G68(P) A retrospective review of epilepsy related admissions to the paediatric department at a district general nhs trust, england

Abstract

Aims Child and Maternal Health (ChiMat) Observatory Data indicate our institution has higher Paediatric Emergency Epilepsy admissions and length of stay, compared to other PCTs in England. This report has been referred to by Commissioning Groups when reviewing and commissioning services. The information produced by ChiMat is based on data from the hospital’s coding department, who determine the admission reason from discharge letters completed by junior doctors. We carried out a retrospective audit to review: The accuracy of coding Medical management of Paediatric Emergency Epilepsy admissions. Methods We reviewed the medical notes of all patients coded as having a Paediatric Emergency Epilepsy admission during 2011. There were 78 patients during this period, and information was collected using a standardised proforma. Inappropriately coded patients were excluded from analysis in the second part of the audit. Results 10 of the 78 patients (12.8%) were exclusively under the care of the adult physicians, with age range 16–19 years. Of the other 68 patients, 15 were incorrectly coded (22%). Review of the medical management in the remaining 53 admissions, showed areas for improvement in medication adherence, patient education and awareness, and community management plans. Conclusions This study has shown the importance of accurate data coding, as this is used to review the service we provide, highlighting exceptional practice as well as areas which require improvement. Variation in practice and value in healthcare are the current quality indicators which are used, to compare hospitals and clinicians, and to continue the quality improvement cycle. It is therefore in the interest of all to engage with clinical coding to ensure accurate, robust data is being used. Our audit has led to more streamlined management of patients with epilepsy, including the consideration of more community-based management plans and proposal for a Paediatric Epilepsy Specialist Nurse. There has also been quality improvement effects, including introduction of a weekly epilepsy-related admissions report which is reviewed for accuracy, monthly epilepsy peer-review meeting to review all admissions and challenging cases, importance of accurate coding on discharge letters being emphasised to junior doctors at induction, and introduction of a checklist for management of patients with epilepsy.