Reducing Delays in Cardiac Treatment in the CDU: Advocating for RN Initiation of Vasoactive Drips
Disciplines
Nursing
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The current practice in the Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) is for patients to be transferred to a cardiovascular unit if they require a vasoactive drip medication. This protocol delays patient’s treatment, therefore putting them in further jeopardy for further complications. Short Stay Units (SSU) elsewhere have proved effective in reducing hospital and patient costs, lessening the chances for a medical error, decreased readmissions, and lessening the incidence for hospital acquired infections (HAI). The most common presentation to the hospital is chest pain, which justifies the need to qualify CDU nurses in maintaining vasoactive drips in the CDU so cardiovascular units are not overflowed with acutely ill patients. Would training and certifying CDU nurses on current practice for titrating vasoactive medications be effective in treating cardiac patients quicker and keeping cardiovascular units readily available for severely ill patients? Data has been composed from many retrospective analysis articles discussing either the advantages of a Short Stay Unit (SSU) or the risks and benefits of vasoactive drips. Expected results of this research are for the CDU to be more cost effective, nurses to have a firm understanding in maintaining vasoactive drip medications, and patients will be treated even more effectively and earlier.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WellStar School of Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Christie Emerson
Additional Faculty
Sena Able, Practicum Clinical Instructor, sable@kennesaw.edu
Reducing Delays in Cardiac Treatment in the CDU: Advocating for RN Initiation of Vasoactive Drips
The current practice in the Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) is for patients to be transferred to a cardiovascular unit if they require a vasoactive drip medication. This protocol delays patient’s treatment, therefore putting them in further jeopardy for further complications. Short Stay Units (SSU) elsewhere have proved effective in reducing hospital and patient costs, lessening the chances for a medical error, decreased readmissions, and lessening the incidence for hospital acquired infections (HAI). The most common presentation to the hospital is chest pain, which justifies the need to qualify CDU nurses in maintaining vasoactive drips in the CDU so cardiovascular units are not overflowed with acutely ill patients. Would training and certifying CDU nurses on current practice for titrating vasoactive medications be effective in treating cardiac patients quicker and keeping cardiovascular units readily available for severely ill patients? Data has been composed from many retrospective analysis articles discussing either the advantages of a Short Stay Unit (SSU) or the risks and benefits of vasoactive drips. Expected results of this research are for the CDU to be more cost effective, nurses to have a firm understanding in maintaining vasoactive drip medications, and patients will be treated even more effectively and earlier.