RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Translating electronic health record-based patient safety algorithms from research to clinical practice at multiple sites
JF BMJ Health & Care Informatics
JO BMJ Health Care Inform
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP e100565
DO 10.1136/bmjhci-2022-100565
VO 29
IS 1
A1 Andrew J Zimolzak
A1 Hardeep Singh
A1 Daniel R Murphy
A1 Li Wei
A1 Sahar A Memon
A1 Divvy K Upadhyay
A1 Saritha Korukonda
A1 Lisa Zubkoff
A1 Dean F Sittig
YR 2022
UL http://informatics.bmj.com/content/29/1/e100565.abstract
AB Introduction Researchers are increasingly developing algorithms that impact patient care, but algorithms must also be implemented in practice to improve quality and safety.Objective We worked with clinical operations personnel at two US health systems to implement algorithms to proactively identify patients without timely follow-up of abnormal test results that warrant diagnostic evaluation for colorectal or lung cancer. We summarise the steps involved and lessons learned.Methods Twelve sites were involved across two health systems. Implementation involved extensive software documentation, frequent communication with sites and local validation of results. Additionally, we used automated edits of existing code to adapt it to sites’ local contexts.Results All sites successfully implemented the algorithms. Automated edits saved sites significant work in direct code modification. Documentation and communication of changes further aided sites in implementation.Conclusion Patient safety algorithms developed in research projects were implemented at multiple sites to monitor for missed diagnostic opportunities. Automated algorithm translation procedures can produce more consistent results across sites.All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information.