Development of guideline-based quality indicators for recurrent miscarriage

Abstract

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is a multifactorial clinical problem. Guidelines have been published to guide evidence-based clinical practice in RM. To measure adherence to these guidelines in daily practice and to monitor quality of care delivered in RM patients, indicators are necessary. This study aimed to develop a set of valid quality indicators for RM and to explore the relationship between evidence level of guideline recommendations and their acceptance rate as quality indicators. Expert opinions of 11 gynaecologists were used to appraise all guideline recommendations. The systematic RAND-modified Delphi method was used to develop the indicator set from the Dutch guideline on RM. The acceptance rate as indicator of the initial recommendations was assessed per evidence level. A representative set of 23 key recommendations was selected out of 39 guideline recommendations, covering diagnostic tests, lifestyle, therapy and counselling. All recommendations of evidence level A (high) and D (consensus based) were accepted as indicators, while 64% of level B and 22% of level C was accepted. In conclusion, this study generated a set of 23 quality indicators for care in couples with RM. The selection of all consensus-based recommendations subscribes the general importance of these recommendations for gynaecologists.