Ongoing Quality Improvement Initiatives Research Articles

Implementation of a Preoperative Frailty Screening and Optimization Pathway for Vascular Surgery Patients is Associated with Decreased 30-Day Readmission

Frailty is characterized by decreased physiological reserve and vulnerability to adverse events in the presence of a stressor such as surgery. We prospectively implemented a preoperative frailty screening and optimization pathway for patients undergoing vascular surgery and assessed its impact on postoperative outcomes. As part of an ongoing quality improvement initiative, surgical frailty was assessed prospectively in all patients undergoing inpatient surgery using the Risk Analysis Index (RAI). Baseline data were collected from May to July 2022. Frail patients (RAI score of ≥37) were referred to an anesthesia optimization clinic, nutrition consultation, and case management evaluation in the intervention phase (August 2022 to July 2023). Primary outcomes were postoperative hospital length of stay, 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ICU length of stay, discharge disposition, and nonhome discharge. Two-way analyses compared frail vs nonfrail patients and preintervention vs postintervention groups using the Student t test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables and the χ2 or Fisher's exact test for categorical outcomes. Of all patients scheduled for elective inpatient vascular surgery procedures at a single institution (n= 225), 216 completed frailty screening (mean age, 72years; 68.5% male; 54.6% White; mean RAI 28.9; 18.5% frail). Of these, 15 had surgeries cancelled, and 201 ultimately underwent surgery with 36 (17.9%) identified as frail. Overall, frail patients had significantly longer ICU (median, 4.0 days [intertquretil range (IQR), 2.5-13.5 days] vs median, 2.0 days [IQR, 1-4 days]; P=.001) and hospital length of stay (median, 2.45 days [IQR, 1.51-5.67 days] vs median, 1.23 days [IQR, 1.0-2.1 days]; P= .001), higher nonhome discharge (30.6% vs 4.2%; P< .0001), and higher 30-day readmission (22.2% vs 6.7%; P= .009) compared with nonfrail patients. Comparing preintervention and postintervention groups, the 30-day readmission rates for the overall cohort decreased significantly (from 22.2% to 7.5%; P= .03). Among frail patients, there was a trend toward a reduced hospital length of stay (from 4.73 to 2.14days), nonhome discharge (from 57.1% to 24.1%), and 30-day readmission (from 42.9% to 17.2%); however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Overall, the 30-day mortality rates was 1.5% with all three deaths (two frail, one nonfrail) occurring after the intervention (0% before vs 1.7% after; P= 1.0). Successful implementation of a preoperative frailty screening and optimization pathway for patients undergoing elective vascular surgery led to a significant decrease in overall 30-day readmission and a trend toward reduced hospital length of stay, nonhome discharge, and 30-day readmission for frail patients. Further expansion to all surgical clinics has the potential to improve quality metrics for the health care system.

Association between caseload volume and outcomes in left ventricular assist device implantations-a EUROMACS analysis.

This EUROMACS study was conducted with the primary aim of investigating the association between a centre's annual caseload and postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. A total of 4802 patients identified between 2011 and 2020 from 35 participating centres were dichotomized based on the annual caseload of the treating centre at the time of device implant (≤30 vs. >30 LVAD implantations/year). The primary endpoint was 1-year survival. Secondary outcomes included overall survival analysis, device-related adverse events and readmissions. Cumulative follow-up was 10 003 patient-years, with a median follow-up of 1.54 years (interquartile range 0.52-3.15). Patients from higher volume centres more frequently presented in INTERMACS levels 1 and 2, suffered from right heart dysfunction and needed inotropic support. No difference was observed in adjusted 1-year survival. Adjusted overall survival probability was lower in higher volume centres (p = 0.002). In the subgroup analysis of HeartMate 3 devices only, higher volume centres were associated with decreased odds of 1-year survival (adjusted odds ratio 0.43, 95% confidence interval 0.20-0.97, p = 0.041). Similar findings were observed in the cumulative (i.e. learning curve) caseload analyses. In patients undergoing LVAD implantation, centre volume was not associated with 1-year survival, but was related to device-related adverse events. Patient profiles differed with respect to centre size. These findings underscore the necessity for ongoing quality improvement initiatives in all centres, regardless of their annual caseload. Efforts are needed to standardize patient selection and preconditioning to further improve patient outcome.

“Addressing the Silent Need”

Abstract Background Clinical Specialist Teams (CST) are a foundational component of the Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons (ICPOP) providing care for older adults with complex needs, completing Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGA) and supporting goals until outcomes are optimised (HSE, 2021). WHO (2014) estimates 400 million individuals worldwide are affected by hearing loss, with prevalence increasing with age. The WHO in 2024 recommended targeted hearing screening and interventions in older age. NICE guidelines (2023) issued specific recommendations for adults with suspected or diagnosed dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aim of this study was to review current practice of sensory assessment with respect to these recommendations. Methods This is a retrospective audit to evaluate current practice against established standards and to identify areas for improvement to achieve best practice. This will form part of an ongoing quality improvement initiative. Data was collected using a team designed tool gathering information on sensory assessment, interventions and onward referrals. A sample of 65 ICPOP clients was chosen from the last quarter of 2023. Results Preliminary results: Conclusion Screening rates for sensory impairment in the CST is high but needs improvement to reach the target of 100%. Referral onto appropriate services for specialised sensory intervention is actioned adequately, but there is need for the CST to advise timely hearing and vision testing to clients in order to adhere to international guidelines, especially those clients with dementia/MCI.

P.137 Neurosurgical consultations in Nova Scotia: a descriptive analysis

Background: Receiving and managing neurosurgical consultations are central to providing quality patient care but are resource intensive processes. As part of an ongoing quality improvement initiative, we conducted a single-institution descriptive analysis of adult neurosurgical consultations. Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected consultation records and call schedules from a 12-month period from February 2019 to 2020 was performed. Consults were graded according to disposition (admission for surgery, non-operative admission, additional investigations recommended, opinion without further investigations, unnecessary consult). Results: There were 1916 consultations reviewed, with 52% of calls (n=991) originating outside of our hospital, and 72% (n=1387) coming from an emergency department. Cranial cases made up 64% (n=1230) of consults, while the remaining 36% (n=688) were spine cases. The mean patient age was 60.1±0.4 years. In multinomial logistic regression analysis, age, geographical distance of consulting site, and consult specific variables (neurosurgical subspecialty, inside vs. outside call, emergency department vs. inpatient ward or private office) were associated with consult disposition (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: This study provides a descriptive analysis of neurosurgical consultations in Nova Scotia. Results from this study may be used to address inefficacies in the neurosurgical consultation process, including targeted education for consulting physicians.

Abstract PO4-04-03: Empowering Oncologists to Develop Individualized Management Strategies for HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer: Findings from a Quality Improvement Initiative

Abstract Background: Rapidly evolving evidence in the treatment of metastatic HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC) can present challenges in aligning practice with the latest clinical data and guideline recommendations. In this ongoing quality improvement initiative, we identify and address real-world challenges healthcare professionals (HCPs) face in individualizing treatment plans, adverse event management, and patient-centered care for HER2+ MBC. Methods: From 9/2022 to 12/2022, 22 HCPs who treat patients with breast cancer (BC) along with 52 patients with HER2+ MBC from 2 large US community oncology clinics completed tethered surveys assessing practice patterns, challenges, and attitudes related to individualized and patient-centered care for HER2+MBC. Patient charts (n=100) were audited to assess current practice patterns and to track changes over time. Inclusion criteria included a confirmed HER2+ MBC diagnosis, prescription for two or more lines of HER2+ breast cancer treatment, and ≥ 1 visit in the one-year chart abstraction period. HCPs participated in audit-feedback sessions to assess site-specific challenges and gaps and developed action plans for improvement. Follow-up chart audits and HCP surveys will evaluate changes in practice patterns 6 months after the educational intervention. Results: The most frequently reported HCP challenges included coordination of care (41%) and individualizing treatment plans (32%). The most frequently reported patient challenges included feeling confident in treatment plan (30%) and being unable to meet work or home responsibilities (22%). In tethered surveys, there were discordant findings between patient and HCP perceptions related to goals for treatment, patient education, and patient-centered care. For example, 82% of HCPs reported often or always asking patients about treatment preferences, but only 8% of patients reported their doctor asked. While HCPs overwhelmingly thought surviving as long as possible was their patients’ top goal (82%), patients reported their top goals for treatment were improving quality of life (57%) and controlling symptoms (41%). Additionally, while HCPs thought patients had the most difficulty managing nausea/vomiting (68%) and diarrhea (59%), patients reported they have the most difficulty managing fatigue (46%) and hair loss (44%). Baseline chart audits highlighted several areas for improvement in guideline-aligned care, including treatment selection, sequencing, and supportive care. Based on identified gaps, providers developed and implemented action plans, such as increasing use of patient navigators, referring patients for palliative care at time of diagnosis, improving multidisciplinary team-based approaches, and implementing tools and resources to stay up-to-date on clinical evidence and guidelines. Full findings from baseline surveys and chart audits will be presented, along with follow-up surveys and chart audits to measure impact. Conclusions: Through this QI initiative, we identified gaps in individualized, guideline-aligned, patient-centered care for patients with HER2+ MBC, and HCPs developed and are implementing action plans for improvement. The methods and findings from this initiative demonstrate key opportunities to improve outcomes for patients with HER2+ MBC in community oncology clinics. Citation Format: Reshma Mahtani, Erika Hamilton, Ilona Dewald, Chelsie Anderson, Jeffrey Carter, Cherilyn Heggen, Kelly McKinnon. Empowering Oncologists to Develop Individualized Management Strategies for HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer: Findings from a Quality Improvement Initiative [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-04-03.

Health Information Quality of Online Newspaper Articles in Korea.

The Web is an important source of health information, but the quality of such online information is highly variable. This study evaluates the quality of health articles published on Naver News, Korea's most popular portal, using the Health Information Quality Assessment Tool (HIQUAL). We collected 712 health-related articles published on Naver News from May 1 to 7, 2023. After applying exclusion criteria, we selected 116 articles for analysis. Two clinicians independently assessed the quality of these articles using the HIQUAL, which scores articles based on five domains: "reliability," "usefulness," "understandability," "sufficiency," and "transparency." Overall article quality was generally considered recommendable (mean±standard deviation: 7.52±2.00). "Usefulness," one item of "reliability," and "understandability" were the three items with the highest levels of satisfaction. "Sufficiency" criteria for costs, risks, and benefits received low scores. Quality scores for articles focused on health risk factors and intervention showed a statistically significant difference. While the overall quality of health information in Korean online newspaper articles is acceptable, room for improvement remains in some areas, particularly with regard to the fair presentation of costs, risks, and benefits. The study highlights the need for ongoing quality improvement and evaluation initiatives for online health information.

Program Report: Expanding the Deceased Donor Pool in Manitoba With an Age-Targeted Kidney Transplant Program.

The ongoing shortage of organs for transplant combined with the highest prevalence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in Canada has resulted in long wait times for a deceased donor transplant in Manitoba. Therefore, the Transplant Manitoba Adult Kidney Program has ongoing quality improvement initiatives to expand the deceased donor pool. This clinical transplant protocol describes an age-targeted program intended to increase the use of transplants with a kidney donor profile index (KDPI) >85 by allocating them to suitable pre-consented recipients age ≥65 with low wait times. The goal is to improve survival and quality of life for older recipients by maximizing a previously under-utilized donor pool. Scoping literature review; Transplant Manitoba deceased donor audit; and key stakeholder engagement with patient partners, inter-disciplinary health care providers, and health system leaders. The alternative donor pool criteria include deceased donor kidneys with KDPI 86-100 or another concern for graft longevity but are otherwise suitable for transplantation. Patients with no living donor, age ≥65, low wait times and otherwise eligible for transplant listing will be educated, and if suitable, pre-consented for the age-targeted program. All patients remain eligible for a standard criteria donor according to the local allocation criteria. The age-targeted program waitlist follows the same provincial allocation rules using wait time, panel reactive antibody (PRA), and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) match points for determining rank order. If an age-targeted recipient experiences early graft loss from a KDPI 86-100 kidney within 12 months from transplant, their cumulative wait time, including time with the transplant, will be reinstated upon relisting. Transplant Manitoba's provincial allocation rules do not permit bypassing top of the list recipients for kidney offers; therefore, transplant providers were previously reluctant to utilize KDPI 86-100 donor kidneys to top of the list recipients eligible for higher quality kidneys. This age-targeted program facilitates allocation of KDPI 86-100 kidneys to suitable older pre-consented recipients with low wait times, who may obtain a survival and quality of life benefit from these transplants. This approach expands the utilized deceased donor pool to benefit all Manitobans awaiting a deceased donor kidney transplant. This program was launched in January 2023, and there are no data reported on outcomes given the small numbers and abbreviated follow-up. The goal of this quality improvement project is to improve access to deceased donor kidney transplantation for Manitobans with ESKD. This program was developed with patient and provider feedback, including multimedia patient education materials which may be helpful for other programs. We anticipate this program is a safe and effective way to expand access to deceased donor kidney transplantation using a previously under-utilized donor pool.

Institutional Structures and Processes to Support Sepsis Care: A Multihospital Study.

To identify opportunities for improving hospital-based sepsis care and to inform an ongoing statewide quality improvement initiative in Michigan. Surveys on hospital sepsis processes, including a self-assessment of practices using a 3-point Likert scale, were administered to 51 hospitals participating in the Michigan Hospital Medicine Safety Consortium, a Collaborative Quality Initiative sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, at two time points (2020, 2022). Forty-eight hospitals also submitted sepsis protocols for structured review. Multicenter quality improvement consortium. Fifty-one hospitals in Michigan. None. Of the included hospitals, 92.2% (n = 47/51) were nonprofit, 88.2% (n = 45/51) urban, 11.8% (n = 6/51) rural, and 80.4% (n = 41/51) teaching hospitals. One hundred percent (n = 51/51) responded to the survey, and 94.1% (n = 48/51) provided a sepsis policy/protocol. All surveyed hospitals used at least one quality improvement approach, including audit/feedback (98.0%, n = 50/51) and/or clinician education (68.6%, n = 35/51). Protocols included the Sepsis-1 (18.8%, n = 9/48) or Sepsis-2 (31.3%, n = 15/48) definitions; none (n = 0/48) used Sepsis-3. All hospitals (n = 51/51) used at least one process to facilitate rapid sepsis treatment, including order sets (96.1%, n = 49/51) and/or stocking of commonly used antibiotics in at least one clinical setting (92.2%, n = 47/51). Treatment protocols included guidance on antimicrobial therapy (68.8%, n = 33/48), fluid resuscitation (70.8%, n = 34/48), and vasopressor administration (62.5%, n = 30/48). On self-assessment, hospitals reported the lowest scores for peridischarge practices, including screening for cognitive impairment (2.0%, n = 1/51 responded "we are good at this") and providing anticipatory guidance (3.9%, n = 2/51). There were no meaningful associations of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: Management Bundle performance with differences in hospital characteristics or sepsis policy document characteristics. Most hospitals used audit/feedback, order sets, and clinician education to facilitate sepsis care. Hospitals did not consistently incorporate organ dysfunction criteria into sepsis definitions. Existing processes focused on early recognition and treatment rather than recovery-based practices.

Diagnosis, Management and Outcomes in Children with Paget Schroetter Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction Venous thoracic outlet syndrome occurs secondary to the extrinsic compression and impingement of the subclavian vein as it passes through the thoracic outlet, eventually resulting in upper extremity effort thrombosis, or Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS). This rare condition typically affects the dominant arm of athletic young adults with a history of repeated overhead activities. At Boston Children's Hospital (BCH), a multidisciplinary team of hematologists, interventional radiologists, and vascular surgeons manage these patients according to a standardized protocol including anticoagulation, pharmaco-mechanical thrombolysis, venoplasty, and decompressive rib-resection surgery. Herein we report the clinical and radiological outcomes of a cohort of patients with PSS managed at BCH. Objective The principle objective of this retrospective cohort study was to review the diagnosis, pharmacological, interventional radiology and surgical management, complications, and long-term outcomes of sequential pediatric patients (≤21 years) treated for PSS at BCH over a 3.5-year period of time (January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2023). Methods This study was performed as a part of an ongoing quality improvement initiative and was deemed exempt by the Institutional Review Board. Eligible patients were defined as children (≤21 years) with PSS per criteria established by the Society for Vascular Surgery. Clinical and demographic data, including post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) scores of eligible patients were abstracted from their medical records. PTS evaluation at BCH is typically performed 6-12 months after DVT diagnosis using both the modified Villalta and Manco-Johnson instruments. Major bleeding, and recurrent/progressive thromboses were defined per published guidelines by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Standard statistical methods were used - median (range) for continuous variables and frequency with 95% CI for categorical data. Results The study cohort consisted of 20 patients (9 female). PSS was confirmed based on dynamic imaging with provocative maneuvers for all patients. Median (range) age at DVT diagnosis was 17 (15-21) years. Thirteen patients were diagnosed at an outside hospital and referred to BCH for further management. Fourteen patients received upfront anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin of whom 13 patients were transitioned to a DOAC. Six patients were started on DOACs upfront. Fifteen subjects (75%) received upfront endovascular intervention at diagnosis. Median interval between DVT diagnoses to endovascular intervention was 5 (1-118) days. All patients underwent decompressive rib-resection surgery. Median interval between DVT diagnosis and surgery was 12 (7-39) weeks. Three patients (15%) developed major bleeding and 3 (15%) patients developed recurrent/progressive thrombosis after surgery. Two of the 3 patients who developed major bleeding were anticoagulated with a DOAC pre-operatively, which had been held for 48 hours before surgery. All subjects had a planned post-operative venogram, 14 (70%) of whom underwent completion venoplasty. Anticoagulation was discontinued in 18/20 (90%) patients with a median duration of therapy of 19.5 (14-60) weeks. Four patients (20%) were noted to have an underlying thrombophilia (Factor 5 R506Q [2]; Factor 2 G20210A [1]; Protein S deficiency [1]). End-of-therapy imaging was obtained for all patients - 17 (85%) had complete thrombus resolution, while two (10%) had partial thrombus resolution. Seventeen (85%) patients have undergone evaluation for PTS, of whom 12 (71%) were noted to have mild PTS and 2 (12%) have moderate-severe PTS as defined by the modified Villata instrument. Discussion Greater than 90% of pediatric patients with PSS who were treated per our institutional multi-disciplinary protocol had complete or partial thrombus resolution. Additionally, only 12% of patients reported moderate to severe PTS on follow-up and were prescribed sequential compression sleeves. Lastly, DOACs appear to be safe and efficacious in this cohort, though based on our internal data, we now interrupt DOACs for 72 hours before decompressive surgery.

Predicting Youth and Young Adult Treatment Engagement in a Transdiagnostic Remote Intensive Outpatient Program: Latent Profile Analysis.

The youth mental health crisis in the United States continues to worsen, and research has shown poor mental health treatment engagement. Despite the need for personalized engagement strategies, there is a lack of research involving youth. Due to complex youth developmental milestones, there is a need to better understand clinical presentation and factors associated with treatment engagement to effectively identify and tailor beneficial treatments. This quality improvement investigation sought to identify subgroups of clients attending a remote intensive outpatient program (IOP) based on clinical acuity data at intake, to determine the factors associated with engagement outcomes for clients who present in complex developmental periods and with cooccurring conditions. The identification of these subgroups was used to inform programmatic decisions within this remote IOP system. Data were collected as part of ongoing quality improvement initiatives at a remote IOP for youth and young adults. Participants included clients (N=2924) discharged between July 2021 and February 2023. A latent profile analysis was conducted using 5 indicators of clinical acuity at treatment entry, and the resulting profiles were assessed for associations with demographic factors and treatment engagement outcomes. Among the 2924 participants, 4 profiles of clinical acuity were identified: a low-acuity profile (n=943, 32.25%), characterized by minimal anxiety, depression, and self-harm, and 3 high-acuity profiles defined by moderately severe depression and anxiety but differentiated by rates of self-harm (high acuity+low self-harm: n=1452, 49.66%; high acuity+moderate self-harm: n=203, 6.94%; high acuity+high self-harm: n=326, 11.15%). Age, gender, transgender identity, and sexual orientation were significantly associated with profile membership. Clients identified as sexually and gender-marginalized populations were more likely to be classified into high-acuity profiles than into the low-acuity profile (eg, for clients who identified as transgender, high acuity+low self-harm: odds ratio [OR] 2.07, 95% CI 1.35-3.18; P<.001; high acuity+moderate self-harm: OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.66-4.90; P<.001; high acuity+high self-harm: OR 3.67, 95% CI 2.45-5.51; P<.001). Race was unrelated to the profile membership. Profile membership was significantly associated with treatment engagement: youth and young adults in the low-acuity and high-acuity+low-self-harm profiles attended an average of 4 fewer treatment sessions compared with youth in the high-acuity+moderate-self-harm and high-acuity+high-self-harm profiles (ꭓ23=27.6, P<.001). Individuals in the high-acuity+low-self-harm profile completed treatment at a significantly lower rate relative to the other 2 high-acuity profiles (ꭓ23=13.4, P=.004). Finally, those in the high-acuity+high-self-harm profile were significantly less likely to disengage early relative to youth in all other profiles (ꭓ23=71.12, P<.001). This investigation represents a novel application for identifying subgroups of adolescents and young adults based on clinical acuity data at intake to identify patterns in treatment engagement outcomes. Identifying subgroups that differentially engage in treatment is a critical first step toward targeting engagement strategies for complex populations.

A Standardized Radiology Template Improves Incidental Adrenal Mass Follow-Up: A Prospective Effectiveness and Implementation Study.

Incidental adrenal masses (IAMs) are common but rarely evaluated. To improve this, we developed a standardized radiology report recommendation template and investigated its implementation and effectiveness. We prospectively studied implementation of a standardized IAM reporting template as part of an ongoing quality improvement initiative, which also included primary care provider (PCP) notifications and a straightforward clinical algorithm. Data were obtained via medical record review and a survey of radiologists. Outcomes included template adoption rates and acceptability (implementation measures), as well as the proportion of patients evaluated and time to follow-up (effectiveness outcomes). Of 4,995 imaging studies, 200 (4.0%) detected a new IAM. The standardized template was used in 54 reports (27.0%). All radiologists surveyed were aware of the template, and 91% affirmed that standardized recommendations are useful. Patients whose reports included the template were more likely to have PCP follow-up after IAM discovery compared with those with no template (53.7% versus 36.3%, P= .03). After adjusting for sex, current or prior malignancy, and provider ordering the initial imaging (PCP, other outpatient provider, or emergency department or inpatient provider), odds of PCP follow-up remained 2.0 times higher (95% confidence interval 1.02-3.9). Patients whose reports included the template had a shorter time to PCP follow-up (log-rank P= .018). PCPs ultimately placed orders for biochemical testing (35.2% versus 18.5%, P= .01), follow-up imaging (40.7% versus 23.3%, P=.02), and specialist referral (22.2% versus 4.8%, P < .01) for a higher proportion of patients who received the template compared with those who did not. Use of a standardized template to communicate IAM recommendations was associated with improved IAM evaluation. Our template demonstrated high acceptability, but additional strategies are necessary to optimize adoption.

1076: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE TO PREVENT FLUID OVERLOAD IN PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT PATIENTS

Introduction: Fluid administration for critically ill children frequently exceeds hydration requirements and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The global aim of this ongoing single-center quality improvement (QI) initiative is to standardize and implement process improvement tools to detect and prevent fluid overload (FO) in patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Our SMART aim is to reduce the incidence of percent fluid overload (%FO) >/= 10% at 72 hours of PICU admission by 20% in the first 6 months. Methods: In collaboration with key stakeholders, we used Plan-Do-Study Act (PDSA) QI methodology to develop electronic health record (EHR)-based tools and education sessions to help providers detect and prevent FO in PICU patients. We conducted a retrospective chart review with a convenience sample to obtain baseline metrics. We assessed current FO understanding and perceptions of proposed interventions with anonymous surveys distributed to PICU attendings, fellows, residents, advanced practice providers and nurses. In April 2022, we implemented a single screen “Fluid Management accordion” within our EHR that displays all clinical markers used to evaluate a patient’s fluid status, and an EHR-based %FO calculator. In July 2022, we added PICU admission order set modifications to include a total fluid goal. Outcome metrics are collected monthly. Quarterly follow up surveys began in July 2022 and will trend intervention impact and perceptions. Results: Chart review (n=562) revealed a 40% baseline incidence of %FO >/= 10% at 72 hours of PICU admission. Pre-implementation, most respondents (n=115) agreed that we could improve our awareness to patients’ fluid status (92%) and that using standardized EHR orders and tools would be helpful (76%). Few (27%) reported knowing how to calculate %FO. Three months after initial EHR tool launch, many survey respondents (n=49) reported using the fluid management accordion at least once (40%) and 43% reported knowing how to calculate %FO. Six-month implementation data will be available in October 2022. Conclusions: To date we have standardized EHR-based tools for FO detection. We suspect that with continued education and feedback we will likely see a reduction in %FO incidence in our PICU population.

Effect of COVID-19 on the implementation of a multifaceted intervention to improve teamwork and quality for hospitalized patients: a qualitative interview study

BackgroundHealthcare organizations made major adjustments to deliver care during the COVID pandemic, yet little is known about how these adjustments shaped ongoing quality and safety improvement efforts. We aimed to understand how COVID affected four U.S. hospitals’ prospective implementation efforts in an ongoing quality improvement initiative, the REdesigning SystEms to Improve Teamwork and Quality for Hospitalized Patients (RESET) project, which implemented complementary interventions to redesign systems of care for medical patients.MethodsWe conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 40 healthcare professionals to determine how COVID influenced RESET implementation. We used conventional qualitative content analysis to inductively code transcripts and identify themes in MAXQDA 2020.ResultsWe identified three overarching themes and nine sub-themes. The three themes were (1) COVID exacerbated existing problems and created new ones. (2) RESET and other quality improvement efforts were not the priority during the pandemic. (3) Fidelity of RESET implementation regressed.ConclusionCOVID had a profound impact on the implementation of a multifaceted intervention to improve quality and teamwork in four hospitals. Notably, COVID led to a diversion of attention and effort away from quality improvement efforts, like RESET, and sites varied in their ability to renew efforts over time. Our findings help explain how COVID adversely affected hospitals’ quality improvement efforts throughout the pandemic and support the need for research to identify elements important for fostering hospital resilience.

LBMON198 Improving Knowledge And Implementation Of Healthcare Transition (HCT) Policy And Procedure For Transgender And Gender Diverse (TGD) Youth At The UCSF Child And Adolescent Gender Center (CAGC)

Abstract Introduction The UCSF CAGC has served TGD youth since 2009. Increased referrals coupled with an expanding young adult patient population has resulted in longer wait times and an increased need for transition to adult care services. As part of an ongoing quality improvement initiative to develop an equitable HCT program tailored to the unique needs of TGD youth at the UCSF CAGC, we developed and aimed to improve provider knowledge of a standardized policy and procedure for HCT from pediatric to adult gender care. Methods CAGC providers received training in 11/2021 on the HCT policy and procedure, including a standardized method to identify patients with whom to initiate HCT discussions. Providers completed pre- and post-training surveys evaluating knowledge and confidence regarding HCT practices. Knowledge was assessed with yes/no questions and confidence with 5-point Likert scales (1 = lowest, 5 = highest). Pre- and post-survey results were compared using proportions tests for dichotomous outcomes and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for confidence levels. To evaluate effectiveness, baseline data on % of eligible TGD youth seen in the UCSF CAGC in 1-2/2021 with "Counseling for transition from pediatric to adult care provider" (Z71.89) added to their problem list in the electronic medical record were collected and compared to % of eligible TGD youth with Z71.89 added to their list the 4 consecutive months following the training session. Results Nine and 7 CAGC providers completed the pre- and post-training surveys, respectively. Knowledge increased in all areas although not all were statistically significant: Age limit for new patient referrals (78% to 100%, p = 0.18), upper age limit at which patients must transition to an adult provider (56% to 100%, p = 0. 04), standardized method to track patients with whom HCT discussions have been initiated (0% to 100%, p = 0. 0001), and list of criteria for assessing HCT readiness (11% to 100%, p = 0. 0004). Confidence increased in identifying patients with whom HCT has been initiated (median 2 to 4, p = 0. 02) but not in identifying patients ready to initiate the HCT process (median 4 to 4, p = 0.43). The % of eligible TGD youth seen in the UCSF CAGC with Z71.89 added to their problem list increased from 0% at baseline to 72%, 82%, 86%, and 90% in the 4 months consecutively following the training session. Conclusions Our findings indicate that standardized training led to increased provider knowledge, participation, patient identification, and implementation of HCT program policy and procedure tailored to our TGD youth population. Future initiatives will include collaboration with adult gender centers to transition TGD youth to adult care services and to evaluate the experiences of TGD youth and providers who receive them. Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Geographic proximity to primary care providers as a risk-assessment criterion for quality performance measures.

Previous studies have found a mixed association between Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) designation and improvements in primary care quality indicators, including avoidable pediatric emergency department (ED) encounters. Whether these associations persist after accounting for the geographic locations of providers relative to where patients reside is unknown. To examine the association between geographic proximity to primary care providers versus hospitals and risk of avoidable and potentially avoidable ED visits among children with pre-existing diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or asthma. Retrospective cohort study of a panel of pediatric Medicaid claims data from the South Carolina from 2016-2018 for 2,959 beneficiaries having a pre-existing diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD, ages 6-12) and 6,390 beneficiaries with asthma (MMA, ages 5-18), as defined using Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) performance measures. We calculated differences in avoidable and potentially avoidable ED visits by the beneficiary's PCMH attribution type and in relation to differences in proximity to their primary care providers versus hospitals. Outcomes were defined using the New York University Emergency Department Algorithm (NYU-EDA). Differences in ED visit risk were assessed using generalized estimation equations and compared using marginal effects models. The 2.4 percentage point reduction in risk of avoidable ED visits among children in the ADD cohort who attended a PCMH versus those who did not increased to 3.9 to 7.2 percentage points as relative proximity to primary care providers versus hospitals improved (p < 0.01). Children in the ADD and MMA cohorts that were enrolled in a medical home, but did not attend one for primary care services exhibited a 5.4 and 3.0 percentage point increase in avoidable ED visit compared to children who were unenrolled and did not attend medical homes (p < 0.05), but these differences were only observed when geographic proximity to hospitals was more convenient than primary care providers. Mixed findings were observed for potentially avoidable visits. In several health care performance evaluations, patient-centered medical homes have not been found to reduce differences in hospital utilization for conditions that are treatable in primary care settings among children with chronic illnesses. Analytical approaches that also consider geographic proximity to health care services can identify performance benefits of medical homes. Expanding risk-adjustment models to also include geographic data would benefit ongoing quality improvement initiatives.

Joining of 2 Powerful Nursing Forces, the Clinical Nurse Specialist and Clinical Nurse Leader

Nurse executives in 2 adult, acute care hospitals support utilization of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and clinical nurse leader (CNL), as master’s prepared roles with specialized education, training, and content expertise in clinical care. Utilizing both roles created a dynamic structure to facilitate high quality patient care that is efficient, safe, and cost effective. As the nursing shortage continues to grow and demands of health care continue to expand, the CNS and CNL will ensure high quality care through implementation of evidence-based practice, ongoing quality improvement initiatives, and providing an added layer of clinical care and decision-making support for bedside nurses.

The Trend in Costs of Tertiary-Level Neonatal Intensive Care for Neonates Born Preterm at 220/7-286/7 Weeks of Gestation from 2010 to 2019 in Canada

To describe the trend in costs over 10years for tertiary-level neonatal care of infants born 220/7-286/7weeks of gestation during an ongoing Canadian national quality improvement project. Clinical characteristics, outcomes, and third-party payor costs for the tertiary neonatal care of infants born 220/7-286/7weeks of gestation between the years 2010 and 2019 were analyzed from the Canadian Neonatal Network database. Costs were estimated using resource use data from the Canadian Neonatal Network and cost inputs from hospitals, physician billing, and administrative databases in Ontario, Canada. Cost estimates were adjusted to 2017 Canadian dollars (CAD). A generalized linear mixed-effects model with gamma regression was used to estimate trends in costs. Between 2010 and 2019, the number of infants born <24weeks of gestation increased from 4.4% to 7.7%. The average length of stay increased from 68days to 75days. Unadjusted average±SD total costs per neonate were $120 717±$93 062 CAD in 2010 and $132 774±$93 161 CAD in 2019. After adjustment for year, center, and gestation, total costs and length of stay increased significantly, by $13 612 CAD (P<.01) and 8.1days (P<.01) over 10years, respectively; whereas costs accounting for LOS remained stable. The total costs and length of stay for infants 220/7-286/7weeks of gestation have increased over the past decade in Canada during an ongoing national quality improvement initiative; however, there was an increase in the number and survival of neonates at the age of periviability.

248 UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES: DID THE PANDEMIC LEAD TO REDUCED REHABILITATION LENGTH OF STAY POST HIP FRACTURE?

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to compare hip fracture rehabilitation outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 data) against comparable control data (2015–2019). Variables examined included patient demographics, time to transfer (acute length of stay), rehabilitation length of stay and discharge destination. Methods An audit was completed using the local anonymised hip fracture data collected during 2020. This data is collected as part of an ongoing quality improvement initiative to improve the hip fracture rehabilitation pathway. A review of previous local annual hip fracture reports was completed to allow comparison of key outcomes. Results For the control period (2015–2019) the mean number of hip fractures admitted per year was 98 compared to 59 during 2020 (periods of closure). During the control period, 78% of admissions were female and mean age was 82 which is similar to 2020 with 83% females mean age of 83. Almost half of patients lived alone (49%) which is similar to the control period (48%). Despite the added complexity to the transfer process (swabbing and isolation) the mean time to transfer from acute was reduced by 1 day. The mean post-acute rehabilitation length of stay significantly reduced in 2020 to 37 days compared to 49 days during the control period. There was a reduction in number of patients who discharged home, 88% in 2020 compared to 93% in control period. This is reflected in the increased number who discharged to nursing home care, 7% in 2020 compared to 4% in control period. Conclusion There may be multiple contributing factors that led to the significant reduction in rehabilitation length of stay including increased rehabilitation staffing ratios during the pandemic due to reduced occupancy, expedited home support services, increased community response teams and patient and family wish to accelerate discharge secondary to concerns of risk of COVID-19 exposure in the hospital setting.

Abstract 13163: Use of a QR Code Accessed Debrief Tool is Associated With Higher Rates of Debrief After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Introduction: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) affects over 200 000 patients in the US annually. Approximately 20% will survive to hospital discharge, although outcomes vary between hospitals. Debriefing has been shown to improve resuscitation quality and teamwork and has been associated with improved IHCA outcomes. All IHCA at NYU Langone Health are attended by the ALERT team, a dedicated team of critical care nurses who perform active patient surveillance and respond to acute in-hospital emergencies. IHCA debriefs at NYU Langone Health have historically been performed on paper forms but were limited by low rates of compliance. As part of an ongoing quality improvement (QI) initiative, we designed and implemented an electronic debriefing tool for use after IHCA (eDebrief). Methods: The eDebrief tool was developed by the NYU Interdisciplinary Resuscitation Committee. The tool captures cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality metrics, teamwork and leadership, use of resuscitation equipment (mechanical CPR, advanced airway adjuncts, and ultrasound), and outcomes. ALERT team nurses received an educational session and ad hoc refresher sessions if required. Data were collected at the conclusion of the event using an electronic device (iPhone, Apple, Cupertino CA). The tool is accessible using a QR code located on every code cart. Rates of IHCA debrief post-implementation (2/13/20-06/10/21) were compared to prior years (01/01/19 - 12/31/19 and 01/01/18-12/31/19). Results: The eDebrief tool was implemented on 2/13/20. During the post-implementation phase, there were 254 IHCA at NYU Langone Health. The eDebrief form was used in 175 events (69%). The debrief rate from previous calendar years were 38% and 42% for 2019 and 2018 respectively. Use of the eDebrief form has identified three targets for ongoing quality improvement and research projects: room overcrowding (identified in 64/175 IHCAs, 37%); ultrasound use (39/175 IHCAs, 22%); and optimization of mechanical CPR. Conclusions: Use of electronic debriefing is feasible at a large academic medical center and has been associated with increased uptake of IHCA debrief. Regular debriefs at our center have identified several targets for further quality improvement and research initiatives.

Characteristics associated with delays in decision to transfer injured patients

Introduction The regionalized nature of trauma care necessitates interfacility transfer which is vulnerable to delays given its complexity. Little is known about the interval of time a patient spends at the sending hospital prior to when the transfer is initiated—the “decision to transfer” time. This primary objective of the study was to explore the impact of patient, environmental, and institutional characteristics on decision to transfer time. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of injured adult patients who underwent emergent interfacility transfer by a provincial critical care transport organization over a 31-month period. Quantile regression was used to evaluate the impact of patient, environmental, and institutional characteristics on the time to decision to transfer. Results A total of 1128 patients were included. The median decision to transfer time was 2.42 h and the median total transport time was 3.12 h. The following variables were associated with an increase in time to decision to transfer at the 90th percentile of time: age &gt;75 (+2.47 h), age 66–75 (+3.70 h), age 56–65 (+1.20 h), transfer between 00:00 and 07:59 (+2.08 h), and transfer in the summer (+2.25 h). The following variables were associated with a decrease in time to decision to transfer at the 90th percentile of time: Glasgow Coma Scale 3–8 (−2.21 h), respiratory rate &gt;30 (−2.01 h), sending site being a community hospital with &lt;100 beds (−4.11 h), or the sending site being a nursing station (−5.66 h). Conclusion Time to decision to transfer was a sizable proportion of the patients interfacility transfer. Older patients were associated with a delay in decision to transfer as were patients transferred overnight and in the summer. These findings may be used to support the implementation of geriatric trauma triage guidelines and promote ongoing education and quality improvement initiatives to decrease delay.