Development and validation of a sepsis risk index supporting early identification of ICU-acquired sepsis: an observational study.

Background: Sepsis is a threat to global health, and domestically is the major cause of in-hospital mortality. Due to increases in inpatient morbidity and mortality resulting from sepsis, healthcare providers (HCPs) would accrue significant benefits from identifying the syndrome early and treating it promptly and effectively. Prompt and effective detection, diagnosis, and treatment of sepsis requires frequent monitoring and assessment of patient vital signs and other relevant data present in the electronic health record.

Concurrent Nephrotoxicity and Neurotoxicity Induced by Oral Valacyclovir in a Patient With Previously Normal Kidney Function.

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity are commonly encountered problems in clinical practice. We describe a case of concurrent valacyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity in a 64-year-old man with no history of renal disease who developed acute renal injury and neurological symptoms after he received two weeks of the standard dose of oral valacyclovir for herpes zoster meningitis. His clinical condition improved significantly after the initiation of hemodialysis.

Academic-Practice Partnerships: Building a sustainable model for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) projects.

Background: DNP programs should follow the Academic-Practice Partnership guiding principles developed by the AACN-AONE Task Force of Academic Practice Partnerships (2012) to support students educational and practice experiences. This paper outlines the collaboration between a college of nursing (CON) and academic medical center in establishing a formal process for identification and vetting of student DNP projects.

Methods: A collaborative committee called DNP Project Oversight Committee (DNPPOC) was formed.

Implementing a Heart Failure Transition Program to Reduce 30-Day Readmissions.

Background: Thirty-day readmissions for heart failure (HF) patients are often considered avoidable and linked to inadequate treatment and poor coordination of services and discharge plans.

Problem: Lack of coordinated transitional care services and high 30-day readmissions prompted the interdisciplinary team to develop an HF Transition Program (HFTP).

Methods: This quality improvement initiative used monthly trend data before and after HFTP implementation.