YNHHS to improve fecal management care, safety

Thanks to ongoing improvement efforts, Yale New Haven Health successfully reduced infections and other complications from urinary catheters and the central lines placed in patients to appropriately manage their care.

Now the health system is focusing on reducing complications associated with rectal tubes that can lead to additional treatment and longer lengths of stay. A team comprising staff from different roles and delivery networks has developed an approach that standardizes the use of rectal tubes. Scheduled to launch in January, the approach includes a Care Signature Pathway with guidance on choosing and using the correct devices and identifying treatment options. 

The new approach also includes optimized ordering and criteria for placing, maintaining and removing devices. Cory Walka, RN, clinical outcomes leader, Surgical ICU, and Michelle Hughes, MD, medical chief of Quality and Safety, Digestive Health, are project chairs. Carolyn Haight, RN, Digestive Health administrator for quality and safety, is the project facilitator. Watch for more information, including education on the new processes, in the coming weeks.