A hospital system in Florida implemented an electronic smart order set for C. difficile testing, leading to a 20 percentage point reduction in unnecessary tests. The study analyzed data from patients before and after the smart order was implemented, showing that more patients met testing criteria post-implementation. While there was an increase in 30-day readmissions after the smart order, many of these patients had recently undergone gastrointestinal surgery, which carries additional risk. The study highlights the importance of diagnostic stewardship in reducing unnecessary testing and improving patient care through a multidisciplinary effort to optimize electronic medical records.
Source link
Diagnostic stewardship can reduce unneeded C. diff icile testing
