Reducing Unnecessary Telemetry Monitoring: An SHM Choosing Wisely Quality Improvement Implementation Module

Fewer beeps can mean better care when telemetry outside the ICU is used intentionally. In this professional module, review the evidence and AHA/Choosing Wisely guidance, understand why telemetry isn’t a stand‑in for close observation, and apply clear indications and durations across teams. Implement executive‑supported, multidisciplinary changes—EHR order sets with time limits, targeted reviews, durable education—and track impact with SPC and PDSA to cut waste while protecting safety and flow.

Create Account

Availability

On-Demand

Expires on Sep 30, 2027

Cost

$0.00

Credit Offered

1 CME Credit

1 Participation Credit

Overview
Faculty
Accreditation
Recommended

Learning Objectives
After completing this activity, learners should be able to:

Review the guideline recommendations and the literature supporting the harms, benefits, and proper utilization of telemetry monitoring.
Understand why Choosing Wisely recommends not ordering telemetry outside the ICU without using a protocol to govern continuation.
Why successful projects like this must target not only physician ordering behavior, but also hospital processes and departments that influence the targeted measure.
That physicians will choose wisely when you make it easy to do the right thing.
Why a successful project must be a multidisciplinary effort.
Telemetry is not a proxy for closely monitoring a patient.
Inappropriate telemetry use can contribute to well recognized patient harms.
Overuse of telemetry can increase costs, and length of stay and decrease patient satisfaction.
Hospitalists are in a unique position to improve this quality of care issue.

Faculty

Sheryl Williams, MD, FACP, SFHM, MS-HQSM
- Dr. Williams reports receiving honoraria from Pfizer Inc.
Ian Jenkins, MD, SFHM

Faculty Disclosures
The individuals in control of content for this activity have no relevant relationships with ACCME-defined ineligible companies to disclose unless listed here. Any relevant relationships were mitigated prior to the start of this activity.

Accreditation Statement
The Society of Hospital Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME Credit Statement
The Society of Hospital Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)^TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Choosing Wisely: Implementing Quality Improvement Projects addressing Choosing Wisely Topics

What if your next QI project measurably cut waste while elevating care? This two-course bundle equips hospital teams to lead Choosing Wisely initiatives in high‑intensity inpatient settings, helping you apply evidence, prioritize low‑value practices, and implement practical changes. Design aims, measure impact, and reduce overuse to improve outcomes, access, and value across your organization.

Multiple Credits

Free

HQPS Transitions of Care Series

Handshakes between settings shouldn’t be guesswork. This three‑course bundle helps clinicians master in‑, out‑, and within‑hospital transitions, build reliable standard work, implement evidence‑based steps, and apply practical tools to ensure continuity from admission through home. With clear strategies and real‑world tactics, reduce variability, strengthen teamwork, and improve patient outcomes.

Multiple Credits

Free

Transitions of Care: From the Outside Coming In

Bottlenecks at the front door shouldn’t decide patient fate. In this case‑driven course, hospitalists and admitting leaders identify safe direct admissions, recognize red flags for ED transfer, and apply structured handoffs and transfer checks. You’ll design centralized intake hubs and rapid admission pathways that bypass the ED when appropriate, implement clear acceptance roles without preassigning disposition, and reduce repeats, speed throughput, and elevate satisfaction.

Multiple Credits

Free

Transfusing Wisely - Implementing a Transfusion Quality Improvement Project: An SHM Choosing Wisely Quality Improvement Implementation Module

Rethink transfusion as a high-value therapy, not a reflex. In this SHM Choosing Wisely implementation module, you will prepare to lead a stewardship initiative that applies restrictive, symptom-guided practice, translates landmark evidence, and builds a compelling business case. Implement a practical QI roadmap with smart order sets and decision support, recognize real harms, and leave ready to deliver safer care and sustained savings.

Multiple Credits

Free

Transitions of Care: Out of the Hospital

Bedside goodbyes shape what happens next. In this practice‑ready course, hospitalists design plain‑language discharge plans with patients and families, apply teach‑back, schedule early follow‑ups, and identify home supports while reconciling meds from a best‑possible history. Implement standardized handoffs, recognize SNF pitfalls, embed daily mobility, and master scalable models like hospital‑at‑home and tele‑follow‑up to sustain recovery and cut readmissions.

Multiple Credits

Free

Neurosurgery for the Hospitalist

When seconds count, hospitalists synthesize neurosurgical know-how to act decisively. In this interactive, CME-accredited module, you will summarize SAH, brain herniation, and cord compression; manage perfusion targets with nimodipine to curb delayed ischemia; differentiate SIADH from cerebral salt wasting while managing DI; describe shunt function and malfunctions; recommend anticoagulant reversal and VTE prophylaxis; and select hypertonic saline, mannitol, or dexamethasone to improve outcomes.

Multiple Credits

$0.00 - $95.00

Transitions of Care: Intra-Service Transitions

Between shifts, patients deserve seamless care. In this practice‑focused course, clinicians design and test standard work for intra‑service handoffs—clarifying roles, sequences, timing, and outcomes. You will identify the sickest first, practice interactive read‑backs, and pair crisp sign‑outs with EHR‑integrated templates. Apply I‑PASS and SBAR, recognize system supports like overlap and quiet zones, and elevate team reliability to reduce harm and frustration.

Multiple Credits

Free

Perioperative Infections and Fever

Fever after surgery isn’t a mystery—it’s a clock. In this case-driven course, apply a time-based lens and the W’s mnemonic to recognize, diagnose, and treat postoperative etiologies while strengthening HAP/VAP, CAUTI, and central-line infection management. Culture before antibiotics, assess resistance risk, de‑escalate thoughtfully, prevent catheter harm, manage Candida with confidence, activate sepsis bundles, and return patients to recovery faster.

Multiple Credits

$0.00 - $95.00