Improvement in Oxygenation Assessment

Summary: Oxygenation Assessment was added as a 5th vital sign for all admissions. In order to improve compliance new vital sign machines were purchased. The new machines have Oxygenation Assessment capabilities. To offset the cost of the new machines, a request was made to the auxiliary. They graciously purchased at least one machine for each nursing unit. Education was completed on the use and the purpose of the new machines. The education process emphasized the importance of oxygenation assessment. Compliance data is posted on each unit quarterly. Case Management reviews all pneumonia admissions for documentation of the assessment.

Organization: Arkansas Methodist Medical Center

Overview

Education was completed in the Emergency Department with emphasis in the triage area. The ED initiated a unit study/improvment project on compliance.

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Implementation

What - Oxygenation Assessment was added as a 5th vital sign for all admissions. How - This was completed through education and suppling the appropriate tools for the staff to complete their jobs without hassle.

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Evaluation

The evaluation process continues through documentation of core measures for CMS and Joint Commission. 100% of pneumonia charts are reviewed on admission for documentation of the assessment.

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Results

Arkansas Methodist Medical Center had very poor compliance with oxygenation assessment. The lowest compliance was 28.6%. After education and the purchase of the new equipment the compliance rate began to improve. 100% compliance was achieved and has been maintained March 2005.

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Benefit

The hospital auxiliary helped to offset the cost of the new equipment.

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