A Rising Need for Effective Tuberculosis Assessment
In recent years, tuberculosis (TB) cases in the United States have been on the rise, prompting healthcare facilities to implement stringent safety protocols for patients suspected of infection.
A crucial aspect of these protocols is the placement of such patients in airborne infection isolation rooms, which feature advanced air filtration systems designed to prevent the spread of this contagious disease.
To improve the assessment process for patients suspected of having TB, our dedicated team conducted an extensive analysis of historical patient data, resulting in the creation of a TB risk assessment tool.
This cutting-edge tool, aptly named “TB or Not TB,” has been integrated into the electronic health record (EHR) system.
Enhancing Clinician Workflow and Patient Safety
The primary function of “TB or Not TB” is to assist clinicians in safely determining when infection control measures can be lifted, especially once a thorough TB investigation has been completed and has returned negative results.
By providing clear guidance for TB isolation decisions, this tool not only prioritizes patient safety but also alleviates the workload for healthcare professionals, leading to a more streamlined patient experience.
Following its successful validation, this tool is now available across all locations of Massachusetts General Brigham (MGB).
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs play a vital role in overseeing isolation protocols for patients, whether their diagnosis is suspected or confirmed, with the overarching aim of reducing healthcare-associated infections and safeguarding healthcare workers from potential exposure.
- Enhance the safety of both patients and healthcare providers
- Minimize cognitive load and administrative burdens on clinicians
- Support clinician wellness
Successful Integration and Outcomes
At Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a specialized team of experts in the fields of infection control, infectious diseases, and research collaborated on creating a risk scoring tool.
They meticulously examined patient records from previous TB diagnoses and those deemed at risk but eventually confirmed to be TB-free.
This thorough analysis led to the development of a validated model capable of assessing the likelihood of TB infection before isolation protocols can be lifted.
Working alongside specialists in clinical informatics and digital health, the team integrated this scoring algorithm into the EHR system, resulting in the creation of the “TB or Not TB” tool.
When a patient requires evaluation for TB, they are labeled as “TB-Risk,” activating necessary isolation procedures and the use of proper protective equipment.
Based on clinical symptoms, test results, and risk assessment, healthcare providers can determine whether TB is unlikely.
They can then use the “TB or Not TB” tool to decide on safely lifting isolation.
The introduction of this tool is expected to greatly improve patient care and simplify clinician workflows.
A comprehensive review of TB evaluations performed across the MGB network over six years revealed that the tool correctly identified all confirmed TB cases, ensuring these patients remained appropriately isolated during their assessments.
Moreover, the tool successfully highlighted around 25% of instances where TB was highly unlikely, allowing for the prompt and safe transition of these patients out of isolation.
This capability has the potential to optimize bed availability, ease the burden on clinicians, reduce the demand for infection control consultations, and ultimately enhance patient satisfaction—all thanks to the efficiencies gained through natural language processing.
Source: ScienceDaily