Ambulatory care settings face significant challenges in ensuring patient safety, particularly concerning the timely follow-up of test results. Delays or failures in this process can lead to missed or delayed diagnoses, negatively impacting patient outcomes and increasing the risk of medical malpractice claims. Recognizing the complexity of test result follow-up, an environmental scan was conducted at an academic medical center to investigate the safety culture surrounding this critical aspect of ambulatory care. This report highlights the findings of this scan and its implications for improving patient safety.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the test result follow-up safety culture, the environmental scan employed a multifaceted approach, utilizing five distinct data sources. These included two national surveys—the AHRQ MO SOPS for safety culture and the CG-CAHPS for patient satisfaction—providing benchmarks for comparison. Additionally, patient and family complaints, safety reports filed within the institution, and provider response times to test result messages within the electronic health record were analyzed. This combination of qualitative and quantitative data offered a rounded perspective on the existing safety culture.
The analysis focused on several key metrics. Patient and provider perceptions of timely test result provision were evaluated alongside patient satisfaction levels in relation to provider response times. A statistically significant correlation was found: as provider response times to test result messages decreased, patient satisfaction increased (p = 0.0073). Furthermore, qualitative themes emerging from patient complaints and safety reports were examined to identify recurring issues and areas for improvement within specific clinics. Comparison against national survey benchmarks provided context and highlighted areas where the institution excelled or lagged in patient safety culture.
In conclusion, this environmental scan demonstrates the effectiveness of using diverse data sources to thoroughly investigate test result follow-up culture in ambulatory care. By leveraging patient satisfaction surveys, staff culture assessments, and operational data, a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of follow-up processes was achieved. The insights gained from this Ambulatory Care Patient Safety Environmental Scan Report can be used to develop targeted interventions aimed at improving test result follow-up systems, ultimately enhancing patient safety and the quality of care within ambulatory settings. Further exploration of these data sources can pave the way for identifying and implementing effective solutions to ensure timely and appropriate test result follow-up.
