Recommended Citation
Gentry L, Perusich S, Geil K, Lancaster R. Optimizing hospital sitter utilization: A multidimensional approach to enhancing patient safety and reducing costs. Value Informed Nursing Practice poster presentation at Empowering Nursing Excellence: Recognizing the Value and Impact of Nurses, Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2023; November 15, 2023; virtual.
Presentation Notes
Value Informed Nursing Practice poster presentation at Empowering Nursing Excellence: Recognizing the Value and Impact of Nurses, Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2023; November 15, 2023; virtual.
Abstract
Background: Innovative nursing practices can reduce hospital sitter usage and costs as a component of a patient-focused safety plan. Sitter use, an evidence-based nursing-driven strategy, effectively decreases falls and injury. This project aimed to improve sitter utilization, documentation, and cost-efficiency by minimizing unneeded use, enhancing policy compliance, and preventing safety incidents. Initially, inpatient managers lacked awareness of direct costs, sitter charges weren't recorded in Epic, and safety concerns for patients and staff existed.
Method: In response to observed inconsistencies in sitter practices and gaps in nursing knowledge, a multidisciplinary workgroup was formed. This group introduced standardized documentation forms, engaged in alternative sitter strategies, and implemented formal training for accurate sitter charge tracking, ultimately streamlining sitter procedures and enhancing patient care.
Results: Standardizing documentation enhanced policy adherence, team communication, and facilitated timely interventions, while improving outcomes. This led to direct and indirect cost savings by optimizing sitter use and preventing safety incidents. Falls in the quarter prior to implementation were 20 per 1,000 patient days (3.14 %). Post implementation, fall rates decreased over the following three quarters by 50% (n=10, M=1.62%). Total sitter hours were reduced by 55% on average over a nine-month period.
Cost Savings: Standardized documentation led to a direct cost savings of $133,743.85 over nine months by decreasing unnecessary sitter use. Indirect savings via fall reduction totaled $66,632.50. The project promoted alternative measures to patient observation, increased family engagement, and collaboration with psychiatry/gerontology. Enhanced adherence to sitter procedures ensured resource efficiency thus optimizing patient care and reducing costs.
Conclusion: This quality improvement project demonstrated the importance of standardized documentation, interdisciplinary communication, and optimal sitter utilization in enhancing patient safety, care outcomes, and adherence to policies while reducing costs.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-15-2023
Optimizing sitter use: Enhancing safety and cutting costs
Background: Innovative nursing practices can reduce hospital sitter usage and costs as a component of a patient-focused safety plan. Sitter use, an evidence-based nursing-driven strategy, effectively decreases falls and injury. This project aimed to improve sitter utilization, documentation, and cost-efficiency by minimizing unneeded use, enhancing policy compliance, and preventing safety incidents. Initially, inpatient managers lacked awareness of direct costs, sitter charges weren't recorded in Epic, and safety concerns for patients and staff existed.
Method: In response to observed inconsistencies in sitter practices and gaps in nursing knowledge, a multidisciplinary workgroup was formed. This group introduced standardized documentation forms, engaged in alternative sitter strategies, and implemented formal training for accurate sitter charge tracking, ultimately streamlining sitter procedures and enhancing patient care.
Results: Standardizing documentation enhanced policy adherence, team communication, and facilitated timely interventions, while improving outcomes. This led to direct and indirect cost savings by optimizing sitter use and preventing safety incidents. Falls in the quarter prior to implementation were 20 per 1,000 patient days (3.14 %). Post implementation, fall rates decreased over the following three quarters by 50% (n=10, M=1.62%). Total sitter hours were reduced by 55% on average over a nine-month period.
Cost Savings: Standardized documentation led to a direct cost savings of $133,743.85 over nine months by decreasing unnecessary sitter use. Indirect savings via fall reduction totaled $66,632.50. The project promoted alternative measures to patient observation, increased family engagement, and collaboration with psychiatry/gerontology. Enhanced adherence to sitter procedures ensured resource efficiency thus optimizing patient care and reducing costs.
Conclusion: This quality improvement project demonstrated the importance of standardized documentation, interdisciplinary communication, and optimal sitter utilization in enhancing patient safety, care outcomes, and adherence to policies while reducing costs.
Affiliations
Aurora Medical Center-Kenosha