Quality Improvement: An ACQIP Exercise on the Management of Otitis Media

Abstract

As part of Pediatrics in Review's ongoing focus on quality improvement, we present a self-assessment exercise taken from the American Academy of Pediatrics' Ambulatory Care Quality Improvement Program (ACQIP). Tabulated responses of pediatricians who completed this exercise as part of the ACQIP program are presented on pages 253 to 254, allowing readers to see how their own answers compare and providing material for thought and discussion. Readers are encouraged to participate in the ACQIP program. Additional information can be obtained by calling or writing the Division of Quality Care, American Academy of Pediatrics, Box 927, Elk Grove Village, IL 60009-0927. Monitoring Otitis Media EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES This exercise and the follow-up materials should help you identify areas of improvement in how your practice monitors and documents information for children with acute or chronic otitis. INSTRUCTIONS Beginning with tomorrow's appointments, answer the questions below for the most recent, but not the current episode of otitis media in the first 10 patients you see who are younger than 4 years of age and experiencing at least their second episode of otitis. You will need to review charts to answer the questions. Put a check in each box in which you find the information in your medical record listed.