Key to the clinical guideline is a standardized initial risk assessment based on age, history, co-existing illnesses, and physical and laboratory abnormalities. Pneumonia patients, with less than two risk factors were recommended for outpatient oral antibiotic treatment. Those with two or more risk factors were evaluated for hospital admission or outpatient treatment with additional therapy. The practice guideline was developed by combining local practices with American Thoracic Society recommendations. Caregivers reviewed local data, user suggestions, and newly published information on a monthly basis in an effort to gain acceptance among primary care physicians, who deliver the majority of pneumonia care, says Dr. Bateman of HealthInsight.
Similar efforts are underway at non-IHC hospitals in Utah and other states.
Medicare quality improvement organizations like HealthInsight, are working throughout the United States to similarly improve care of pneumonia patients. Cost of care was reduced by more than 50 percent, while trends towards improvement in clinical outcomes were observed. The earlier study involved a younger group of mostly outpatients. IHC is a charitable, community-owned, nonprofit health care organization based in Salt Lake City that serves the health needs of Utah and Idaho residents. The IHC system includes health insurance plans, hospitals, clinics, and affiliated physicians.