Evaluation of the effects of weaning diets on Escherichia coli O157 shedding, body weight, and fecal bacterial communities in beef calves.

Cattle are considered to be one of the primary reservoirs of Escherichia coli O157. In this study, the effects of weaning diets on E. coli O157 shedding, body weight, and fecal bacterial communities in beef calves were evaluated.

CFOs and quality managers: bridging the disconnect.

A survey of hospitals to assess the impact of selected organizational factors on achieving optimal patient outcomes found several barriers. To improve clinical and financial outcomes healthcare organizations should: Perform a self-assessment and discuss different perspectives and perceptions among stakeholders. Redesign structures and processes that support multidisciplinary input and involvement.

Improved treatment of hospitalized coronary artery disease patients with the get with the guidelines program.

Adherence to evidence-based interventions for hospitalized cardiovascular disease patients is not optimal. This study assesses the impact of a national quality improvement program on adherence to guidelines in these patients. Data from 92 hospitals from across the United States participating in the Get With The Guidelines program for at least 1 year for 11 acute and secondary prevention measures from a preintervention baseline period and the subsequent 4 quarters of a quality improvement intervention were analyzed.

The wearing of compression hosiery for leg problems other than leg ulcers.

Many people have leg problems other than ulceration. Practitioners from one primary care trust in Suffolk considered nursing assessment of these patients and the fitting of prescribed compression hosiery where appropriate as a health promotion initiative. However, ongoing assessment adds to heavy clinical demands on community practitioners.

Aligning financial incentives with "Get With The Guidelines" to improve cardiovascular care.

Objective: To describe the impact of a commercial insurer's financial incentives to hospitals in conjunction with collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA) to accelerate implementation of Get With The Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease (GWTG-CAD), a quality improvement program to rapidly improve cardiovascular secondary prevention in hospitalized patients.

Study Design: Observational assessment of quality improvement program participation and implementation in response to financial incentives.

Methods: The study population included all hospitals that participated with the Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Hawaii) Hospital Quality and Service Recognition Program and had more than 30 annual admissions for acute coronary artery disease.

A collaborative model for hospital-based cardiovascular secondary prevention.

This article presents a collaborative model for hospital-based cardiovascular secondary prevention. The model employs a stake holder consortium to provide hospitals with a unified approach to improve care and conform to regulatory requirements. Hospital teams use a Web-based tool that embeds data collection in the process of care and supports rapid cycle improvement.