ECRI Develops Web-Based Assessment Tool Targeting Bariatric SurgeryPLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Feb. 27, 2004 -- Morbid obesity, also known as clinically severe obesity, is a major health risk throughout the developed world. It ranks behind smoking as the second most preventable disease causing death. Approximately 300,000 Americans die each year from obesity-related conditions. In the past decade, the number of bariatric procedures performed in the U.S. has increased dramatically, from 16,000 in 1992 to 47,000 in 2001. Bariatric surgery centers are becoming more and more prevalent. Some experts predict that within 10 years, bariatric surgery will be the most common operation performed in general surgery. Hospitals and health systems are also opening inpatient and hospital-based ambulatory bariatric centers to accommodate the needs of morbidly obese patients. As part of its INsight(TM) suite of proactive risk assessment services, ECRI has developed a Web-based tool to help organizations identify strengths and weaknesses in their approach to bariatric surgery. This confidential, rapid-assessment tool probes topic areas such as clinical policies and procedures; special equipment needs; staffing; credentialing; governance; facility safety and security; documentation, and infection control. The standards-based, evidence-driven tool incorporates guidelines from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Society of Bariatric Surgery, American College of Surgeons, the CDC, FDA, Institute of Medicine, and others. The information captured in INsight reports helps facilities develop and enhance policies, allocate resources, perform forecasting, and set priorities. The goal of the INsight assessment tool is to provide an independent assessment of perceptions related to patient safety and risk management practices. The Bariatric Surgery Survey allows participating facilities to identify potential areas of exposure and areas requiring performance improvement, collates data from various job functions (e.g., administration, nurse managers, infection control personnel, risk managers, anesthesiologists, physicians, psychiatrists, dieticians), and provides internal and external benchmarking reports to measure organizational improvement over time. "Upon completion of the survey, participants receive standard and customized reports that target areas for improvement and prioritization," says Lori C. Rowley, J.D., ECRI's INsight program director. "By capturing and comparing multidisciplinary perspectives - from personnel such as administrators, patient safety officers, nurses, and physicians - the organization will achieve a far broader and more accurate understanding of systemic problems," Rowley adds. "There are many instances where senior administrators suspect potential areas of weaknesses within their bariatric surgery programs and are looking for internal and/or external validation of their hunches," comments Janine Gesek, R.N., M.S.N., program director of risk management services at ECRI. "INsight may serve as your organization's external validation tool and help to further pinpoint or isolate areas requiring further attention, such as staff education/training or specialized human resources and capital equipment needs." INsight surveys are available to all interested healthcare facilities, insurance companies, health systems and plans, and consulting firms on a fee-for-project basis. Health systems in particular can benefit from INsight by tapping into its real-time reporting capabilities and comparison data among and across facilities. INsight surveys can be accessed from any computer with Internet access, and all Web-based services are secure, anonymous, and password protected. No identifying data is disclosed or disseminated by ECRI to third parties. Other INsight surveys currently available address the Emergency Department, Medication Safety, Obstetrics Services, and Physician Office Practices. INsight surveys are also being developed to focus on Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopedics, Surgical Services, Long-Term Care, and Neurosciences. INsight can also be adapted to develop an automated, customized survey specific to your needs. Contact ECRI for more information. To learn more about INsight, visit ECRI's Web site at http://www.ecri.org/Insight where you will find a detailed slide presentation and pricing information for a variety of purchasing options. The site also includes exclusive excerpts from a sample comprehensive INsight report, which comprises a comparative analysis, applicable standards, and recommendations by key areas. For more than 35 years, ECRI, a nonprofit health services research agency, has provided objective, independent guidance on patient safety as well as healthcare risk and quality management. ECRI is designated a Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization for patient safety, risk management, and health technology and an Evidence-based Practice Center by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. For more information about the INsight Bariatric Surgery Survey or any of the other available or upcoming INsight surveys, contact Sharon Murphy by telephone at +1 (610) 825-6000, ext. 5145; by e-mail at smurphy@ecri.org; by mail at ECRI, 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298, USA; or by fax at +1 (610) 834-1275. SOURCE ECRI Web Site: http://www.ecri.org http://www.ecri.org/Insight |