Media.Player

Software for patient isolation of organisms of epidemiological significance

Detailed Technology Description

None

*Abstract

BackgroundIn order to initiate counter active measures designed to minimize the spread of pathogens of epidemiological significance, collection of historical and timely information, concerning the infection/colonization status of current patients, is a necessity. When dealing with a Health System, insights into this clinical management can be obtained by surveying Micro cultures of the current visit in conjunction with prior services in affiliated hospitals and clinics. TechnologyA program was devised to provide electronic notification of suspect situations where patient isolation is indicated and results with instructions for implementation are provided real time to the point of patient care. This promotes quality efforts and patient safety activities. Where it is deemed appropriate, patients are monitored for negative culture patterns as an indication of clearance. The results are used to update historical records and isolation actions related to this status.Application1. Identification and monitoring of infection/colonization status of current hospitalized patientsAdvantages1. The program is real time (5 min resolution), logs reports to the clinician and unit level. Discrete reports are available for different clinical specialities. The operation is table driven and customizable per hospital.2. The computer program surveys multiple hospitals and relates the patients infectious status irrespective of where the visit is initiated.3. Organisms can be aliased when species are immaterial.4. Specimen descriptions can be aliased when not relevant.Stage of DevelopmentThe program has been in service since March 2003 and is in all UPMC Health System Hospitals in production.Copyright

*Principal Investigator

Name: Gary Blank, Faculty

Department: Med-Pathology

Name: Mary Blank

Department:

Name: Carlene Muto, MD

Department: Med-Medicine

Country/Region

USA