) of 4205 included patients at day 4 (interquartile range, 2–5 d). Intraoperatively, ileus patients received 3.2 ± 2.6 L of fluids, whereas the remaining patients received 2.5 ± 1.7 L (p < 0.001). Weight gain was 3.8 ± 7.1 kg in ileus patients versus 3.0 ± 6.6 kg (p = 0.272) in the remaining patients at postoperative day 1, 4.4 ± 6.5 kg versus 3.1 ± 7.0 kg (p = 0.028) at postoperative day 2, and 1.8 ± 6.0 kg versus 0.0 ± 6.0 kg at discharge (p = 0.002). The multivariable model including all significant (p < 0.05) demographic, fluid management–related, and surgical parameters retained postoperative day 0 fluids of >3 L (OR = 1.65 (95% CI, 1.13–2.41); p = 0.009), postoperative day 2 weight gain of >2.5 kg (OR = 1.49 (95% CI, 1.01–2.21); p = 0.048), and occurrence of postoperative complications (OR = 2.00 (95% CI, 1.39–2.90); p < 0.001) as independent risk factors for ileus. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective design. Fluid management depends on patient-, disease-, and surgery-related factors and cannot be generalized and extrapolated. CONCLUSIONS: Fluid overload and occurrence of postoperative complications were independent risk factors for postoperative ileus. This calls for action to keep perioperative fluids below suggested thresholds. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B54. ASOCIACIÓN POTENCIAL ENTRE EL MANEJO DEL LÍQUIDO PERIOPERATORIO Y EL SUCESO DE ÍLEO POSTOPERATORIO ANTECEDENTES: El íleo postoperatorio sigue siendo un problema después de una cirugía colorrectal que retrasa la recuperación y aumenta la duración de la estancia hospitalaria y los costos. OBJETIVO: Analizar el impacto del manejo del líquido perioperatorio en la incidencia de íleo después de la cirugía colorrectal dentro de una vía de recuperación mejorada totalmente implementada. DISEÑO: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de una base de datos institucional mantenida prospectivamente. MARCO: Centro académico terciario con una ruta de recuperación mejorada estandarizada completamente implementada durante todo el período del estudio. PACIENTES: Se incluyeron todas las resecciones colorrectales mayores electivas consecutivas para indicaciones benignas o malignas entre 2011 y 2016. MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES: El íleo postoperatorio se definió como la necesidad de reinserción de la sonda nasogástrica. El manejo del líquido perioperatorio y el resultado quirúrgico se compararon entre los pacientes con íleo y los que no. Los posibles factores de riesgo para el íleo se identificaron mediante regresión logística multinominal. RESULTADOS: El íleo postoperatorio se ocurrió en 377 (9%) de los 4205 pacientes incluidos al cuarto día (RIC 2-5). Intraoperatoriamente, los pacientes con íleo recibieron 3.2 ± 2.6 L de líquidos, mientras que los pacientes restantes recibieron 2.5 ± 1.7 L (p < 0.001). El aumento de peso fue de 3.8 ± 7.1 kg en pacientes con íleo versus 3 ± 6.6 kg (p = 0.272) en los pacientes restantes en el día postoperatorio 1, 4.4 ± 6.5 kg vs. 3.1 ± 7 kg (p = 0.028) en el día postoperatorio 2 y 1.8 ± 6 kg versus a 0 ± 6 kg al tiempo de alta hospitalaria (p = 0.002). El modelo multivariable que incluye todos los parámetros demográficos, del manejo de líquidos y quirúrgicos significativos (p <0.05) mantuvo líquidos del día 0 después de la operación de> 3L (proporción de probabilidad 1.65, intervalo de confianza del 95% 1.13-2.41, p = 0.009), ganancia de peso de > 2.5 kg en el dia postoperatorio 2 (proporción de probabilidad 1.49, 95% intervalo de confianza 1.01-2.21, p = 0.048) y aparición de complicaciones postoperatorias (proporción de probabilidad 2, 95% intervalo de confianza 1.39-2.9, p <0.001) como factores de riesgo independientes para íleo. LIMITACIONES: Diseño retrospectivo. El manejo de líquidos depende de factores relacionados con el paciente, la enfermedad y la cirugía, y no puede generalizarse ni extrapolarse. CONCLUSIONES: La sobrecarga de líquidos y la aparición de complicaciones postoperatorias fueron factores de riesgo independientes para el íleo postoperatorio. Esto requiere medidas para mantener los líquidos perioperatorios por debajo de los umbrales sugeridos. Vea el Video del Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B54.