UpToDateConverting care to currency

Jane SurteesClinical Librarian

MLA’13 Boston, MA

Time saved;

Referrals to another department;

Tests avoided;

Length of stay.

The impact of UpToDate on:

UTD trial from February to end May 2011 Extremely positive response n=117 Whole library team involved in promotion Bid for funding Received two years subscription from

charitable funds Required to show sustainability

Background

SmartSurvey >August 2011 Responses as of March 2013 n=113 Staff groups represented were mainly Consultants, with nursing staff, and scientists, tech and pharmacy being the next largest groups

Evaluation Study

Aug-1

1

Sep-

11

Oct-1

1

Nov-1

1

Dec-1

1

Jan-

12

Feb-

12

Mar-1

2

Apr-1

2

May-1

2

Jun-

12

Jul-1

2

Aug-1

2

Sep-

12

Oct-1

2

Nov-1

2

Dec-1

2

Jan-

13

Feb-

13

Mar-1

30

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Total Number of Topic Hits Per Calendar Month

Month

Num

ber

of

hit

s

• Imaging tests avoided• CT scans• Blood, Repeat CXR, CT scans• Repeat G6PD screen and assays• CT and MR

• Average estimated length of stay reduction of 3.1 days

• Some respondents pointed out that the question wasn’t relevant due to patient being an outpatient or that the patients’ admission was avoided.

• Average time saved 3.9 hours• Most cited around 2-3 hours being saved

Identified referrals avoided to:• Hepatology• Rheumatology• Haematology• Neurology/Regional neurology centre• Chemotherapy

‘Other’ decisions influenced:• Education• Prevention• Guidelines• CPD• Prognosis

Comments

Undeniable cost saving to be made – especially in time; LOS reduced

Strong argument for potential avoidance of costly litigation

Evidence from clinicians that referrals and tests ARE being avoided

Used by unexpected areas – Pharmacy High popularity for use in teaching and CPD and

therefore reinforce EBM Shows greatest asset in high pressure areas such

as A&E and filters to rest of hospital – MAU & SAU Popular for use on ward rounds

Conclusions

Thank you for listening!

Any questions......?

Contact information:janesurtees@gmail.com or jane.surtees@kellogg.ox.ac.uk