22750773

PMC4518392

CC999999/Intramural CDC HHS/United States

CDC Public Access

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of automatic notification methods and consider evidence-based recommendations for best practices in improving the timeliness and accuracy of critical value reporting.

Results

196 bibliographic records were identified, with nine meeting review inclusion criteria. Four studies examined automated notification systems and five assessed call center performance. Average improvement from implementing automated notification systems is d = 0.42 (95% CI = 0.2 – 0.62) while the average odds ratio for call centers is OR = 22.1 (95% CI = 17.1 – 28.6).

Conclusions

The evidence, though suggestive, is not sufficient to make a recommendation for or against using automated notification systems as a best practice to improve the timeliness and accuracy of critical value reporting in an in-patient care setting. Call centers, however, are effective in improving the timeliness and accuracy of critical value reporting in an in-patient care setting, and are recommended as an “evidence-based best practice.”