The impact of Kaizen approach on neurodevelopmental follow-up of high-risk infants

Abstract

ABSTRACT Kaizen methodology was implied as a tool for analyzing the current workflow, defining opportunities, developing a solution, and measuring the outcome. The current study aims to verify the early effect of a quality improvement study within the scope of the Kaizen approach to improve the quality of high-risk infant care. Initially, a value stream map was used to define the current follow-up plan. Then, a specific outpatient clinic was established with a standard follow-up schedule. The high-risk infants were evaluated with the same tools at the same corrected ages, and the multidisciplinary team performed appropriate family education. The early outcome was evaluated by Parents’ Satisfaction Levels with High-Risk Infant Care Questionnaire and Parenting Stress Index-Short Form. Thirty-four parents were included. The mean corrected age of the infants was 140.07 ± 146.55 days. Parents’ satisfaction scores were improved from 99.79 ± 17.17–121.61 ± 15.33 (P = 0.000), while perceived stress scores were decreased (98.03 ± 23.55 vs 86.18 ± 20.95), (P = 0.001). The main stages of the quality improvement process were described. The current research presents the preliminary results of a Kaizen implementation for neurodevelopmental follow-up of high-risk infants.