Multi-modal Pain Control Protocol Decreases Narcotic Consumption in an Inpatient Trauma Population.

Introduction: Opioid use after surgery or trauma has been implicated as a contributing factor to opioid dependence. The Acute Care Surgery (ACS) service at our community-based trauma center instituted an opioid-minimizing, multi-modal pain control (MMPC) protocol. The classes of pain medication included a non-opioid analgesic, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, a gabapentinoid, a skeletal muscle relaxant, and a topical anesthetic.

Safety and Outcome of Intracranial Pressure Monitor Placement Performed by Trauma Critical Care Surgeons.

Introduction: The Brain Trauma Foundation advises intracranial pressure monitor placement (ICPM) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≤8 and an abnormal head computed tomographic scan (CT) finding. Prior studies demonstrated that ICPMs could be placed by non-neurosurgeons. We hypothesized that ICPM placement by trauma critical care surgeons (TCCS) would increase appropriate utilization (AU), decrease time to placement (TTP), and have equivalent complications to those placed by neurosurgeons.

Monitoring and feedback of hand hygiene compliance and the impact on facility-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

In 2006, we began monitoring hand hygiene compliance by direct observation. In 2006, with no changes in the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) control program, a 38% reduction of facility-acquired rates for this organism was realized. These results indicate that focused monitoring of hand hygiene can reduce facility-acquired rates of MRSA.

Impact of implementing a method of feedback and accountability related to contact precautions compliance.

Background: In January 2002, Infection control professionals for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System held a planning retreat focused on patient safety. The main challenge discussed was the control of antibiotic-resistant organisms. Rounds on the patient care units had revealed compliance issues with the current isolation procedures.