Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
5-1-2019
Institution/Department
Surgery
MeSH Headings
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome
Abstract
Introduction:
As defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC, 2018), Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rapidly progressive, rare, transmissible, and fatal illness. Miscoiling of healthy proteins caused by an abnormal isoform of cellular glycoprotein resulting in protein folding has been found to be the molecular mechanism during the pathological process of this malady (Figure 1), (Castle, Gill, 2017). The current problem is that few recommendations are available for organizations to consider how to manage potential CJD patient cases, and institutions are left to compile and develop their own guidelines and/or protocols for clinical practice. The standards of care for this rare disease in healthcare are evolving quickly and are often forged from experiences (Thomas et. al. , 2013). This poster displays a quality improvement project and synthetizes the process and experiences of how one organization transformed and optimized CJD prevention strategies. A pathway was developed that enhances patient identification, promotes multidirectional coordination, utilizes communication tools, and supports interprofessional debriefings, resulting in harmonized CJD patient care.
Recommended Citation
Adams Atkinson, Jessica Mary and Orff, Sonja Carol, "Prions to Pathways: Safeguarding Against Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in the Operating Room" (2019). Maine Medical Center. 704.
https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/mmc/704
Comments
Lambre Research Retreat
Acknowledgements:
Jeffrey E. Florman, MD, Physician, MMP Neuro & Spine-Neurosurgery Eira Kristiina Hyrkas, PhD, LicNSc, MNSc, RN, Director, Center for Nursing Research and Quality Outcomes, MMC