Date of Award

Spring 2024

Project Type

Clinical Doctorate

Department

CHHS

Program or Major

Nursing

First Advisor

Clarissa Michalak

Abstract

While they are more common in patients with oncological disease and trauma, SCE still exist among patients without these comorbidities. Less has been established regarding care protocols in this population. The absence of standardized procedures has been linked to preventable, adverse patient outcomes, including cases of permanent damage due to delayed treatment. This project employs Lean Six Sigma methodologies and Johns Hopkins Evidence- Based Practice to devise a robust SCE protocol, aimed at standardizing care and improving patient outcomes. A multidisciplinary team including general medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, and neuroradiology developed “Spinal Emergency Management Guidelines” protocol, which was implemented within the hospital's advanced practice settings with concurrent educational initiatives. The SCE protocol represents a significant advance in the management of spinal emergencies, underscoring the critical importance of standardized care pathways in acute medical settings.

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