scholarly journals Use of point of care quality improvement methodology to improve newborn care, immediately after birth, at a tertiary care teaching hospital, in a resource constraint setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. e001445
Author(s):  
Ravi Sachan ◽  
Himsweta Srivastava ◽  
Sushil Srivastava ◽  
Sanjeeta Behera ◽  
Promilla Agrawal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Quality Improvement Initiative ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Observation Area ◽  
Breast Feed ◽  
Successful Change

After birth, separation of mothers and newborn is a common practice in many hospitals in our country. After delivery, we take the normal newborn to the radiant warmer in the resuscitation area for routine care. This was the existing process of care at our hospital. The frontline delivery team undertook quality improvement initiative to understand and document factors creating challenges in delivering evidence-based practice of providing immediate skin-to-skin care (SSC), delayed cord clamp (DCC) and early breast feeding within 1 hour of birth. Some of the barriers identified were early newborn mother separation and late transfer of mother from delivery room to the observation area. Additionally, there was a challenge of high delivery load with variation in understanding and provision of SSC and drying on mother’s abdomen. These made sustenance of improved care practices difficult. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) approach some successful change ideas tested were pre-delivery counselling, avoiding separation of mother and newborn at birth by providing SSC and continuing it in the post-delivery observation area and getting family member’s help in first breast feed. The delivery team adapted these successful change ideas by multiple iterations, group discussions and feedback. This resulted in improved and sustained compliance of pre-delivery counselling, SSC, DCC and initiating breast feed within 1 hour, from minimal compliance to a median compliance of 51%, 56%, 59% and 61%, respectively, over 36 months period. We undertook this quality improvement initiative at Delhi (India) at a tertiary care teaching hospital. The implementation of WHO recommended evidence-based practices benefitted more than 10 000 mother–newborn dyads annually over 2 years, using Point of Care Quality Improvement method. Implementation of evidence-based practice is possible in challenging situations using PDSA approach. The resultant contextualised processes are convenient and have better success at sustainability.

CLABSI reduction using evidence based interventions and nurse empowerment: a quality improvement initiative from a tertiary care NICU in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
pp. archdischild-2019-318779
Author(s):  
Ali Shabbir Hussain ◽  
Anjum Mohyuddin Ahmed ◽  
Saba Arbab ◽  
Shabina Ariff ◽  
Rehan Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Central Line ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Quality Improvement Initiative ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Nurse Empowerment

ObjectiveCentral line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We designed a CLABSI Prevention Package (CPP) to decrease NICU CLABSI rates, using evidence-proven interventions.DesignThis was a quality improvement (QI) project. Data collection was divided into three phases (pre-implementation, implementation and post implementation). SQUIRE2.0 guidelines were used to design, implement and report this QI initiative.SettingA tertiary care level 3 NICU at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, Pakistan.PatientsAll patients admitted to the AKUH NICU from 1 January 2016 to 31 March 2018 who had a central line in place during their NICU admission.InterventionsCPP used evidence-based interventions focusing on hand hygiene, aseptic central line insertion techniques and central line care, prevention of fungal infections and nurse empowerment.Main outcome measuresCLABSI rates pre and post intervention were recorded. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for CLABSI, device (central line) utilisation ratio, CLABSI related mortality and micro-organism profile.ResultsCLABSI rates decreased from 17.1/1000 device days to 5.0/1000 device days (relative risk (RR)=0.36, CI=0.17–0.74). Device (central line) utilisation ratio declined from 0.30 to 0.25. Out of 613 patients enrolled in our study, 139 (22.7%) died. Mortality was higher in CLABSI group (n=20, 44%) as compared with non CLABSI group (n=119, 21.1%) (p<0.001). Gestational age of <27 weeks was an independent risk factor for CLABSI (RR=4.45, CI=1.10–18.25, p=0.03). A total of 158 pathogens were isolated among which 68 were associated with CLABSI. Gram-negative bacteria 31 (47.7%) were the most common cause of CLABSI. Ninety-seven (61%) micro-organisms were multi-drug resistant.ConclusionsCPP was effective in decreasing NICU CLABSI rates and can be used as a model to decrease NICU CLABSI rates in low or middle-income countries.

scholarly journals Improving donor human milk collection in a hospital without a human milk bank: a quality improvement initiative at an urban tertiary-care teaching hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. e001467
Author(s):  
Reema Garegrat ◽  
Nandini Malshe ◽  
Pradeep Suryawanshi ◽  
Suprabha K Patnaik
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Human Milk ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Quality Improvement Initiative ◽  
Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital ◽  
Care Teaching ◽  
Donor Human Milk ◽  
Milk Bank ◽  
Human Milk Bank

Feed intolerance and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) are challenges while treating sick neonates. These can be reduced by giving human milk, but adequate availability of mother’s own milk or pasteurised donor human milk (PDHM) is a challenge in neonatal setups, like ours, without an attached human milk bank. Hence, this quality improvement initiative was taken to improve donor human milk collection in our urban tertiary-care teaching hospital, to at least 500 mL per week in 4 weeks. After analysing the problem, our quality improvement team identified a shortage of human milk donation that was due to low awareness among the stakeholders and lack of a system to collect and store human milk and transport it to a milk bank. The team first established a system of supplies needed for milk collection, storage and transportation. It then tested change idea of information, education and counselling to increase milk donation. The team carried out a few plan-do-study-act cycles (individual and group counsellings, and usage of videos and information leaflets) to test the change ideas and adapted a few and abandoned some. During this journey, the milk collection increased to above the target amount. Various challenges were addressed, and there was a need for constant motivation of the stakeholders, especially the mothers, and now there is sustained milk donation in the setup. This is incorporated in the standard operating procedure and as a quality indicator of the unit for sustaining the changes in the unit. Our initiative can be replicated in other setups for increasing collection of donor human milk. Greater PDHM availability for sick neonates will, in effect, reduce NEC and feeding intolerance rates, leading to reduced hospital stay, morbidity, mortality and economic burden.

Impact of a standardised parenteral nutrition protocol: a quality improvement experience from a NICU of a developing country

2021 ◽  
pp. archdischild-2021-321552
Author(s):  
Gul Ambreen ◽  
Vikram Kumar ◽  
Syed Rehan Ali ◽  
Uswa Jiwani ◽  
Waqar Khowaja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Parenteral Nutrition ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Preterm Neonates ◽  
Quality Improvement Initiative ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Z Scores

ObjectiveNutrition societies recommend using standardised parenteral nutrition (SPN) solutions. We designed evidence-based SPN formulations for neonates admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and evaluated their outcomes.DesignThis was a quality improvement initiative. Data were collected retrospectively before and after the intervention.SettingA tertiary-care level 3 NICU at the Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan.PatientsAll NICU patients who received individualised PN (IPN) from December 2016 to August 2017 and SPN from October 2017 to June 2018.InterventionsA team of neonatologists and nutrition pharmacists collaborated to design two evidence-based SPN solutions for preterm neonates admitted to the NICU.Main outcome measuresWe recorded mean weight gain velocity from days 7 to 14 of life. The other outcomes were change in weight expressed as z-scores, metabolic abnormalities, PN-associated liver disease (PNALD), length of NICU stay and episodes of sepsis during hospital stay.ResultsNeonates on SPN had greater rate of change in weight compared with IPN (β=13.40, 95% CI: 12.02 to 14.79) and a smaller decrease in z-scores (p<0.001). Neonates in the SPN group had fewer hyperglycemic episodes (IPN: 37.5%, SPN: 6.2%) (p<0.001), electrolyte abnormalities (IPN: 56.3%, SPN: 21%) (p<0.001), PNALD (IPN: 52.5%, SPN: 18.5%) (p<0.001) and sepsis (IPN: 26%, SPN: 20%) (p<0.05). The median length of stay in NICU was 14.0 (IQR 12.0–21.0) for the IPN and 8.0 (IQR 5.0–13.0) days for the SPN group.ConclusionsWe found that SPN was associated with shorter NICU stay and greater weight gain. In-house preparation of SPN can be used to address the nutritional needs in resource-limited settings where commercially prepared SPN is not available.

Reducing admission hypothermia in newborns at a tertiary care NICU of northern India: A quality improvement study

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
J. Patodia ◽  
J. Mittal ◽  
V. Sharma ◽  
M. Verma ◽  
M. Rathi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Moderate Hypothermia ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Northern India ◽  
Resource Limited

BACKGROUND: Hypothermia at admission to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in newborns. A baseline study at a tertiary care hospital with all out-born babies showed admission hypothermia of 82%. OBJECTIVE: To reduce admission hypothermia (moderate) in newborns at least by 50% in next 6 months. METHODS: A quality improvement (QI) study was planned using WHO Point of Care Quality Improvement Model (POCQI), [17] using PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle approach from April 2018 to March 2019, and including 427 term and preterm babies. We educated the staff, reinforced the use of caps, cling wraps, warm linen, introduced Ziploc bags and ensured adequate use of transport incubator. RESULTS: After 6 months, overall admission hypothermia decreased from 82% to 45%, moderate hypothermia reduced from 46% to <10% (P <  0.001) and severe hypothermia (3%) was completely eliminated. There was also significant reduction in incidence of IVH (13% Vs 4.7%), LONS (38% Vs 19%) and metabolic acidosis (43% Vs 28%). We were able to sustain this improvement for the next 6 months and is ongoing. The strongest predictor of hypothermia was newborns being in the phase before QI initiative was started (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.47, 3.23). CONCLUSION: This study is a cost effective approach in reducing admission hypothermia in NICU in a resource limited setting with all outborn babies, and further decreasing the morbidity associated with it. Hence, emphasizing the importance of maintaining euthermia, not only in delivery rooms, but also during transportation.

scholarly journals Evidence-Based Practice Implementation: Case Report of the Evolution of a Quality Improvement Program in a Multicenter Physical Therapy Organization

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (4) ◽  
pp. 588-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel M. Stevans ◽  
Christopher G. Bise ◽  
John C. McGee ◽  
Debora L. Miller ◽  
Paul Rockar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Implementation Barriers ◽  
Improvement Program ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Systems Perspective

Background and Purpose Our nation's suboptimal health care quality and unsustainable costs can be linked to the failure to implement evidence-based interventions. Implementation is the bridge between the decision to adopt a strategy and its sustained use in practice. The purpose of this case report is threefold: (1) to outline the historical implementation of an evidence-based quality improvement project, (2) to describe the program's future direction using a systems perspective to identify implementation barriers, and (3) to provide implications for the profession as it works toward closing the evidence-to-practice gap. Case Description The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Centers for Rehab Services is a large, multicenter physical therapy organization. In 2005, they implemented a Low Back Initiative utilizing evidence-based protocols to guide clinical decision making. Outcomes The initial implementation strategy used a multifaceted approach. Formative evaluations were used repeatedly to identify barriers to implementation. Barriers may exist outside the organization, they can be created internally, they may result from personnel, or they may be a direct function of the research evidence. Since the program launch, 3 distinct improvement cycles have been utilized to address identified implementation barriers. Discussion Implementation is an iterative process requiring evaluation, measurement, and refinement. During this period, behavior change is actualized as clinicians become increasingly proficient and committed to their use of new evidence. Successfully incorporating evidence into routine practice requires a systems perspective to account for the complexity of the clinical setting. The value the profession provides can be enhanced by improving the implementation of evidence-based strategies. Achieving this outcome will require a concerted effort in all areas of the profession. New skills will be needed by leaders, researchers, managers, and clinicians.

A quality improvement project to reduce restrictive interventions in a mental health service

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Darren Savarimuthu ◽  
Katja Jung
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Quality Improvement Project ◽  
Psychiatric Ward ◽  
Quality Improvement Initiative ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Improvement Project

Background/aims This article describes a quality improvement project that aimed to reduce restrictive interventions on an acute psychiatric ward. In light of a service level agreement and based on a trust-wide target, the purpose of the project was to reduce restrictive interventions by 20% within a period of 6 months. It was also anticipated that a least restrictive environment could have a positive impact on patient experience. Methods Three evidence-based interventions were introduced to the ward during the quality improvement project. These included positive behaviour support, the Safewards model and the productive ward initiative. Results There was a 63% reduction in restrictive interventions over a 6-month period through the successful implementation of a series of evidence-based interventions to manage behaviours that challenge on the mental health ward. Conclusions The project identified collaborative team working, staff training and adequate resources as essential elements in the success of the quality improvement initiative. However, co-production was found to be crucially significant in bringing sustainable changes in ward environment and in addressing restrictive practices.

Improving Hydroxychloroquine Dosing and Toxicity Screening at a Tertiary Care Ambulatory Center: A Quality Improvement Initiative

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-144
Author(s):  
Sahil Koppikar ◽  
Stephanie Gottheil ◽  
Chandra Farrer ◽  
Natasha Gakhal
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Retinal Toxicity ◽  
Force Function ◽  
Quality Improvement Initiative ◽  
Toxicity Screening ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Retinal Screening ◽  
Retinopathy Screening

Objective.Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a commonly used weight-based medication with a risk of retinal toxicity when prescribed at doses above 5 mg/kg/day. The objectives of our study were (1) to characterize the frequency of inappropriate HCQ dosing and retinopathy screening, and (2) to improve guideline-based management by implementing quality improvement (QI) strategies.Methods.A retrospective chart review was performed to obtain baseline analysis of HCQ dosing, weight documentation, and retinal toxicity screening to characterize current practices. The primary aim was to increase the percentage of patients appropriately dosed from 30% to 90% over a 10-month period. The secondary aim was to increase the percentage of documented retinal screening from 59% to 90%. The process measure was the number of patients with a documented weight in the chart. The balancing measure was the physician’s perceived increase in time spent with each patient due to implemented interventions. QI methodology was used to implement sequential change ideas: (1) HCQ weight-based dosing charts to facilitate prescription regimens; (2) addition of scales to patient rooms to facilitate weight documentation; and (3) electronic medical record (EMR) “force function” involving weight documentation and autodosing prescription.Results.The percentage of patients being weighed increased from 40% to 92% after 10 months. Appropriate HCQ dosing improved from 30% to 89%. Retinal screening documentation improved by 33%.Conclusion.Dosing charts in clinic rooms, addition of weight scales, and EMR force function autodosing prescriptions significantly improved appropriate HCQ dosing practices. These interventions are generalizable and can promote safe and guideline-based care.

scholarly journals Shifting to Remotely Delivered Mental Health Care: Quality Improvement in the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Daigle ◽  
Abraham Rudnick
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Health Care Quality ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Quality Improvement Initiative ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Specialized Mental Health

This paper presents an organizational (ambulatory) case study of shifting mental health care from in-person to remote service delivery due to the current (COVID-19) pandemic as a rapid quality improvement initiative. Remotely delivered mental health care, particularly using synchronous video and phone, has been shown to be cost-effective, especially for rural service users. Our provincial specialized mental health clinic rapidly shifted to such remote delivery during the current pandemic. We report on processes and outputs of this rapid quality improvement initiative, which serves a purpose beyond pandemic circumstances, such as improving access to such specialized mental health care for rural and other service users at any time. In conclusion, shifting specialized mental health care from in-person to remotely delivered services as much as possible could be beneficial beyond the current pandemic. More research is needed to optimize the implementation of such a shift.

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