Researchers developed an inpatient checklist for four evidence-based care processes:
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1. Pneumococcal vaccination for eligible patients (immunization).
2. Heel and sacrum skin exams for patients at high risk for pressure ulcers (bedsores).
3. Prompt removal of urinary catheters from patients when appropriate (catheter-associated urinary tract infections).
4. Administration of pharmacologic deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis for all eligible patients (DVT).
From July 2010 to March 2011, attending physicians at the University of Chicago Medical Center used the IBCD checklist during rounds to remind residents to perform these quality-related processes. In the intervention period, adherence to the four checklist items increased from 68 percent on admission to 82 percent after checklist use, according to the study. The adherence rate with the checklist also represents a 64 percent increase from adherence before implementation, when the rate was 50 percent.
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