Natalie Pageler

All Publications

• Using a Large Language Model to Identify Adolescent Patient Portal Account Access by Guardians. JAMA network open Liang, A. S., Vedak, S., Dussaq, A., Yao, D. H., Morse, K., Ip, W., Pageler, N. M. 2024; 7 (6): e2418454

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.18454

  View details for PubMedID 38916895

• Paging the Clinical Informatics Community: Respond STAT to Dobbs v Jackson's Women's Health Organization. Applied clinical informatics Arvisais-Anhalt, S., Ravi, A., Weia, B., Aarts, J., Ahmad, H. B., Araj, E., Bauml, J. A., Benham-Hutchins, M., Boyd, A. D., Brecht-Doscher, A., Butler-Henderson, K., Butte, A., Cardillo, A. B., Chilukuri, N., Cho, M. K., Cohen, J. K., Craven, C. K., Crusco, S. J., Dadabhoy, F., Dash, D., DeBolt, C., Elkin, P. L., Fayanju, O. A., Fochtmann, L., Graham, J. V., Hanna, J., Hersh, W., Hoffard, M. R., Hron, J., Huang, S. S., Jackson, B. R., Kaplan, B., Kelly, W., Ko, K., Koppel, R., Kurapati, N., Labbad, G., Lee, J., Lehmann, C. U., Leitner, S., Liao, Z. C., Medford, R. J., Melnick, E. R., Muniyappa, A. N., Murray, S., Neinstein, A., Nichols-Johnson, V., Novak, L., Ogan, W. S., Ozeran, L., Pageler, N., Pandita, D., Perumbeti, A., Petersen, C., Pierce, L., Puttagunta, R., Ramaswamy, P., Rogers, K. M., Rosenbloom, T., Ryan, A., Saleh, S., Sarabu, C., Schreiber, R., Shaw, K. A., Sim, I., Sirintrapun, S. J., Solomonides, A., Spector, J. D., Starren, J. B., Stoffel, M., Subbian, V., Swanson, K., Tomes, A., Trang, K., Unertl, K. M., Weon, J. L., Whooley, M., Wiley, K., Williamson, D. F., Winkelstein, P., Wong, J., Xie, J., Yarahuan, J. K., Yung, N., Zera, C., Ratanawongsa, N., Sadasivaiah, S. 2022

  Abstract

  n/a.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/a-2000-7590

  View details for PubMedID 36535703

• Organizational Perspectives on Technical Capabilities and Barriers Related to Pediatric Data Sharing and Confidentiality JAMA NETWORK OPEN Bedgood, M., Kuelbs, C. L., Jones, V. G., Pageler, N. 2022; 5 (7): e2219692

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.19692

  View details for Web of Science ID 000819973700001

  View details for PubMedID 35796214

• Assessment of Prevalence of Adolescent Patient Portal Account Access by Guardians. JAMA network open Ip, W., Yang, S., Parker, J., Powell, A., Xie, J., Morse, K., Aikens, R. C., Lee, J., Gill, M., Vundavalli, S., Huang, Y., Huang, J., Chen, J. H., Hoffman, J., Kuelbs, C., Pageler, N. 2021; 4 (9): e2124733

  Abstract

  Importance: Patient portals can be configured to allow confidential communication for adolescents' sensitive health care information. Guardian access of adolescent patient portal accounts could compromise adolescents' confidentiality.Objective: To estimate the prevalence of guardian access to adolescent patient portals at 3 academic children's hospitals.Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional study to estimate the prevalence of guardian access to adolescent patient portal accounts was conducted at 3 academic children's hospitals. Adolescent patients (aged 13-18 years) with access to their patient portal account with at least 1 outbound message from their portal during the study period were included. A rule-based natural language processing algorithm was used to analyze all portal messages from June 1, 2014, to February 28, 2020, and identify any message sent by guardians. The sensitivity and specificity of the algorithm at each institution was estimated through manual review of a stratified subsample of patient accounts. The overall proportion of accounts with guardian access was estimated after correcting for the sensitivity and specificity of the natural language processing algorithm.Exposures: Use of patient portal.Main Outcome and Measures: Percentage of adolescent portal accounts indicating guardian access.Results: A total of 3429 eligible adolescent accounts containing 25 642 messages across 3 institutions were analyzed. A total of 1797 adolescents (52%) were female and mean (SD) age was 15.6 (1.6) years. The percentage of adolescent portal accounts with apparent guardian access ranged from 52% to 57% across the 3 institutions. After correcting for the sensitivity and specificity of the algorithm based on manual review of 200 accounts per institution, an estimated 64% (95% CI, 59%-69%) to 76% (95% CI, 73%-88%) of accounts with outbound messages were accessed by guardians across the 3 institutions.Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, more than half of adolescent accounts with outbound messages were estimated to have been accessed by guardians at least once. These findings have implications for health systems intending to rely on separate adolescent accounts to protect adolescent confidentiality.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.24733

  View details for PubMedID 34529064

• The Clinical Information Systems Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Yearbook of medical informatics Reeves, J. J., Pageler, N. M., Wick, E. C., Melton, G. B., Tan, Y. G., Clay, B. J., Longhurst, C. A. 2021; 30 (1): 105-125

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVE: The year 2020 was predominated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The objective of this article is to review the areas in which clinical information systems (CIS) can be and have been utilized to support and enhance the response of healthcare systems to pandemics, focusing on COVID-19.METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, the tables of contents of major informatics journals, and the bibliographies of articles were searched for studies pertaining to CIS, pandemics, and COVID-19 through October 2020. The most informative and detailed studies were highlighted, while many others were referenced.RESULTS: CIS were heavily relied upon by health systems and governmental agencies worldwide in response to COVID-19. Technology-based screening tools were developed to assist rapid case identification and appropriate triaging. Clinical care was supported by utilizing the electronic health record (EHR) to onboard frontline providers to new protocols, offer clinical decision support, and improve systems for diagnostic testing. Telehealth became the most rapidly adopted medical trend in recent history and an essential strategy for allowing safe and effective access to medical care. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms were developed to enhance screening, diagnostic imaging, and predictive analytics - though evidence of improved outcomes remains limited. Geographic information systems and big data enabled real-time dashboards vital for epidemic monitoring, hospital preparedness strategies, and health policy decision making. Digital contact tracing systems were implemented to assist a labor-intensive task with the aim of curbing transmission. Large scale data sharing, effective health information exchange, and interoperability of EHRs remain challenges for the informatics community with immense clinical and academic potential. CIS must be used in combination with engaged stakeholders and operational change management in order to meaningfully improve patient outcomes.CONCLUSION: Managing a pandemic requires widespread, timely, and effective distribution of reliable information. In the past year, CIS and informaticists made prominent and influential contributions in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0041-1726513

  View details for PubMedID 34479384

• Implications of the 21st Century Cures Act in Pediatrics. Pediatrics Pageler, N. M., Webber, E. C., Lund, D. 2020

  View details for DOI 10.1542/peds.2020-034199

  View details for PubMedID 33293349

• Early experiences of accredited clinical informatics fellowships. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association Longhurst, C. A., Pageler, N. M., Palma, J. P., Finnell, J. T., Levy, B. P., Yackel, T. R., Mohan, V., Hersh, W. R. 2016; 23 (4): 829-834

  Abstract

  Since the launch of the clinical informatics subspecialty for physicians in 2013, over 1100 physicians have used the practice and education pathways to become board-certified in clinical informatics. Starting in 2018, only physicians who have completed a 2-year clinical informatics fellowship program accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education will be eligible to take the board exam. The purpose of this viewpoint piece is to describe the collective experience of the first four programs accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education and to share lessons learned in developing new fellowship programs in this novel medical subspecialty.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/jamia/ocv209

  View details for PubMedID 27206458

• Use of a Checklist and Clinical Decision Support Tool Reduces Laboratory Use and Improves Cost. Pediatrics Algaze, C. A., Wood, M., Pageler, N. M., Sharek, P. J., Longhurst, C. A., Shin, A. Y. 2016; 137 (1): 1-8

  Abstract

  We hypothesized that a daily rounding checklist and a computerized order entry (CPOE) rule that limited the scheduling of complete blood cell counts and chemistry and coagulation panels to a 24-hour interval would reduce laboratory utilization and associated costs.We performed a retrospective analysis of these initiatives in a pediatric cardiovascular ICU (CVICU) that included all patients with congenital or acquired heart disease admitted to the cardiovascular ICU from September 1, 2008, until April 1, 2011. Our primary outcomes were the number of laboratory orders and cost of laboratory orders. Our secondary outcomes were mortality and CVICU and hospital length of stay.We found a reduction in laboratory utilization frequency in the checklist intervention period and additional reduction in the CPOE intervention period [complete blood count: 31% and 44% (P < .0001); comprehensive chemistry panel: 48% and 72% (P < .0001); coagulation panel: 26% and 55% (P < .0001); point of care blood gas: 43% and 44% (P < .0001)] compared with the preintervention period. Projected yearly cost reduction was $717, 538.8. There was no change in adjusted mortality rate (odds ratio 1.1, 95% confidence interval 0.7-1.9, P = .65). CVICU and total length of stay (days) was similar in the pre- and postintervention periods.Use of a daily checklist and CPOE rule reduced laboratory resource utilization and cost without adversely affecting adjusted mortality or length of stay. CPOE has the potential to hardwire resource management interventions to augment and sustain the daily checklist.

  View details for DOI 10.1542/peds.2014-3019

  View details for PubMedID 26681782

• Optimizing care of adults with congenital heart disease in a pediatric cardiovascular ICU using electronic clinical decision support*. Pediatric critical care medicine May, L. J., Longhurst, C. A., Pageler, N. M., Wood, M. S., Sharek, P. J., Zebrack, C. M. 2014; 15 (5): 428-434

  Abstract

  The optimal location for postoperative cardiac care of adults with congenital heart disease is controversial. Some congenital heart surgeons operate on these adults in children's hospitals with postoperative care provided by pediatric critical care teams who may be unfamiliar with adult national performance measures. This study tested the hypothesis that Clinical Decision Support tools integrated into the clinical workflow would facilitate improved compliance with The Joint Commission Surgical Care Improvement Project performance measures in adults recovering from cardiac surgery in a children's hospital.Retrospective chart review comparing compliance pre- and post-Clinical Decision Support intervention for Surgical Care Improvement Project measures addressed in the critical care unit: appropriate cessation of prophylactic antibiotics; controlled blood glucose; urinary catheter removal; and reinitiation of preoperative β-blocker when indicated.Cardiovascular ICU in a quaternary care freestanding children's hospital.The cohort included 114 adults 18-70 years old recovering from cardiac surgery in our pediatric cardiovascular ICU.Clinical Decision Support tools including data-triggered alerts, smart documentation forms, and order sets with conditional logic were integrated into the workflow.Compliance with antibiotic discontinuation was 100% pre- and postintervention. Compliance rates improved for glucose control (p = 0.007) and urinary catheter removal (p = 0.05). Documentation of β-blocker therapy (nonexistent preintervention) was 100% postintervention. Composite compliance for all measures increased from 53% to 84% (p = 0.002). There were no complications related to institution of the Surgical Care Improvement Project measures. There was no in-hospital mortality.Compliance with the national adult postoperative performance measures can be excellent in a children's hospital with the help of Clinical Decision Support tools. This represents an important step toward providing high-quality care to a growing population of adults with congenital heart disease who may receive care in a pediatric center.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/PCC.0000000000000124

  View details for PubMedID 24732291

• Use of Electronic Medical Record-Enhanced Checklist and Electronic Dashboard to Decrease CLABSIs. Pediatrics Pageler, N. M., Longhurst, C. A., Wood, M., Cornfield, D. N., Suermondt, J., Sharek, P. J., Franzon, D. 2014; 133 (3): e738-46

  Abstract

  We hypothesized that a checklist enhanced by the electronic medical record and a unit-wide dashboard would improve compliance with an evidence-based, pediatric-specific catheter care bundle and decrease central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI).We performed a cohort study with historical controls that included all patients with a central venous catheter in a 24-bed PICU in an academic children's hospital. Postintervention CLABSI rates, compliance with bundle elements, and staff perceptions of communication were evaluated and compared with preintervention data.CLABSI rates decreased from 2.6 CLABSIs per 1000 line-days before intervention to 0.7 CLABSIs per 1000 line-days after intervention. Analysis of specific bundle elements demonstrated increased daily documentation of line necessity from 30% to 73% (P < .001), increased compliance with dressing changes from 87% to 90% (P = .003), increased compliance with cap changes from 87% to 93% (P < .001), increased compliance with port needle changes from 69% to 95% (P < .001), but decreased compliance with insertion bundle documentation from 67% to 62% (P = .001). Changes in the care plan were made during review of the electronic medical record checklist on 39% of patient rounds episodes.Use of an electronic medical record-enhanced CLABSI prevention checklist coupled with a unit-wide real-time display of adherence was associated with increased compliance with evidence-based catheter care and sustained decrease in CLABSI rates. These data underscore the potential for computerized interventions to promote compliance with proven best practices and prevent patient harm.

  View details for DOI 10.1542/peds.2013-2249

  View details for PubMedID 24567021

• Refocusing medical education in the EMR era. JAMA-the journal of the American Medical Association Pageler, N. M., Friedman, C. P., Longhurst, C. A. 2013; 310 (21): 2249-2250

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jama.2013.282326

  View details for PubMedID 24302083

• Medical education in the electronic medical record (EMR) era: benefits, challenges, and future directions. Academic medicine Tierney, M. J., Pageler, N. M., Kahana, M., Pantaleoni, J. L., Longhurst, C. A. 2013; 88 (6): 748-752

  Abstract

  In the last decade, electronic medical record (EMR) use in academic medical centers has increased. Although many have lauded the clinical and operational benefits of EMRs, few have considered the effect these systems have on medical education. The authors review what has been documented about the effect of EMR use on medical learners through the lens of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's six core competencies for medical education. They examine acknowledged benefits and educational risks to use of EMRs, consider factors that promote their successful use when implemented in academic environments, and identify areas of future research and optimization of EMRs' role in medical education.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0b013e3182905ceb

  View details for PubMedID 23619078

• A clinical case of electronic health record drug alert fatigue: consequences for patient outcome. Pediatrics Carspecken, C. W., Sharek, P. J., Longhurst, C., Pageler, N. M. 2013; 131 (6): e1970-3

  Abstract

  Despite advances in electronic medication order entry systems, it has been well established that clinicians override many drug allergy alerts generated by the electronic health record. The direct clinical consequences of overalerting clinicians in a pediatric setting have not been well demonstrated in the literature. We observed a patient in the PICU who experienced complications as a result of an extended series of non-evidence-based alerts in the electronic health record. Subsequently, evidence-based allergy alerting changes were made to the hospital's system. Incorporating clinical evidence in electronic drug allergy alerting systems remains challenging, especially in pediatric settings.

  View details for DOI 10.1542/peds.2012-3252

  View details for PubMedID 23713099

• Embedding time-limited laboratory orders within computerized provider order entry reduces laboratory utilization*. Pediatric critical care medicine Pageler, N. M., Franzon, D., Longhurst, C. A., Wood, M., Shin, A. Y., Adams, E. S., Widen, E., Cornfield, D. N. 2013; 14 (4): 413-419

  Abstract

  : To test the hypothesis that limits on repeating laboratory studies within computerized provider order entry decrease laboratory utilization.: Cohort study with historical controls.: A 20-bed PICU in a freestanding, quaternary care, academic children's hospital.: This study included all patients admitted to the pediatric ICU between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009. A total of 818 discharges were evaluated prior to the intervention (January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008) and 1,021 patient discharges were evaluated postintervention (January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2009).: A computerized provider order entry rule limited the ability to schedule repeating complete blood cell counts, chemistry, and coagulation studies to a 24-hour interval in the future. The time limit was designed to ensure daily evaluation of the utility of each test.: Initial analysis with t tests showed significant decreases in tests per patient day in the postintervention period (complete blood cell counts: 1.5 ± 0.1 to 1.0 ± 0.1; chemistry: 10.6 ± 0.9 to 6.9 ± 0.6; coagulation: 3.3 ± 0.4 to 1.7 ± 0.2; p < 0.01, all variables vs. preintervention period). Even after incorporating a trend toward decreasing laboratory utilization in the preintervention period into our regression analysis, the intervention decreased complete blood cell counts (p = 0.007), chemistry (p = 0.049), and coagulation (p = 0.001) tests per patient day.: Limits on laboratory orders within the context of computerized provider order entry decreased laboratory utilization without adverse affects on mortality or length of stay. Broader application of this strategy might decrease costs, the incidence of iatrogenic anemia, and catheter-associated bloodstream infections.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/PCC.0b013e318272010c

  View details for PubMedID 23439456

• Computerized Physician Order Entry With Decision Support Decreases Blood Transfusions in Children PEDIATRICS Adams, E. S., Longhurst, C. A., Pageler, N., Widen, E., Franzon, D., Cornfield, D. N. 2011; 127 (5): E1112-E1119

  Abstract

  Timely provision of evidence-based recommendations through computerized physician order entry with clinical decision support may improve use of red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs).We performed a cohort study with historical controls including inpatients admitted between February 1, 2008, and January 31, 2010. A clinical decision-support alert for RBCTs was constructed by using current evidence. RBCT orders resulted in assessment of the patient's medical record with prescriber notification if parameters were not within recommended ranges. Primary end points included the average pretransfusion hemoglobin level and the rate of RBCTs per patient-day.In total, 3293 control discharges and 3492 study discharges were evaluated. The mean (SD) control pretransfusion hemoglobin level in the PICU was 9.83 (2.63) g/dL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.65-10.01) compared with the study value of 8.75 (2.05) g/dL (95% CI: 8.59-8.90) (P < .0001). The wards' control value was 7.56 (0.93) g/dL (95% CI: 7.47-7.65), the study value was 7.14 (1.01) g/dL (95% CI: 6.99-7.28) (P < .0001). The control PICU rate of RBCTs per patient-day was 0.20 (0.11) (95% CI: 0.13-0.27), the study rate was 0.14 (0.04) (95% CI: 0.11-0.17) (P = .12). The PICU's control rate was 0.033 (0.01) (95% CI: 0.02-0.04), and the study rate was 0.017 (0.007) (95% CI: 0.01-0.02) (P < .0001). There was no difference in mortality rates across all cohorts.Implementation of clinical decision-support alerts was associated with a decrease in RBCTs, which suggests improved adoption of evidence-based recommendations. This strategy might be widely applied to promote timely adoption of scientific evidence.

  View details for DOI 10.1542/peds.2010-3252

  View details for Web of Science ID 000290097800002

  View details for PubMedID 21502229

• Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence-Generated Responses to Patient Messages. JAMA network open Kim, J., Chen, M. L., Rezaei, S. J., Liang, A. S., Seav, S. M., Onyeka, S., Lee, J. J., Vedak, S. C., Mui, D., Lal, R. A., Pfeffer, M. A., Sharp, C., Pageler, N. M., Asch, S. M., Linos, E. 2024; 7 (10): e2438535

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.38535

  View details for PubMedID 39412810

• Evaluation of a Large Language Model to Identify Confidential Content in Adolescent Encounter Notes. JAMA pediatrics Rabbani, N., Brown, C., Bedgood, M., Goldstein, R. L., Carlson, J. L., Pageler, N. M., Morse, K. E. 2024

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.6032

  View details for PubMedID 38252434

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10804277

• Structure and Funding of Clinical Informatics Fellowships: A National Survey of Program Directors. Applied clinical informatics Patel, T., Chaise, A., Hanna, J., Patel, K., Kochendorfer, K., Chandawarkar, A., Yu, P., Conrad, S., Youens, K., Medford, R. J., Mize, D., Melnick, E. R., Hron, J. D., Pandita, D., Leu, M. G., Ator, G., Genes, N., Baker, C., Bell, D. S., Pevnick, J., Rogers, K. M., Kaelber, D. C., Singh, I., Levy, B., Finnell, J. T., Kannry, J., Pageler, N., Mohan, V., Lehmann, C. U. 2024

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: In 2011, the American Board of Medical Specialties established Clinical Informatics (CI) as a subspecialty in Medicine, jointly administered by the American Board of Pathology and the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Subsequently, many institutions created clinical informatics fellowship training programs to meet the growing need for informaticists. Although many programs share similar features, there is considerable variation in program funding and administrative structures.OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to characterize clinical informatics fellowship program features, including governance structures, funding sources, and expenses.METHODS: We created a cross-sectional online REDCap survey with 44 items requesting information on program administration, fellows, administrative support, funding sources, and expenses. We surveyed program directors of programs accredited by the ACGME between 2014-2021.RESULTS: We invited 54 program directors, of which 41 (76%) completed the survey. The average administrative support received was $27,732/year. Most programs (85.4%) were accredited to have two or more fellows per year. Programs were administratively housed under six departments: Internal Medicine (17; 41.5%), Pediatrics (7; 17.1%), Pathology (6; 14.6%), Family Medicine (6; 14.6%), Emergency Medicine (4; 9.8%), and Anesthesiology (1; 2.4%). Funding sources for CI fellowship program directors included: hospital or health systems (28.3%), clinical departments (28.3%), graduate medical education (GME) office (13.2%), biomedical informatics department (9.4%), hospital information technology (9.4%), research and grants (7.5%), and other sources (3.8%) that included philanthropy and external entities.CONCLUSION: Clinical informatics fellowships have been established in leading academic and community healthcare systems across the country. Due to their unique training requirements, these programs require significant resources for education, administration, and recruitment. There continues to be considerable heterogeneity in funding models between programs. Our survey findings reinforce the need for reformed federal funding models for informatics practice and training.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/a-2237-8309

  View details for PubMedID 38171383

• Using clinical decision support systems to decrease intravenous acetaminophen use: implementation and lessons learned. Applied clinical informatics Tse, G., Algaze, C., Pageler, N., Wood, M., Chadwick, W. 2023

  Abstract

  Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) can enhance medical decision-making by providing targeted information to providers. While they have the potential to improve quality of care and reduce costs, they are not universally effective and can lead to unintended harm.To describe the implementation of an unsuccessful interruptive CDSS that aimed to promote appropriate use of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen at an academic pediatric hospital, with an emphasis on lessons learned.Quality improvement methodology was used to study the effect of an interruptive CDSS, which set a mandatory expiry time of 24-hours for all IV acetaminophen orders. This CDSS was implemented on April 5, 2021. The primary outcome measure was number of IV acetaminophen administrations per 1,000 patient days, measured pre- and post-implementation. Process measures were the number of IV acetaminophen orders placed per 1,000 patient days. Balancing measures were collected via survey data and included provider and nursing acceptability and unintended consequences of the CDSS.There was no special cause variation in hospital wide IV acetaminophen administrations and orders after CDSS implementation, nor when the CDSS was removed. A total of 88 participants completed the survey. Nearly half (40/88) of respondents reported negative issues with the CDSS, with the majority stating that this affected patient care (39/40). Respondents cited delays in patient care and reduced efficiency as the most common negative effects.This study underscores the significance of monitoring CDSS implementations and including end-user acceptability as an outcome measure. Teams should be prepared to modify or remove CDSS that do not achieve their intended goal or are associated with low end-user acceptability. CDSS holds promise for improving clinical practice, but careful implementation and ongoing evaluation are crucial for maximizing their benefits and minimizing potential harm.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/a-2216-5775

  View details for PubMedID 37995743

• Creation and Evaluation of a Clinical Informatics Match: Initial Findings. Applied clinical informatics Hron, J. D., Lehmann, C. U., Long, S. W., Pageler, N. M., Kannry, J., Levy, B., Leu, M. G. 2023; 14 (5): 973-980

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Clinical Informatics (CI) fellowship programs utilize the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) to gather applications but until recently used an American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) member-developed, simultaneous offer-acceptance process to match fellowship applicants to programs. In 2021, program directors collaborated with the AMIA to develop a new match to improve the process.OBJECTIVE: Describe the results of the first 2 years of the match and address opportunities for improvement.METHODS: We obtained applicant data for fellowship applicants in 2021 and 2022 from the ERAS and match data for the same years from the AMIA. We analyzed our data using descriptive statistics.RESULTS: There were 159 unique applicants over the 2-year period. Applicants submitted 2,178 applications with a median of 10 per applicant (interquartile range [IQR] 3-20). One hundred and four applicants (65.4%) participated in the match and ranked a median of seven programs (2-12). Forty-two programs in 2021 and 47 programs in 2022 offered a combined total 153 positions in the match. Participating programs ranked a median of eight applicants per year (IQR 5-11). Of participating applicants, 95 (91.3%) successfully matched and of those 66 (69.5%) received their top choice. Thirty-two programs (76.2%) matched at least one candidate in 2021 and 33 programs (70.2%) matched at least one candidate in 2022. In both years, 24 programs filled all available slots (57.1% in 2021 and 51.1% in 2022).CONCLUSION: Applicants were extremely successful in the new match, which successfully addressed most of the challenges of the simultaneous offer-acceptance process identified by program directors. However, applicant attrition resulted in a quarter of programs going unmatched. Although many programs still filled slots outside the match, fellowship slots may remain unfilled while the CI practice pathway remains open.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0043-1777000

  View details for PubMedID 38092359

• Association between electronic health record implementations and hospital-acquired conditions in pediatric hospitals. Applied clinical informatics Rabbani, N., Pageler, N., Hoffman, J., Longhurst, C. A., Sharek, P. 2023

  Abstract

  Implementing an electronic health record (EHR) is one of the most disruptive operational tasks a health system can undergo. Despite anecdotal reports of adverse events around the time of EHR implementations, there is limited corroborating research, particularly in pediatrics. We utilized data from Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS), a network of 145+ children's hospitals that share data and protocols to reduce harm in pediatric care delivery, to study the impact of EHR implementations on patient safety.Determine if there is an association between the time immediately surrounding an EHR implementation and hospital-acquired conditions (HAC) rates in pediatrics.A survey of IT leaders at pediatric institutions identified EHR implementations occurring between 2012 and 2022. This list was cross-referenced with the SPS database to create an anonymized dataset of 27 sites comprising monthly HAC and care bundle compliance rates in the 7 months preceding and succeeding the transition. Six HACs were analyzed: central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), adverse drug events (ADE), surgical site infections (SSI), pressure injuries (PI), and falls, in addition to four associated care bundle compliance rates: CLABSI and CAUTI maintenance bundles, SSI bundle and PI bundle. To determine if there was a statistically significant association with EHR implementation, the observation period was divided into three eras: "before" (months -7 to -3), "during" (months -2 to +2), and "after" go-live (months +3 to +7). Average monthly HAC and bundle compliance rates were calculated across eras. Paired t-tests were performed to compare rates between the eras.No statistically significant increase in HAC rates or decrease in bundle compliance rates were observed across the EHR implementation eras.This multi-site study detected no significant increase in hospital-acquired conditions and no decrease in preventive care bundle compliance in the months surrounding an EHR implementation.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/a-2077-4419

  View details for PubMedID 37075806

• A Natural Language Processing Model to Identify Confidential Content in Adolescent Clinical Notes. Applied clinical informatics Rabbani, N., Bedgood, M., Brown, C., Steinberg, E., Goldstein, R., Carlson, J., Pageler, N., Morse, K. 2023

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The 21st Century Cures Act mandates the immediate, electronic release of health information to patients. However, in the case of adolescents, special consideration is required to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. The detection of confidential content in clinical notes may support operational efforts to preserve adolescent confidentiality while implementing information sharing.OBJECTIVE: Determine if a natural language processing (NLP) algorithm can identify confidential content in adolescent clinical progress notes.METHODS: 1,200 outpatient adolescent progress notes written between 2016 and 2019 were manually annotated to identify confidential content. Labeled sentences from this corpus were featurized and used to train a two-part logistic regression model, which provides both sentence-level and note-level probability estimates that a given text contains confidential content. This model was prospectively validated on a set of 240 progress notes written in May 2022. It was subsequently deployed in a pilot intervention to augment an ongoing operational effort to identify confidential content in progress notes. Note-level probability estimates were used to triage notes for review and sentence-level probability estimates were used to highlight high-risk portions of those notes to aid the manual reviewer.RESULTS: The prevalence of notes containing confidential content was 21% (255/1200) and 22% (53/240) in the train/test and validation cohorts. The ensemble logistic regression model achieved an AUROC of 90% and 88% in the test and validation cohorts. Its use in a pilot intervention identified outlier documentation practices and demonstrated efficiency gains over completely manual note review.DISCUSSION: An NLP algorithm can identify confidential content in progress notes with high accuracy. Its human-in-the-loop deployment in clinical operations augmented an ongoing operational effort to identify confidential content in adolescent progress notes. These findings suggest NLP may be used to support efforts to preserve adolescent confidentiality in the wake of the information blocking mandate.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/a-2051-9764

  View details for PubMedID 36898410

• The Prevalence of Confidential Content in Adolescent Progress Notes Prior to the 21st Century Cures Act Information Blocking Mandate. Applied clinical informatics Bedgood, M., Rabbani, N., Brown, C., Goldstein, R., Carlson, J. L., Steinberg, E., Powell, A., Pageler, N. M., Morse, K. 2023; 14 (2): 337-344

  Abstract

  The 21st Century Cures Act information blocking final rule mandated the immediate and electronic release of health care data in 2020. There is anecdotal concern that a significant amount of information is documented in notes that would breach adolescent confidentiality if released electronically to a guardian.The purpose of this study was to quantify the prevalence of confidential information, based on California laws, within progress notes for adolescent patients that would be released electronically and assess differences in prevalence across patient demographics.This is a single-center retrospective chart review of outpatient progress notes written between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019, at a large suburban academic pediatric network. Notes were labeled into one of three confidential domains by five expert reviewers trained on a rubric defining confidential information for adolescents derived from California state law. Participants included a random sampling of eligible patients aged 12 to 17 years old at the time of note creation. Secondary analysis included prevalence of confidentiality across age, gender, language spoken, and patient race.Of 1,200 manually reviewed notes, 255 notes (21.3%) (95% confidence interval: 19-24%) contained confidential information. There was a similar distribution among gender and age and a majority of English speaking (83.9%) and white or Caucasian patients (41.2%) in the cohort. Confidential information was more likely to be found in notes for females (p < 0.05) as well as for English-speaking patients (p < 0.05). Older patients had a higher probability of notes containing confidential information (p < 0.05).This study demonstrates that there is a significant risk to breach adolescent confidentiality if historical progress notes are released electronically to proxies without further review or redaction. With increased sharing of health care data, there is a need to protect the privacy of the adolescents and prevent potential breaches of confidentiality.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0043-1767682

  View details for PubMedID 37137339

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10156443

• Adolescent Privacy and the Electronic Health Record - Creating a Guardrail System to Ensure Appropriate Activation of Adolescent Portal Accounts. Applied clinical informatics Xie, J., Hogan, A., McPherson, T., Pageler, N., Lee, T. C., Carlson, J. 2023

  Abstract

  CASE PRESENTATION: The parent of an adolescent patient noticed an upcoming appointment in the patient's portal account that should have remained confidential to the parent. As it turned out, this parent was directly accessing their child's adolescent patient portal account instead of using a proxy account. After investigation of this case, it was found that the adolescent account had been activated with the parent's demographic information. This case illustrates the challenges of using adult-centric electronic health record (EHR) systems and how our institution addressed the problem of incorrect portal account activations.BACKGROUND: Confidentiality is fundamental to providing healthcare to adolescents. To comply with the 21st Century Cures Act's information blocking rules, confidential information must be released to adolescent patients when appropriate while also remaining confidential from their guardians. While complying with this national standard, systems of care must also account for interstate variability in which services allow for confidential adolescent consent. Unfortunately, there are high rates of guardian access to adolescent portal accounts. Therefore, measures must be taken to minimize the risk of inadvertent confidentiality breaches via adolescent patient portals. Solutions and Lessons Learned: Our institution implemented a guardrail system that checks the adolescent patient's contact information against the contact information of their parent/guardian/guarantor. This guardrail reduced the rate of account activation errors after implementation. However, the guardrail can be bypassed when demographic fields are missing. Thus, ongoing efforts to create pediatric-appropriate demographic fields in the EHR and workflows for registration of proxy accounts in the patient portal are needed.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/a-2015-0964

  View details for PubMedID 36652961

• Providing Online Portal Access to Families of Adolescents and Young Adults with Diminished Capacity at an Academic Children's Hospital: A Case Report. Applied clinical informatics Carlson, J. L., Pageler, N., McPherson, T., Anoshiravani, A. 2023; 14 (1): 128-133

  Abstract

   For caregivers of adolescents and young adults with severe cognitive deficits, or "diminished capacity," access to the medical record can be critical. However, this can be a challenge when utilizing the electronic health record (EHR) as information is often restricted in order to protect adolescent confidentiality. Having enhanced access for these proxies would be expected to improve engagement with the health system for the families of these medically complex adolescents and young adults. To describe a process for granting full EHR access to proxies of adolescents with diminished capacity and young adults who are legally conserved while respecting regulations supporting adolescent confidentiality. The first step in this initiative was to define the "diminished capacity" access class for both adolescents and young adults. Once defined, workflows utilizing best practice alerts were developed to support clinicians in providing the appropriate documentation. In addition, processes were developed to minimize the possibility of erroneously activating the diminished capacity access class for any given patient. To enhance activation, a support tool was developed to identify patients who might meet the criteria for diminished capacity proxy access. Finally, outreach and educations were developed for providers and clinics to make them aware of this initiative. Since activating this workflow, proxies of 138 adolescents and young adults have been granted the diminished capacity proxy access class. Approximately 54% are between 12 and 17 years with 46% 18 years and older. Proxies for both age groups have engaged with portal functionality at higher rates when compared to institutional rates of use by proxies of the general pediatric population. With this quality improvement initiative, we were able to enhance EHR access and engagement of families of some of the most complex adolescent and young adult patients without inadvertently compromising adolescent confidentiality.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0043-1760847

  View details for PubMedID 36792056

• MEASURING ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD USE AND INPATIENT PEDIATRIC PROVIDER BURNOUT Stevens, L., Su, F., Pageler, N., Tawfik, D., Sinha, A. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2023: 40

  View details for Web of Science ID 000921450900081

• Medical Student and Trainee Notes in the Electronic Health Record Era. Chest Stevens, L. A., Pageler, N. M., Longhurst, C. A. 2022; 162 (6): 1238-1240

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.chest.2022.08.2208

  View details for PubMedID 36494125

• An Open Letter Arguing for Closure of the Practice Pathway for Clinical Informatics Medical Subspecialty Certification. Applied clinical informatics Turer, R. W., Levy, B. P., Hron, J. D., Pageler, N. M., Mize, D. E., Kim, E., Lehmann, C. U. 2022; 13 (1): 301-303

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0042-1744386

  View details for PubMedID 35219280

• Closing Disparities in Pediatric Diabetes Telehealth Care: Lessons From Telehealth Necessity During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clinical diabetes : a publication of the American Diabetes Association Prahalad, P., Leverenz, B., Freeman, A., Grover, M., Shah, S., Conrad, B., Morris, C., Stafford, D., Lee, T., Pageler, N., Maahs, D. M. 2022; 40 (2): 153-157

  Abstract

  The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated using telehealth to bridge the clinical gap, but could increase health disparities. This article reports on a chart review of diabetes telehealth visits occurring before COVID-19, during shelter-in-place orders, and during the reopening period. Visits for children with public insurance and for those who were non-English speaking were identified. Telehealth visits for children with public insurance increased from 26.2% before COVID-19 to 37.3% during shelter-in-place orders and 34.3% during reopening. Telehealth visits for children who were non-English speaking increased from 3.5% before COVID-19 to 17.5% during shelter-in-place orders and remained at 15.0% during reopening. Pandemic-related telehealth expansion included optimization of workflows to include patients with public insurance and those who did not speak English. Increased participation by those groups persisted during the reopening phase, indicating that prioritizing inclusive telehealth workflows can reduce disparities in access to care.

  View details for DOI 10.2337/cd20-0123

  View details for PubMedID 35669301

• Monitoring Approaches for a Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease Machine Learning Model. Applied clinical informatics Morse, K. E., Brown, C., Fleming, S., Todd, I., Powell, A., Russell, A., Scheinker, D., Sutherland, S. M., Lu, J., Watkins, B., Shah, N. H., Pageler, N. M., Palma, J. P. 2022; 13 (2): 431-438

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of three metrics to monitor for a reduction in performance of a chronic kidney disease (CKD) model deployed at a pediatric hospital.METHODS: The CKD risk model estimates a patient's risk of developing CKD 3 to 12 months following an inpatient admission. The model was developed on a retrospective dataset of 4,879 admissions from 2014 to 2018, then run silently on 1,270 admissions from April to October, 2019. Three metrics were used to monitor its performance during the silent phase: (1) standardized mean differences (SMDs); (2) performance of a "membership model"; and (3) response distribution analysis. Observed patient outcomes for the 1,270 admissions were used to calculate prospective model performance and the ability of the three metrics to detect performance changes.RESULTS: The deployed model had an area under the receiver-operator curve (AUROC) of 0.63 in the prospective evaluation, which was a significant decrease from an AUROC of 0.76 on retrospective data (p=0.033). Among the three metrics, SMDs were significantly different for 66/75 (88%) of the model's input variables (p <0.05) between retrospective and deployment data. The membership model was able to discriminate between the two settings (AUROC=0.71, p <0.0001) and the response distributions were significantly different (p <0.0001) for the two settings.CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the three metrics examined could provide early indication of performance deterioration in deployed models' performance.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0042-1746168

  View details for PubMedID 35508197

• Ensuring Adolescent Patient Portal Confidentiality in the Age of the Cures Act Final Rule. The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine Xie, J., McPherson, T., Powell, A., Fong, P., Hogan, A., Ip, W., Morse, K., Carlson, J. L., Lee, T., Pageler, N. 2021

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: Managing confidential adolescent health information in patient portals presents unique challenges. Adolescent patients and guardians electronically access medical records and communicate with providers via portals. In confidential matters like sexual health, ensuring confidentiality is crucial. A key aspect of confidential portals is ensuring that the account is registered to and utilized by the intended user. Inappropriately registered or guardian-accessed adolescent portal accounts may lead to confidentiality breaches.METHODS: We used a quality improvement framework to develop screening methodologies to flag guardian-accessible accounts. Accounts of patients aged 12-17 were flagged via manual review of account emails and natural language processing of portal messages. We implemented a reconciliation program to correct affected accounts' registered email. Clinics were notified about sign-up errors and educated on sign-up workflow. An electronic alert was created to check the adolescent's email prior to account activation.RESULTS: After initial screening, 2,307 of 3,701 (62%) adolescent accounts were flagged as registered with a guardian's email. Those accounts were notified to resolve their logins. After five notifications over 8 weeks, 266 of 2,307 accounts (12%) were corrected; the remaining 2,041 (88%) were deactivated.CONCLUSIONS: The finding that 62% of adolescent portal accounts were used/accessed by guardians has significant confidentiality implications. In the context of the Cures Act Final Rule and increased information sharing, our institution's experience with ensuring appropriate access to adolescent portal accounts is necessary, timely, and relevant. This study highlights ways to improve patient portal confidentiality and prompts institutions caring for adolescents to review their systems and processes.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.09.009

  View details for PubMedID 34666956

• Quantifying Discharge Medication Reconciliation Errors at 2 Pediatric Hospitals. Pediatric quality & safety Morse, K. E., Chadwick, W. A., Paul, W., Haaland, W., Pageler, N. M., Tarrago, R. 2021; 6 (4): e436

  Abstract

  Introduction: Medication reconciliation errors (MREs) are common and can lead to significant patient harm. Quality improvement efforts to identify and reduce these errors typically rely on resource-intensive chart reviews or adverse event reporting. Quantifying these errors hospital-wide is complicated and rarely done. The purpose of this study is to define a set of 6 MREs that can be easily identified across an entire healthcare organization and report their prevalence at 2 pediatric hospitals.Methods: An algorithmic analysis of discharge medication lists and confirmation by clinician reviewers was used to find the prevalence of the 6 discharge MREs at 2 pediatric hospitals. These errors represent deviations from the standards for medication instruction completeness, clarity, and safety. The 6 error types are Duplication, Missing Route, Missing Dose, Missing Frequency, Unlisted Medication, and See Instructions errors.Results: This study analyzed 67,339 discharge medications and detected MREs commonly at both hospitals. For Institution A, a total of 4,234 errors were identified, with 29.9% of discharges containing at least one error and an average of 0.7 errors per discharge. For Institution B, a total of 5,942 errors were identified, with 42.2% of discharges containing at least 1 error and an average of 1.6 errors per discharge. The most common error types were Duplication and See Instructions errors.Conclusion: The presented method shows these MREs to be a common finding in pediatric care. This work offers a tool to strengthen hospital-wide quality improvement efforts to reduce pediatric medication errors.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000436

  View details for PubMedID 34345749

• Pediatric subspecialty telemedicine use from the patient and provider perspective. Pediatric research Pooni, R., Pageler, N. M., Sandborg, C., Lee, T. 2021

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: To characterize telemedicine use among pediatric subspecialties with respect to clinical uses of telemedicine, provider experience, and patient perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS: We performed a mixed-methods study of telemedicine visits across pediatric endocrinology, nephrology, orthopedic surgery, and rheumatology at a large children's hospital. We used deductive analysis to review observational data from 40 video visits. Providers and patients/caregivers were surveyed around areas of satisfaction and communication.RESULTS: We found adaptations of telemedicine including shared-screen use and provider-guided parent procedures among others. All providers felt that it was safest for their patients to conduct visits by video, and 72.7% reported completing some component of a clinical exam. Patients rated the areas of being respected by the clinical staff/provider and showing care and concern highly, and the mean overall satisfaction was 86.7±19.3%.CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine has been used to deliver care to pediatric patients during the pandemic, and we found that patients were satisfied with the telemedicine visits during this stressful time and that providers were able to innovate during visits. Telemedicine is a tool that can be successfully adapted to patient and provider needs, but further studies are needed to fully explore its integration in pediatric subspecialty care.IMPACT: This study describes telemedicine use at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic from both a provider and patient perspective, in four different pediatric subspecialties. Prior to COVID-19, pediatric telehealth landscape analysis suggested that many pediatric specialty practices had pilot telehealth programs, but there are few published studies evaluating telemedicine performance through the simultaneous patient and provider experience as part of standard care. We describe novel uses and adaptations of telemedicine during a time of rapid deployment in pediatric specialty care.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/s41390-021-01443-4

  View details for PubMedID 33753896

• The Value of OpenNotes for Pediatric Patients, Their Families and Impact on the Patient-Physician Relationship. Applied clinical informatics Sarabu, C., Lee, T., Hogan, A., Pageler, N. 2021; 12 (1): 76–81

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: OpenNotes, the sharing of medical notes via a patient portal, has been extensively studied in adults but not in pediatric populations. This has been a contributing factor in the slower adoption of OpenNotes by children's hospitals. The 21st Century Cures Act Final Rule has mandated the sharing of clinical notes electronically to all patients and as health systems prepare to comply, some concerns remain particularly with OpenNotes for pediatric populations.OBJECTIVES: After a gradual implementation of OpenNotes at an academic pediatric center, we sought to better understand how pediatric patients and families perceived OpenNotes. This article presents the detailed steps of this informatics-led rollout and patient survey results with a focus on pediatric-specific concerns.METHODS: We adapted a previous OpenNotes survey used for adult populations to a pediatric outpatient setting (with parents of children <12 years old). The survey was sent to patients and families via a notification email sent as a standard practice after a clinic visit, in English or Spanish.RESULTS: Approximately 7% of patients/families with access to OpenNotes read the note during the study period, and 159 (20%) of those patients responded to the survey. Of the survey respondents, 141 (89%) of patients and families understood their notes; 126 (80%) found the notes always or usually accurate; 24 (15%) contacted their clinicians after reading a note; and 153 (97%) patients/families felt the same or better about their doctor after reading the note.CONCLUSION: Although limited by relatively low survey response rate, OpenNotes was well-received by parents of pediatric patients without untoward consequences. The main concerns pediatricians raise about OpenNotes proved to not be issues in the pediatric population. Our results demonstrate clear benefits to adoption of OpenNotes. This provides reassurance that the transition to sharing notes with pediatric patients can be successful and value additive.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0040-1721781

  View details for PubMedID 33567464

• Measuring Electronic Health Record Use in the Pediatric ICU Using Audit-Logs and Screen Recordings. Applied clinical informatics Sinha, A., Stevens, L. A., Su, F., Pageler, N. M., Tawfik, D. S. 2021; 12 (4): 737-744

  Abstract

   Time spent in the electronic health record (EHR) has been identified as an important unit of measure for health care provider clinical activity. The lack of validation of audit-log based inpatient EHR time may have resulted in underuse of this data in studies focusing on inpatient patient outcomes, provider efficiency, provider satisfaction, etc. This has also led to a dearth of clinically relevant EHR usage metrics consistent with inpatient provider clinical activity. The aim of our study was to validate audit-log based EHR times using observed EHR-times extracted from screen recordings of EHR usage in the inpatient setting. This study was conducted in a 36-bed pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford between June 11 and July 14, 2020. Attending physicians, fellow physicians, hospitalists, and advanced practice providers with ≥0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) for the prior four consecutive weeks and at least one EHR session recording were included in the study. Citrix session recording player was used to retrospectively review EHR session recordings that were captured as the provider interacted with the EHR. EHR use patterns varied by provider type. Audit-log based total EHR time correlated strongly with both observed total EHR time (r = 0.98, p < 0.001) and observed active EHR time (r = 0.95, p < 0.001). Each minute of audit-log based total EHR time corresponded to 0.95 (0.87-1.02) minutes of observed total EHR time and 0.75 (0.67-0.83) minutes of observed active EHR time. Results were similar when stratified by provider role. Our study found inpatient audit-log based EHR time to correlate strongly with observed EHR time among pediatric critical care providers. These findings support the use of audit-log based EHR-time as a surrogate measure for inpatient provider EHR use, providing an opportunity for researchers and other stakeholders to leverage EHR audit-log data in measuring clinical activity and tracking outcomes of workflow improvement efforts longitudinally and across provider groups.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0041-1733851

  View details for PubMedID 34380167

• PEDIATRIC ICU ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD USAGE AS MEASURED BY AUDIT LOGS AND SCREEN RECORDINGS Sinha, A., Stevens, L., Su, F., Pageler, N., Tawfik, D. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2021: 156

  View details for Web of Science ID 000672597100301

• Improved Medical Student Engagement with EHR Documentation following the 2018 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Billing Changes. Applied clinical informatics Stevens, L. A., Pageler, N. M., Hahn, J. S. 2021; 12 (3): 582-588

  Abstract

   Medical student note writing is an important part of the training process but has suffered in the electronic health record (EHR) era as a result of student notes being excluded from the billable encounter. The 2018 CMS billing changes allow for medical student notes to be used for billable services provided that physical presence requirements are met, and attending physicians satisfy performance requirements and verify documentation. This has the potential to improve medical student engagement and decrease physician documentation burden. Our institution implemented medical student notes as part of the billable encounter in August 2018 with support of our compliance department. Note characteristics including number, type, length, and time in note were analyzed before and after implementation. Rotating medical students were surveyed regarding their experience following implementation. There was a statistically significant increase in the number of student-authored notes following implementation. Attending physicians' interactions with student notes greatly increased following the change (4% of student notes reviewed vs. 84% of student notes). Surveyed students reported that having their notes as part of the billable record made their notes more meaningful and enhanced their learning. The majority of surveyed students also agreed that they received more feedback following the change. Medical students are interested in writing notes for education and feedback. Inclusion of their notes as part of the billable record can facilitate their learning and increase their participation in the note writing process.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0041-1731342

  View details for PubMedID 34233368

• A Clinical Informatics Program Directors' Proposal to the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Applied clinical informatics Pageler, N. M., Elkin, P. L., Kannry, J., Leu, M. G., Levy, B., Lehmann, C. U. 2020; 11 (3): 483–86

  Abstract

  In 2013, the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) and the American Board of Pathology (ABPath) offered the first board certification examination in Clinical Informatics to eligible physicians in the United States. In 2022, the Practice Pathway will expire and in 2023 only candidates eligible through the Fellowship Pathway will be eligible for the board certification. To date, Clinical Informatics as a specialty has not had a regular match process and used a controlled offer-acceptance process that does not meet candidates' or programs' needs. Fellows may not be offered a position with their top choice program initially, and they may accept offers from other programs to avoid risk by ensuring that they have a fellowship position. Programs have to consider losing an applicant in the first round in the ranking of applicants. The process is open to manipulation including early agreements between program directors and candidates. In this open letter to the ABPM, program directors make the case for a third-party match and are calling on the ABPM to leverage its status as the Clinical Informatics certifying body and its existing infrastructure to implement a Clinical Informatics match.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0040-1714348

  View details for PubMedID 32668481

• Rapid Deployment of Inpatient Telemedicine In Response to COVID-19 Across Three Health Systems. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIA Vilendrer, S. n., Patel, B. n., Chadwick, W. n., Hwa, M. n., Asch, S. n., Pageler, N. n., Ramdeo, R. n., Saliba-Gustafsson, E. A., Strong, P. n., Sharp, C. n. 2020

  Abstract

  To reduce pathogen exposure, conserve personal protective equipment, and facilitate health care personnel work participation in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic, three affiliated institutions rapidly and independently deployed inpatient telemedicine programs during March 2020. We describe key features and early learnings of these programs in the hospital setting.Relevant clinical and operational leadership from an academic medical center, pediatric teaching hospital, and safety net county health system met to share learnings shortly after deploying inpatient telemedicine. A summative analysis of their learnings was re-circulated for approval.All three institutions faced pressure to urgently standup new telemedicine systems while still maintaining secure information exchange. Differences across patient demographics and technological capabilities led to variation in solution design, though key technical considerations were similar. Rapid deployment in each system relied on readily available consumer-grade technology, given the existing familiarity to patients and clinicians and minimal infrastructure investment. Preliminary data from the academic medical center over one month suggested positive adoption with 631 inpatient video calls lasting an average (standard deviation) of 16.5 minutes (19.6) based on inclusion criteria.The threat of an imminent surge of COVID-19 patients drove three institutions to rapidly develop inpatient telemedicine solutions. Concurrently, federal and state regulators temporarily relaxed restrictions that would have previously limited these efforts. Strategic direction from executive leadership, leveraging off-the-shelf hardware, vendor engagement, and clinical workflow integration facilitated rapid deployment.The rapid deployment of inpatient telemedicine is feasible across diverse settings as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/jamia/ocaa077

  View details for PubMedID 32495830

• Your Patient Has a New Health App? Start With Its Data Source. Journal of participatory medicine Morse, K. E., Schremp, J., Pageler, N. M., Palma, J. P. 2019; 11 (2): e14288

  Abstract

  Recent regulatory and technological advances have enabled a new era of health apps that are controlled by patients and contain valuable health information. These health apps will be numerous and use novel interfaces that appeal to patients but will likely be unfamiliar to practitioners. We posit that understanding the origin of the health data is the most meaningful and versatile way for physicians to understand and effectively use these apps in patient care. This will allow providers to better support patients and encourage patient engagement in their own care.

  View details for DOI 10.2196/14288

  View details for PubMedID 33055064

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7434101

• Electronic health record (EHR) training program identifies a new tool to quantify the EHR time burden and improves providers' perceived control over their workload in the EHR. JAMIA open DiAngi, Y. T., Stevens, L. A., Halpern-Felsher, B. n., Pageler, N. M., Lee, T. C. 2019; 2 (2): 222–30

  Abstract

  To understand if providers who had additional electronic health record (EHR) training improved their satisfaction, decreased personal EHR-use time, and decreased turnaround time on tasks.This pre-post study with no controls evaluated the impact of a supplemental EHR training program on a group of academic and community practice clinicians that previously had go-live group EHR training and 20 months experience using this EHR on self-reported data, calculated EHR time, and vendor-reported metrics.Providers self-reported significant improvements in their knowledge of efficiency tools in the EHR after training and doubled (significant) their preference list entries (mean pre = 38.1 [65.88], post = 63.5 [90.47], P < .01). Of the 7 EHR satisfaction variables, only 1 self-reported variable significantly improved after training: Control over my workload in the EHR (mean pre = 2.7 [0.96], post = 3.0 [1.04], P < .01). There was no significant decrease in their calculated EHR usage outside of clinic (mean pre = 0.39 [0.77] to post = 0.37 [0.48], P = .73). No significant difference was seen in turnaround time for patient calls (mean pre = 2.3 [2.06] days, post = 1.9 [1.76] days, P = .08) and results (mean before = 4.0 [2.79] days, after = 3.2 [2.33] days, P = .03).Multiple sources of data provide a holistic view of the provider experience in the EHR. This study suggests that individualized EHR training can improve the knowledge of EHR tools and satisfaction with their perceived control of EHR workload, however this did not translate into less Clinician Logged-In Outside Clinic (CLOC) time, a calculated metric, nor quicker turnaround on in box tasks. CLOC time emerged as a potential less-costly surrogate metric for provider satisfaction in EHR work than surveying clinicians. Further study is required to understand the cost-benefit of various interventions to decrease CLOC time.This supplemental EHR training session, 20 months post go-live, where most participants elected to receive 2 or fewer sessions did significantly improve provider satisfaction with perceived control over their workload in the EHR, but it was not effective in decreasing EHR-use time outside of clinic. CLOC time, a calculated metric, could be a practical trackable surrogate for provider satisfaction (inverse correlation) with after-hours time spent in the EHR. Further study into interventions that decrease CLOC time and improve turnaround time to respond to inbox tasks are suggested next steps.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooz003

  View details for PubMedID 31984357

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6952029

• OpenNotes: Toward a Participatory Pediatric Health System. Pediatrics Sarabu, C., Pageler, N., Bourgeois, F. 2018; 142 (4)

  View details for PubMedID 30228169

• OpenNotes: Toward a Participatory Pediatric Health System PEDIATRICS Sarabu, C., Pageler, N., Bourgeois, F. 2018; 142 (4)

  View details for DOI 10.1542/peds.2018-0601

  View details for Web of Science ID 000449034300021

• Enhancing pediatric airway safety using the electronic medical record. The Laryngoscope Rameau, A. n., Wang, E. n., Saraswathula, A. n., Pageler, N. n., Perales, S. n., Sidell, D. R. 2018

  Abstract

  Difficult intubations are not uncommon in tertiary care children's hospitals, and effective documentation of the difficult airway is a fundamental element of safe airway management. The primary goal of our quality improvement initiative was to improve access to airway information via an alert and documentation system within the electronic medical record (EMR).We created a difficult airway alert within the EMR, linking common airway evaluation templates used by specialists involved in airway management. We assessed the time required for different specialists to answer an airway information questionnaire using the electronic charts of patients before and after the EMR modification. Satisfaction with the EMR modification was also surveyed.Questionnaires were administered to 12 participants before the Epic (Epic Systems Corp., Verona, WI) changes were implemented and to 19 participants after they were implemented. Each participant was asked to answer the airway data questionnaire for two patients, for a total of 24 questionnaires before the EMR changes and 38 questionnaires after the changes. Respondents averaged 7.24 minutes to complete the entire airway data questionnaire before the EMR changes and 3.16 minutes following modification (P < 0.0001). Correct airway information was more consistently collected with the modified EMR (98.6% vs 51.4%, P < 0.00001). Satisfaction surveys revealed that participants found the accessibility of airway data to be significantly improved following the EMR changes.An EMR airway alert that provides rapid access to relevant airway information critical tool during urgent and emergent events. Based on our preliminary data, further use of this instrument is expected to continue to improve patient safety and practitioner satisfaction.4. Laryngoscope, 2018.

  View details for PubMedID 30195274

• Integration of Single-Center Data-Driven Vital Sign Parameters into a Modified Pediatric Early Warning System. Pediatric critical care medicine Ross, C. E., Harrysson, I. J., Goel, V. V., Strandberg, E. J., Kan, P., Franzon, D. E., Pageler, N. M. 2017; 18 (5): 469-476

  Abstract

  Pediatric early warning systems using expert-derived vital sign parameters demonstrate limited sensitivity and specificity in identifying deterioration. We hypothesized that modified tools using data-driven vital sign parameters would improve the performance of a validated tool.Retrospective case control.Quaternary-care children's hospital.Hospitalized, noncritically ill patients less than 18 years old. Cases were defined as patients who experienced an emergent transfer to an ICU or out-of-ICU cardiac arrest. Controls were patients who never required intensive care. Cases and controls were split into training and testing groups.The Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System was modified by integrating data-driven heart rate and respiratory rate parameters (modified Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System 1 and 2). Modified Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System 1 used the 10th and 90th percentiles as normal parameters, whereas modified Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System 2 used fifth and 95th percentiles.The training set consisted of 358 case events and 1,830 controls; the testing set had 331 case events and 1,215 controls. In the sensitivity analysis, 207 of the 331 testing set cases (62.5%) were predicted by the original tool versus 206 (62.2%; p = 0.54) with modified Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System 1 and 191 (57.7%; p < 0.001) with modified Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System 2. For specificity, 1,005 of the 1,215 testing set control patients (82.7%) were identified by original Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System versus 1,013 (83.1%; p = 0.54) with modified Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System 1 and 1,055 (86.8%; p < 0.001) with modified Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System 2. There was no net gain in sensitivity and specificity using either of the modified Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System tools.Integration of data-driven vital sign parameters into a validated pediatric early warning system did not significantly impact sensitivity or specificity, and all the tools showed lower than desired sensitivity and specificity at a single cutoff point. Future work is needed to develop an objective tool that can more accurately predict pediatric decompensation.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/PCC.0000000000001150

  View details for PubMedID 28338520

• Improving Communication with Primary Care Physicians at the Time of Hospital Discharge. Joint Commission journal on quality and patient safety Destino, L. A., Dixit, A., Pantaleoni, J. L., Wood, M. S., Pageler, N. M., Kim, J., Platchek, T. S. 2017; 43 (2): 80-88

  Abstract

  Communication with primary care physicians (PCPs) at the time of a patient's hospital discharge is important to safely transition care to home. The goal of this quality improvement initiative was to increase discharge communication to PCPs at an academic children's hospital.A multidisciplinary team at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford used Lean A3 problem solving methodology to address the problem of inadequate discharge communication with PCPs. Emphasis was placed on frontline provider (resident physicians) involvement in the improvement process, creating standards, and error proofing. Root cause analysis identified several key drivers of the problem, and successive countermeasures were implemented beginning in August 2013 aimed at achieving the target of 80% attempted verbal communication within seven days before or after (usually 24-48 hours) on the pediatric medical services. Run charts were generated tracking the outcome of PCP communication.On the pediatric medical services, the goal of 80% communication was met and sustained during a seven-month period starting October 2013, a statistically significant improvement. In the eight months prior to October 2013, hospitalwide PCP communication prior to discharge averaged 59.1% (n = 5,397) and improved to 76.7% (n = 4,870) in the seven months after (p <0.001). Fifteen of 19 specialty services had a significant increase in discharge communication after October 2013.Lean improvement methodology (including structured problem solving using A3 thinking), intensive frontline provider involvement, and process-oriented electronic health record work flow redesign led to increased verbal PCP communication at around the time of a patient's discharge.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jcjq.2016.11.005

  View details for PubMedID 28334566

• Designing An Individualized EHR Learning Plan For Providers APPLIED CLINICAL INFORMATICS Stevens, L. A., DiAngi, Y. T., Schremp, J. D., Martorana, M. J., Miller, R. E., Lee, T. C., Pageler, N. M. 2017; 8 (3): 924–35

  View details for DOI 10.4338/040054

  View details for Web of Science ID 000413010400013

• Safety Analysis of Proposed Data-Driven Physiologic Alarm Parameters for Hospitalized Children JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL MEDICINE Goel, V. V., Poole, S. F., Longhurst, C. A., Platchek, T. S., Pageler, N. M., Sharek, P. J., Palma, J. P. 2016; 11 (12): 817-823

  Abstract

  Modification of alarm limits is one approach to mitigating alarm fatigue. We aimed to create and validate heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) percentiles for hospitalized children, and analyze the safety of replacing current vital sign reference ranges with proposed data-driven, age-stratified 5th and 95th percentile values.In this retrospective cross-sectional study, nurse-charted HR and RR data from a training set of 7202 hospitalized children were used to develop percentile tables. We compared 5th and 95th percentile values with currently accepted reference ranges in a validation set of 2287 patients. We analyzed 148 rapid response team (RRT) and cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) events over a 12-month period, using HR and RR values in the 12 hours prior to the event, to determine the proportion of patients with out-of-range vitals based upon reference versus data-driven limits.There were 24,045 (55.6%) fewer out-of-range measurements using data-driven vital sign limits. Overall, 144/148 RRT and CRA patients had out-of-range HR or RR values preceding the event using current limits, and 138/148 were abnormal using data-driven limits. Chart review of RRT and CRA patients with abnormal HR and RR per current limits considered normal by data-driven limits revealed that clinical status change was identified by other vital sign abnormalities or clinical context.A large proportion of vital signs in hospitalized children are outside presently used norms. Safety evaluation of data-driven limits suggests they are as safe as those currently used. Implementation of these parameters in physiologic monitors may mitigate alarm fatigue. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;11:817-823. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/jhm.2635

  View details for Web of Science ID 000389420100001

  View details for PubMedID 27411896

• A rational approach to legacy data validation when transitioning between electronic health record systems. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association Pageler, N. M., Grazier G'Sell, M. J., Chandler, W., Mailes, E., Yang, C., Longhurst, C. A. 2016; 23 (5): 991-994

  Abstract

  The objective of this project was to use statistical techniques to determine the completeness and accuracy of data migrated during electronic health record conversion.Data validation during migration consists of mapped record testing and validation of a sample of the data for completeness and accuracy. We statistically determined a randomized sample size for each data type based on the desired confidence level and error limits.The only error identified in the post go-live period was a failure to migrate some clinical notes, which was unrelated to the validation process. No errors in the migrated data were found during the 12- month post-implementation period.Compared to the typical industry approach, we have demonstrated that a statistical approach to sampling size for data validation can ensure consistent confidence levels while maximizing efficiency of the validation process during a major electronic health record conversion.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/jamia/ocv173

  View details for PubMedID 26977100

• Implementation of Data Drive Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate parameters on a Pediatric Acute Care Unit. Studies in health technology and informatics Goel, V., Poole, S., Kipps, A., Palma, J., Platchek, T., Pageler, N., Longhurst, C., Sharek, P. 2015; 216: 918-?

  Abstract

  The majority of hospital physiologic monitor alarms are not clinically actionable and contribute to alarm fatigue. In 2014, The Joint Commission declared alarm safety as a National Patient Safety Goal and urged prompt action by hospitals to mitigate the issue [1]. It has been demonstrated that vital signs in hospitalized children are quite different from currently accepted reference ranges [2]. Implementation of data-driven, age stratified vital sign parameters (Table 1) for alarms in this patient population could reduce alarm frequency.

  View details for PubMedID 26262220

• Implementation of Data Driven Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate Parameters on a Pediatric Acute Care Unit Goel, V., Poole, S., Kipps, A., Palma, J., Platchek, T., Pageler, N., Longhusrt, C., Sharek, P., Sarkar, I. N., Georgiou, A., Marques, P. M. IOS PRESS. 2015: 918

  View details for DOI 10.3233/978-1-61499-564-7-918

  View details for Web of Science ID 000455836700222

• Propylene glycol toxicity in children. The journal of pediatric pharmacology and therapeutics : JPPT : the official journal of PPAG Lim, T. Y., Poole, R. L., Pageler, N. M. 2014; 19 (4): 277-282

  Abstract

  Propylene glycol (PG) is a commonly used solvent for oral, intravenous, and topical pharmaceutical agents. Although PG is generally considered safe, when used in high doses or for prolonged periods, PG toxicity can occur. Reported adverse effects from PG include central nervous system (CNS) toxicity, hyperosmolarity, hemolysis, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, agitation, and lactic acidosis. Patients at risk for toxicity include infants, those with renal or hepatic insuficiency, epilepsy, and burn patients receiving extensive dermal applications of PG containing products. Laboratory monitoring of PG levels, osmolarity, lactate, pyruvate, bicarbonate, creatinine, and anion gap can assist practitioners in making the diagnosis of PG toxicity. Numerous studies and case reports have been published on PG toxicity in adults. However, very few have been reported in pediatric patient populations. A review of the literature is presented.

  View details for DOI 10.5863/1551-6776-19.4.277

  View details for PubMedID 25762872

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4341412

• Severe lactic acidosis and multiorgan failure due to thiamine deficiency during total parenteral nutrition. BMJ case reports Ramsi, M., Mowbray, C., Hartman, G., Pageler, N. 2014; 2014

  Abstract

  A 16-year-old perioperative paediatric patient presented with refractory lactic acidosis and multiorgan failure due to thiamine-deficient total parenteral nutrition during a recent national multivitamin shortage. Urgent empiric administration of intravenous thiamine resulted in prompt recovery from this life-threatening condition. Despite readily available treatment, a high index of suspicion is required to prevent cardiovascular collapse and mortality.

  View details for DOI 10.1136/bcr-2014-205264

  View details for PubMedID 24895398

• In reply. Academic medicine Tierney, M. J., Longhurst, C. A., Pageler, N. M. 2013; 88 (12): 1790-1791

  View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0000000000000034

  View details for PubMedID 24280794

• Significant Toxicity in a Young Female After Low-Dose Tricyclic Antidepressant Ingestion PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE Grover, C. A., Flaherty, B., Lung, D., Pageler, N. M. 2012; 28 (10): 1066-1069

  Abstract

  Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) ingestions are a relatively common pediatric ingestion, with significant potential for both cardiac and neurological toxicity. Previous studies on pediatric TCA ingestions have found the threshold of toxicity to be 5 mg/kg.We report a case of an 8-year-old girl who presented to the emergency department with depressed mental status and seizure-like movements. An extensive workup was pursued to evaluate the cause of her mental status, which only revealed a positive urine toxicology screen for TCA. Quantified serum levels of amitriptyline were 121 ng/mL (therapeutic range, 50-300 ng/mL) and nortriptyline were 79 ng/mL (therapeutic range 70-170 ng/mL), 18 hours after onset of symptoms. Subsequent history obtained after her mental status returned to normal revealed that she had ingested amitriptyline at a dose of 0.8 mg/kg.Tricyclic antidepressant ingestion has a high potential for toxicity in pediatric patients. This case suggests, contrary to previous literature, that toxicity may occur even with small doses.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/PEC.0b013e31826cebfb

  View details for Web of Science ID 000309656900025

  View details for PubMedID 23034495

• Making pediatrics residency programs family friendly: Views along the professional educational continuum JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS Sectish, T. C., Rosenberg, A. R., Pageler, N. M., Chamberlain, L. J., Burgos, A., Stuart, E. 2006; 149 (1): 1-2

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jpeds.2006.06.006

  View details for Web of Science ID 000239352000001

  View details for PubMedID 16860111

• Heart rate correlates of attachment status in young mothers and their infants JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY Zelenko, M., Kraemer, H., Huffman, L., Gschwendt, M., Pageler, N., Steiner, H. 2005; 44 (5): 470-476

  Abstract

  To explore heart rate (HR) correlates of attachment behavior in young mothers and their infants to generate specific hypotheses and to provide pilot data on which studies to test those hypotheses might be based.Using the strange situation procedure, patterns of attachment were assessed in 41 low-income adolescent mothers and their infants. During the procedure, the HRs of the infants and mothers were recorded. The HR changes were analyzed and infant attachment group differences were examined.Infants in all attachment groups demonstrated a similar HR response. There were, however, notably different behavioral reactions in the insecure groups: relatively increased behavioral distress in the insecure/resistant infants and relatively decreased behavioral distress in insecure-avoidant infants. Mothers of insecure-resistant infants demonstrated elevated HRs during reunions and the insecure/resistant dyads demonstrated lower consistency between HR changes in infant and mother than the secure dyads.The results suggest the discrepancy between attachment-related behavioral reactions and HR response in insecurely attached infants. Maternal and dyadic HR changes vary between the attachment groups.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/01.chi.0000157325.10232.b1

  View details for PubMedID 15843769

• Effect of head orientation on gaze processing in fusiform gyrus and superior temporal sulcus NEUROIMAGE Pageler, N. M., Menon, V., Merin, N. M., Eliez, S., Brown, W. E., Reiss, A. L. 2003; 20 (1): 318-329

  Abstract

  We used functional MRI with an event-related design to dissociate the brain activation in the fusiform gyrus (FG) and posterior superior temporal sulcus (STS) for multiple face and gaze orientations. The event-related design allowed for concurrent behavioral analysis, which revealed a significant effect of both head and gaze orientation on the speed of gaze processing, with the face and gaze forward condition showing the fastest reaction times. In conjunction with this behavioral finding, the FG responded with the greatest activation to face and gaze forward, perhaps reflecting the unambiguous social salience of congruent face and gaze directed toward the viewer. Random effects analysis showed greater activation in both the FG and posterior STS when the subjects viewed a direct face compared to an angled face, regardless of gaze direction. Additionally, the FG showed greater activation for forward gaze compared to angled gaze, but only when the face was forward. Together, these findings suggest that head orientation has a significant effect on gaze processing and these effects are manifest not only in the STS, but also the FG.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/S1053-8119(03)00229-5

  View details for Web of Science ID 000185746400028

  View details for PubMedID 14527592