RWJBarnabus reduces patient mortality by 20%

RWJBarnabas Health decreased patient deaths by 20% in the past two years after implementing a deterioration index and sepsis alert into its electronic health record. The deterioration index is an artificial intelligence-based tool that analyzes a patient’s vital signs, history, physical exam and laboratory results to predict whether a patient is likely to die. A rapid response team, comprised of a physician or advanced practice provider and a nurse, then intervenes. The West Orange, N.J.-based system uses an EHR tool to scan patient data to determine whether sepsis is likely present, triggering a care team intervention. RWJBarnabus also launched a mortality review process to learn from patient deaths. (HealthLeaders Media article, 6/11/24)