Ongoing Quality Improvement Project Research Articles

Development and Implementation of a Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Protocol in the Rehabilitation Setting – A Completed Audit Cycle

Abstract Background 63% of all Venous Thromboembolic disease (VTE) is hospital-acquired, and 70% of hospital-acquired VTE is potentially preventable with appropriate prophylaxis. NICE recommends a VTE risk assessment for all patients admitted to acute hospitals within 24 hours. Validated risk assessment models for acute hospitals enhance provision of thromboprophylaxis, but no such protocols exist for the rehabilitation setting. The aims of this audit were to determine if VTE risk assessments are occurring on admission and during acute illness in rehabilitation wards, to assess the proportion of rehabilitation inpatients receiving VTE prophylaxis, and to develop and pilot a VTE Prophylaxis Protocol. Methods An initial audit was carried out on three rehabilitation wards in May/June 2023. A VTE Prophylaxis Protocol was developed based on the HSE VTE Prevention Program template, incorporated into the admission booklet on 3 pilot wards in February 2024, and practice re-audited in April 2024. Results Pre-intervention, 41 patient records were assessed. 0 patients (0%) had a documented VTE risk assessment on admission, 23(56%) had therapeutic anticoagulation continued, and 3(7%) commenced appropriate VTE prophylaxis on admission. 8 eligible at-risk patients did not receive prophylaxis. Post intervention, all patients (n=25) on the three pilot wards were re-audited. 10 patients (40%) had a documented VTE Risk assessment within 24 hours of admission, 9(36%) had therapeutic anticoagulation continued, and 5(20%) received appropriate VTE prophylaxis on admission (2 without a documented risk assessment). 3 at-risk patients did not receive prophylaxis (1 with a completed risk assessment), and 1 risk-assessed patient inappropriately received prophylaxis. Conclusion Implementation of a VTE Prophylaxis Protocol improved VTE risk assessment in rehabilitation. This small sample however did not demonstrate an association between prophylaxis prescription and use of the protocol. Further education and feedback is required to increase use of the protocol as part of this ongoing quality improvement project.

Analyzing influential factors in suboptimal cervical cancer screening rates at Kline Health Center and implementing a subsequent initiative for improvement.

e23252 Background: The UPMC-Kline Health Center (KHC) in Harrisburg, PA, shows a lower cervical cancer screening rate compared to the general population in the USA (57.08% vs 78%, respectively, based on the Medical Group Fiscal Year 2023 Internal Quality Measures). To understand this gap, we distributed a comprehensive questionnaire to patients, aiming to pinpoint factors contributing to the lower screening rate and plan targeted interventions for improvement. Methods: We randomly distributed questionnaires to female patients aged 21 to 61 during appointment check-in at the KHC, considering our linguistically diverse patient population with surveys available in Spanish, English, and Nepali. Given the diverse linguistic landscape of our patient population, we prepared questionnaires in Spanish, English, and Nepali. The survey aims to identify and address specific clinic-related problems, with a follow-up assessment after a few months to gauge improvements following interventions targeting the underlying causes of screening gaps. Results: Over a three-month span, 65 questionnaires were completed. Among the participants, 38% (25 patients - 7 white/Caucasian, 11 black/African American, 1 Asian, 7 others; 12 Hispanic, 13 non-Hispanic) revealed that they had not undergone screening within the past three years. The analysis of this subgroup unveiled significant issues: 84% (21/25) did not receive paperwork to schedule the test, 88% (22/25) were not contacted to schedule the test, 76% (19/25) did not receive reminder notifications before appointments, and 72%(18/25) expressed concerns about the lack of insurance coverage for costs. Furthermore, 76% (19/25) indicated the requirement to pay a co-pay, and an equal percentage reported difficulties in obtaining the screening test. Additionally, 72%(18/25) mentioned that their healthcare providers did not discuss the screening's importance, while 76%(19/25) noted their providers did not explain the purpose of the test. Conclusions: These findings underscore critical gaps in communication, accessibility, and cost-related barriers to cervical cancer screening at KHC. This ongoing quality improvement project, scheduled for data recollection in a few months, encompasses proposed interventions such as automated reminders, technology integration for communication, and distributing flyers in clinic and waiting areas to foster open communication and address inadequate discussions about the importance of screening. The aim is to improve patient awareness, engagement, and ultimately prevent delayed cancer diagnoses. KHC is committed to enhancing the cervical cancer screening rate to minimize the likelihood of delayed cancer diagnoses.

An implementation analysis of a quality improvement project to reduce cesarean section in Brazilian private hospitals

BackgroundBrazil has one of the highest prevalence of cesarean sections in the world. The private health system is responsible for carrying out most of these surgical procedures. A quality improvement project called Adequate Childbirth Project (“Projeto Parto Adequado”- PPA) was developed to identify models of care for labor and childbirth, which place value on vaginal birth and reduce the frequency of cesarean sections without a clinical indication. This research aims to evaluate the implementation of PPA in private hospitals in Brazil.MethodEvaluative hospital-based survey, carried out in 2017, in 12 private hospitals, including 4,322 women. We used a Bayesian network strategy to develop a theoretical model for implementation analysis. We estimated and compared the degree of implementation of two major driving components of PPA—“Participation of women” and “Reorganization of care” – among the 12 hospitals and according to type of hospital (belonging to a health insurance company or not). To assess whether the degree of implementation was correlated with the rate of vaginal birth data we used the Bayesian Network and compared the difference between the group “Exposed to the PPA model of care” and the group “Standard of care model”.ResultsPPA had a low degree of implementation in both components “Reorganization of Care” (0.17 – 0.32) and “Participation of Women” (0.21 – 0.34). The combined implementation score was 0.39–0.64 and was higher in hospitals that belonged to a health insurance company. The vaginal birth rate was higher in hospitals with a higher degree of implementation of PPA.ConclusionThe degree of implementation of PPA was low, which reflects the difficulties in changing childbirth care practices. Nevertheless, PPA increased vaginal birth rates in private hospitals with higher implementation scores. PPA is an ongoing quality improvement project and these results demonstrate the need for changes in the involvement of women and the care offered by the provider.

Securing access to a comprehensive diagnostic panel for children with suspected acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Results from the Mexico in Alliance with St. Jude "Bridge Project".

The "Bridge Project" is a Mexico in Alliance with St. Jude (MAS) initiative developed in 2019 to improve access, accuracy, and timeliness of specialized diagnostic studies for patients with suspected acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The project strategy relies on service centralization to improve service delivery, biological characterization, risk-group classification, and support proper treatment allocation. This is an ongoing prospective multisite intersectoral quality improvement (QI) project available to all patients 0-18 years of age presenting with suspected ALL to the 14 actively participating institutions in 12 Mexican states. Institutions send specimens to one centralized laboratory. From a clinical standpoint, the project secures access to a consensus-derived comprehensive diagnostic panel. From a service delivery standpoint, we assess equity, timeliness, effectiveness, and patient-centeredness. From an implementation science standpoint, we document feasibility, utility, and appropriateness of the diagnostic panel and centralized approach. This analysis spans from July 2019 to June 2023. 612 patients have accessed the project. The median age was 6 years (IQR 3-11), and 53% were males. 94% of the specimens arrived within 48 hours, which documents the feasibility of the centralized model, and 100% of the patients received precise and timely diagnostic results, which documents the effectiveness of the approach. Of 505 (82.5%) patients with confirmed ALL, 463/505 (91.6%) had B-cell ALL, and 42/505 (8.3%) had T-cell ALL. High-hyperdiploidy was detected by DNA index in 36.6% and hypodiploidy in 1.6%. 76.6% of the patients had conclusive karyotype results. FISH studies showed t(12;21) in 15%, iAMP21 in 8.5%, t(1;19) in 7.5%, t(4;11) in 4.2%, t(9;22) in 3.2%, del(9)(p21) in 1.8%, and TRA/D (14)(q11.2) rearrangement in 2.4%. Among B-cell ALL patients, 344/403 (85.1%) had Day 15 MRD<1% and 261/305 (85.6%) Day 84 MRD<0.01. For T-cell ALL patients 20/28 (71.4%) had Day 29 MRD<0.01% and 19/22 (86.4%) Day 84 MRD<0.01%. By securing access to a standardized consensus-derived diagnostic panel, the Bridge Project has allowed better characterization of childhood ALL in Mexico while producing unprecedented service improvements and documenting key implementation outcomes. We are using these results to inform iterative changes to the diagnostic panel and an associated treatment guideline (MAS-ALL18).

Nationwide standardization of minimally invasive right hemicolectomy for colon cancer and development and validation of a video-based competency assessment tool (the Right study).

Substantial variation exists when performing a minimally invasive right hemicolectomy (MIRH) due to disparities in training, expertise and differences in implementation of innovations. This study aimed to achieve national consensus on an optimal and standardized MIRH technique for colon cancer and to develop and validate a video-based competency assessment tool (CAT) for MIRH. Statements covering all elements of MIRH were formulated. Subsequently, the Delphi technique was used to reach consensus on a standardized MIRH among 76 colorectal surgeons from 43 different centres. A CAT was developed based on the Delphi results. Nine surgeons assessed the same 12 unedited full-length videos using the CAT, allowing evaluation of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). After three Delphi rounds, consensus (≥80% agreement) was achieved on 23 of the 24 statements. Consensus statements included the use of low intra-abdominal pressure, detailed anatomical outline how to perform complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation, the creation of an intracorporeal anastomosis, and specimen extraction through a Pfannenstiel incision using a wound protector. The CAT included seven consecutive steps to measure competency of the MIRH and showed high consistency among surgeons with an overall ICC of 0.923. Nationwide consensus on a standardized and optimized technique of MIRH was reached. The CAT developed showed excellent interrater reliability. These achievements are crucial steps to an ongoing nationwide quality improvement project (the Right study).

EGS P14 Improving Management of Obstructive Jaundice: A Single-Centre Experience

Abstract Background Timely management is essential in preventing recurrence of gallstone disease and The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) should be performed within seven days of admission. However, there remains wide variation between NHS Trusts in managing gallstone disease. As part of an ongoing surgical quality improvement project, a restructured Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery (UGI) firm was created (with three dedicated UGI consultant surgeons, one specialist registrar, one foundation doctor), in close collaboration with interventional gastroenterologists and radiologists. The impact of this new service on gallstone disease management has been closely monitored. Methods A prospective database was maintained including patients presenting emergently with obstructive jaundice and/or common bile duct stones at our district general hospital (DGH) in the 6-month timeframe before (September 2021 to February 2022) and after (September 2022 to February 2023) implementation of the new UGI service. Outcomes included time from presentation to magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and LC. Results 26 and 38 patients with obstructive jaundice were admitted in the 6-month periods before and after UGI firm implementation, respectively. There were significant reductions in time from admission to receiving ERCP (6.6 days versus 40.2 days, p&amp;lt;.001), and outpatient LC (61.8 days versus 194 days, p=.02). There was also marked improvement in obtaining MRCP (2.5 days versus 5.2 days). After UGI firm implementation, 35% of eligible patients were offered an inpatient LC which were all performed within seven days (mean 6.3 days), versus none previously. Conclusions A dedicated UGI service significantly improved the treatment process for patients presenting with obstructive jaundice at our DGH. As part of ongoing quality improvement work, solutions such as introducing a ‘golden patient’ to the NCEPOD list, a ‘hot slot’ on the elective gallbladder list or a dedicated weekly ‘hot’ gallbladder list are currently being investigated. Equipment for laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration is also being considered to alleviate the need for ERCP prior to surgery.

SHARPening Residency Selection: Implementing a Systematic Holistic Application Review Process.

Traditional metrics used in residency application review processes are systematically biased against applicants from minoritized communities that are underrepresented in medicine (URiM). These biases harm not just URiM applicants but also residency programs and patients. Although several residency programs have implemented holistic reviews to mitigate these biases, few tested tools exist that can be adapted and implemented in a wide variety of settings within academic medicine. This article describes advances made in the third year of a longitudinal, ongoing quality improvement project that used the A3 framework to improve recruitment of URiM residents to a family medicine residency program. The authors devised a systematic holistic application review process (SHARP) to determine which applicants to invite to interview with the program. SHARP's development began in August 2019, and after significant discussion with program leadership and iterations of rubric refinement, the program adopted SHARP in September 2020 to review applications for the 2021 application cycle. Compared with the 2016 to 2020 period before SHARP implementation, data from the 2021 and 2022 residency application cycles after SHARP implementation showed a significant increase in the proportion of interviewed candidates who identify as URiM (from 23% to 38%, P < .001) and matched candidates who identify as URiM (from 27% to 62%, P = .004). There was also a notable increase in the number and diversity of reviewers who evaluated applicants to the program. SHARP is a promising tool to mitigate the effects of racism and other biases against URiM applicants to residency programs. Residency programs across specialties may benefit from adopting SHARP and adapting it based on their own goals and priorities.

Decreasing Unplanned Extubations in the NICU, an Ongoing Quality Improvement Project.

Unplanned extubations (UEs) can have devastating effects on neonates. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to decrease the number of UEs in Lankenau Medical Center's 22-bed Level III NICU. The UE rate had risen to 4.6 UEs per 100 ventilator days in 2016. Transitioning to a standardized bundle for intubated infants has decreased the UE rate to less than 2 per 100 ventilator days since 2018. The UE rate continues to be monitored for ongoing accountability and further staff education when rates increase.

Implementing Evidence-Based, Electronic, Substance-Use Screening in a Primary Care Clinic

PurposeSubstance use is common among adolescents, and among those with substance use disorders; use often persists into middle age, underlying the importance of early detection and treatment. The goal of this quality improvement project was to increase the electronic substance use screening rate of adolescents presenting for preventative health visits from 0% to 50% between March 2021 and September 2021. MethodsThis is an ongoing quality improvement project. Participants included patients ≥12 who presented to the Adolescent Medicine Clinic for preventative health visits. We incorporated the Screening to Brief Intervention into the existing Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble tool within the electronic health record. We completed a Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle by reviewing every patient's chart who did not receive screening and identified that a common reason for missed screening was designating the visit as “establishing care” rather than preventative health visit. We modified our eligible patient criteria to include all adolescents presenting to establish primary care. ResultsWe achieved a statistically significant center-line shift with a p value (<.001) from approximately 0% at baseline to a new baseline of 85% from June 2021 to June 2022. After broadening our eligibility criteria, our electronic screening rate improved from 78% in November 2021, to 83% in December 2021. DiscussionElectronic health record integration of the Screening to Brief Intervention/Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble is an effective method to systematically and electronically screen adolescents for SUD at preventative health visits. Integration using similar approaches may benefit other institutions interested in providing standardized SUD screening.

Identifying Multiple Myeloma Patients Using Automated Data Capture from Electronic Medical Records

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell (PC) malignancy typified by the presence of monoclonal proteins on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and immunofixation or elevation of either kappa or lambda serum free light chains (sFLC) and end organ damage. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) offer a potential source of real world data that is more generalizable than clinical trial data and more granular than registry data. However, MM cohort derivation is challenging: diagnostic codes have poor specificity, and manually created registries are time consuming and frequently focus only on patients diagnosed on site, excluding second opinions or patients transferring care. Attempts to combine diagnostic codes with procedure codes for lab tests, biopsies or radiology studies have reported sensitivities of 73-90% and positive predictive values (PPV) of 60-93%. These approaches relied on test completion, not test results, which may misclassify patients as having MM. As part of an ongoing quality improvement project at the University of California Davis (UCD) designed to identify all patients with MM treated at our institution, we hypothesized that integrating test results, rather than their utilization, with diagnostic codes would create a more specific algorithm while maintaining sensitivity and high PPV. Methods: Patient diagnostic codes, lab, and bone marrow (BM) biopsy reports were loaded from EMR into the Temporal Data Association Platform (TDAP), a patient level data matrix that integrates multi-modal clinical data and organizes it by time allowing for temporal association of clinical events and the ability to assess patient trends over time. Bone marrow (BM) biopsy reports are evaluated by a machine learning algorithm trained to identify the presence and quantity (CD138 percentage) of clonal PCs. Patients identified in the screen set are then passed through both the evaluative and fast track. The UCD algorithm then runs on TDAP and consists of two components (Figure 1): an evaluative track, and a fast-track. Like prior algorithms, the Fast-Track identifies MM specific diagnostic codes, but only evaluates visits at the UCD Cancer Center. The evaluative track classifies patients into categories based the International Myeloma Working Group diagnostic criteria (Figure 2): 1) treatment ineligible smoldering MM (SMM), 2) treatment eligible SMM, 3) symptomatic MM. Patients not meeting criteria for these categories are excluded. Patients enter the UCD MM cohort if identified as treatment eligible SMM or symptomatic MM or via the fast-track. The UCD algorithm was built using a training set of 141 unique patients identified at the UCD Cancer Registry and sampled at random from the EMR. These charts were manually reviewed and labeled as MM, including treatment eligible SMM, (n=112) or not (n=29). To assess the performance of this and a previously described algorithm (Brandenburg 2019) once predictions were made by each algorithm, we assessed accuracy (the proportion of accurate predictions), PPV, and sensitivity. Results: The UCD algorithm identified 111 of the MM cases and excluded MM in 9 of the negative cases with 20 false positives and only 1 false negative. This resulted in a PPV of 85% and sensitivity of 99% with an accuracy of 85%. The evaluative track alone identified 69 (sensitivity 62%) of MM cases and correctly excluded 19 negative cases, for an overall accuracy of 62%. The Brandenburg algorithm identified MM in 67 cases and excluded MM in 28 of the negative cases. It had only 1 false positive case but had 45 false negatives. This resulted in PPV of 99%, but a sensitivity of only 60% for an overall accuracy of 67%. Conclusions: We describe a novel approach to the identification of MM patients incorporating lab and pathology results with diagnostic codes to create a sensitive algorithm while maintaining high accuracy and PPV. Evaluating test results was inadequate, and incorporating diagnostic codes allowed for higher sensitivity. Further refinement to increase specificity while maintaining sensitivity is ongoing. Performance on a validation cohort will be presented at the meeting. By incorporating test results in a temporal framework, TDAP, we can associate temporally related events such as rise in M-spike and new end organ damage. Future directions are expansion of the algorithm to other institutions and automated assessment of MM disease status. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

P081 Quick response codes for digital patient information leaflets in a rheumatology department: a quality improvement project

Abstract Background/Aims Many rheumatology departments provide patients with physical copies of patient information leaflets (PILs). Quick response (QR) codes are a widespread simple means of distributing electronic information, involving delivery of digital information directly to a user subsequent to scanning the code with a smartphone camera. Advantages include reduced paper burden, instant updates and usage monitoring, creating great possibilities for their implementation in healthcare settings. Aim: To design and implement a QR code poster to provide electronic versions of PILs given to rheumatology patients. Methods We met with senior clinicians and nurses to understand limitations of the current paper leaflet system and the desire for a digital alternative. A pilot questionnaire was then offered to patients attending clinics over two weeks to gauge attitudes to QR codes and identify PILs they had most interest in, in line with patient-centred care. Subsequent to a positive response, possible QR code management systems were investigated to select a platform with dynamic QR codes allowing tracking of usage metrics. A poster was designed, with eight QR codes leading to PILs from Versus Arthritis focusing on lifestyle aspects of rheumatic disease, as a reflection of both patient interest and clinician desire. Posters were displayed in clinic waiting areas to allow patients to scan them at their convenience. Clinicians were advised to signpost patients towards the QR codes to maximise use. Smaller copies of the poster were also made available for clinicians to distribute directly to patients at clinics, and appended to patient letters. Results 14 patients completed the pilot questionnaire. Despite clinicians’ regular distribution of paper leaflets, 35.7% reported they had never read a PIL. 42.9% of patients were more likely to read information about their condition on their phone rather than from a paper leaflet. 35.7% would like to scan a QR code to get digital information leaflets on their phone. Patients were almost equally interested in PILS about lifestyle (78.6%) and their diagnosed condition (78.6%) as medications (71.4%). PIL topics patients most commonly expressed an interest in included diet (71.4%), footcare (64.3%), pain (64.3%), fatigue (64.3%), complementary and alternative medicine (57.1%), emotional wellbeing (50%), gadgets and equipment for arthritis (50%) and keeping active (50%). QR codes leading to relevant PILs were thus selected for inclusion on the poster. Conclusion There is a clear demand for digital PILs both from patients and clinicians. This ongoing quality improvement project has been successful in planning, designing and implementing a QR code poster to enhance patient access to information about lifestyle implications of rheumatic disease. Roll out of the posters has been successful and the project now requires monitoring of the uptake and usage pattern to further refine the delivery of digital QR code PILs. Disclosure R. Zubairi: None. A. Muhd Adiib Pg Suhaimi: None. L. Olsson: None. R. Smyth: None. D. Baxter: None. A. Laws: None. M.E. Perry: Honoraria; AbbVie, Celltrion Healthcare, Gilead, Lilly, Biogen, Jaansen, Fresenius Kabi.

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.

Proton Pump Inhibitors and In-Hospital Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Receiving Dual Antiplatelet Therapy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and in-hospital gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) taking dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Patients and MethodsThis study is based on the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-ACS project, an ongoing collaborative registry and quality improvement project of the American Heart Association and the Chinese Society of Cardiology. A total of 25,567 patients with ACS taking DAPT from 172 hospitals from July 1, 2017, through December 31, 2018, were included. Multivariable Cox regression and propensity score–matched analyses were used to evaluate the association between PPI use and in-hospital GI bleeding. ResultsOf these patients with ACS, 63.9% (n=16,332) were prescribed PPIs within 24 hours of admission. Patients using PPIs had a higher rate of GI bleeding compared with those not using PPIs (1.0% vs 0.5%; P<.001). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, early PPI use was associated with a 58% higher risk of GI bleeding (hazard ratio, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.18; P=.005). Further propensity score matching attenuated the association but still showed that patients using PPIs had a higher rate of GI bleeding (0.8% vs 0.6%; P=.04). ConclusionIn China, PPIs are widely used within 24 hours of admission in patients with ACS taking DAPT. An increased risk of GI bleeding is observed in inpatients with early PPI use. Randomized trials on early use of PPIs in patients with ACS receiving DAPT are warranted. Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02306616.

Implementation of Interprofessional Rounds Decreases Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Length of Stay.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) occurs due to abrupt discontinuation of chronic fetal exposure to substances used by the mother during pregnancy. As the incidence of NAS continues to increase, medical teams are evaluating strategies to reduce length of stay (LOS). Increased LOS contributes to poorer mother-infant bonding and neurodevelopmental outcomes as well as increased health care cost. As part of an ongoing quality improvement project, the objective of this study was to determine if formal interprofessional rounds affected LOS for infants with NAS. This was a retrospective analysis at a single hospital system to determine if interprofessional rounds had an impact on NAS LOS. On February 5, 2016, introduction of formal weekly interprofessional NAS-specific rounds occurred in addition to daily patient care rounds. Every patient with opioid exposure undergoing Finnegan scoring, treated with weight-based morphine, and >35 weeks gestation was included. Data were collected on LOS and length of therapy for eligible patients. This study evaluated the impact of interprofessional rounds on LOS 17 months after its implementation compared with 13 months immediately preceding. Among the 119 infants (51 pre and 68 post) meeting inclusion criteria, the median LOS for the post-rounds group was significantly shorter than the pre-rounds group (13 vs 16 days, p = 0.001). The median length of therapy (morphine with or without clonidine) was also significantly shorter in the post-rounds versus the pre-rounds group (8 vs 12 days, p = 0.001). Formal weekly interprofessional NAS rounds decreased LOS and length of therapy.

Regional Differences in the Ratio of Observed and Expected In-hospital Mortality for Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients in China: The Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-Acute Coronary Syndrome Project Analysis

Previous studies reported regional variations in in-hospital acute coronary syndrome (ACS) mortality, but the reasons for that were not clearly defined. We explored whether differences in patient characteristics could explain regional variation. The Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China (CCC)-ACS project is an ongoing national registry and quality improvement project, involving 150 tertiary hospitals from 30 provinces across China. We applied a prediction model that included patient-specific variables to calculate the expected in-hospital mortality. For each province, we reported the observed, expected in-hospital mortality and the risk-adjusted ratio which is based on the observed divided by the expected mortality. From 2014 to 2018, 79585 ACS patients were enrolled. The average in-hospital mortality was 1.8%. There was a wide variation in the in-hospital mortality among different provinces (0.2-3.9%). Patient characteristics explained part of this variation because of differences in the expected in-hospital mortality (0.7-2.8%). There was a substantial variation in the risk-adjusted ratio among provinces (0.2-3.5), which suggests that the variations in the mortality cannot be completely explained by the differences in patient characteristics. In conclusion, we observed a wide regional variation in mortality for ACS, part of which could be explained by the difference in patient characteristics.

102 PROMOTING BRAIN HEALTH IN AN INTEGRATED CARE OUTREACH PROGRAMME

Abstract Background Lifestyle modifications, in older at risk populations, may prevent or slow the rate of cognitive decline. Promotion of brain health has been recommended by the WHO and other governing bodies. Supporting patients in making these lifestyle changes, however, can be complex. Generic guidance may not apply to all in a heterogenous and frail patient cohort, when physical mobility may be limited and weight loss/nutrition a concern. We sought to review current practices and barriers to brain health guidance in a regional integrated care outreach programme (ICOP). Methods From March–June’21 the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) of consecutive patients were reviewed. Those presenting with cognitive complaints, for their first assessment, were included. Demographic data and data on screening for hearing impairment and sleep disturbance were collected, in addition to information on physical activity and nutritional risk. Whether information and guidance on aspects of brain health was given was also assessed. Results 30 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 80.3 and the mean clinical frailty scale (CFS) was 4.4. Hearing impairment was present in 20% (n = 6), with no information available in 10% (n = 3). All patients were screened for sleep disturbance, with 13% (n = 4) not fully satisfied with their sleep. Mobility aids, assistance or supervision were required in 40% (n = 12), and 23% (n = 7) were at medium or high malnutrition risk. Only 30% (n = 9) cooked their own meals. Generic brain health advice, or advice about sleep was documented in 30 (n = 9), without hearing impairment advice documented in any patient. Conclusion There are several barriers to brain health advice in the ICOP setting, with only 30% of patients having brain health advice documented. We are currently developing patient information leaflets on brain health, that will take potential barriers into account. Dedicated and specific information on local hearing services is also in development, as part of an ongoing quality improvement project.

Perceived barriers to early goal-directed mobility in the intensive care unit: Results of a quality improvement evaluation

BackgroundA multicentre randomised trial demonstrated improved outcomes for intensive care unit (ICU) patients using early, goal-directed mobility implemented by nurses. ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate barriers to nursing mobility, using a validated survey, during an ongoing quality improvement (QI) project (2019) in a medical ICU and determine changes from the pre-QI (2017) baseline. MethodsNurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical technicians completed the 26-item Patient Mobilization Attitudes and Beliefs Survey for the ICU (PMABS-ICU). An overall score and three subscale scores (knowledge, attitudes, behaviour), each ranging from 0 to 100, were calculated; higher scores indicated greater barriers. ResultsSeventy-five (93% response rate) nurses, eight (100%) nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and 11 (100%) clinical technicians completed the PMABS-ICU. For all respondents (N = 94), the mean (standard deviation) overall PMABS-ICU score was 32 (8) and the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour subscale scores were 22 (11), 33 (11), and 34 (8), respectively. Among all respondents completing the survey in both 2017 and 2019 (N = 46), there was improvement in the mean (95% confidence interval) overall score [−3.1 (−5.8, −0.5); p = .022] and in the knowledge [−5.1 (−8.9, −1.3); p = .010] and attitudes [−3.9 (−7.3, −0.6); p = .023] subscale scores. Among all respondents (N = 48) taking the PMABS-ICU for the first time in 2019 compared with those taking the survey before the QI project in 2017 (N = 99), there was improvement in the mean (95% confidence interval) overall score [−3.8 (−6.5, −1.1); p = .007] and in the knowledge [−6.9 (−11.0, –2.7); p = .001] and attitude [−4.3 (−8.1, –0.5); p = .027] subscale scores. ConclusionsUsing a validated survey administered to ICU nurses and other staff, before and during a structured QI project, there was a decrease in perceived barriers to mobility. Reduced barriers among those taking the survey for the first time during the QI project compared with those taking the survey before the QI project suggests a positive culture change supporting early, goal-directed mobility implemented by nurses.

Improving the physical healthcare of COVID-19 patients in inpatient psychiatric settings

AimsCOVID-19 can spread rapidly in psychiatric inpatient settings. Previous studies have found that patients have a higher risk of hospitalisation and death than adults in the community. The aim of this project was to improve the care of patients with COVID-19 in psychiatric inpatient settings.MethodA baseline audit was conducted of care COVID-19 patients received in wards that experienced outbreaks in January 2021 in a London Mental Health Trust. Clinical notes were reviewed for management plans, including clear documentation of risk of serious illness, frequency of vitals monitoring, and thresholds for escalation to medical teams.A new protocol was subsequently developed and implemented at one inpatient unit: “COVID-19: Early Identification of Risk and Management”. This included an adjusted 4C mortality score to determine risk of deterioration, and schedules for observation monitoring based on this outcome. Each schedule specified separate frequencies of monitoring of critical observations (oxygen saturations, respiratory rate) and routine observations, thus minimising unnecessary staff exposure. It prompted venous thromboembolism (VTE) assessment and documentation of escalation criteria.Result44 patients were identified across three working age (WAA, n = 29) and two older age (OA, n = 15) adult wards. 7.5% of WAA and 33.3% of OA patients were hospitalised. 20% of OA patients died following a positive test. 58% of patients had a documented management plan for COVID-19, but only 56% mentioned observation frequency, 19% escalation criteria, and 9% risk of serious disease. No patient received a repeat VTE assessment following diagnosis. The audit identified inconsistent approaches to COVID-19 management between wards, and found no relationship between risk of deterioration and frequency of observation monitoring. Following implementation of this protocol, 100% (n = 4) of patients had a robust plan for COVID-19 management, and 100% received a VTE assessment.ConclusionThe audit supported previous findings that psychiatric inpatients are at risk of serious COVID-19 infection. This highlights an urgent clinical and ethical need to optimise COVID-19 care in psychiatric inpatient settings. The results of this audit suggest that risk factors for severe infection and elements of routine care are not widely understood or implemented by clinical staff. Introducing evidence-based protocols to support clinicians in managing the physical healthcare of these patients may be one way of promoting best practice. The improvement in care observed in the pilot study has resulted in this protocol being rolled out across the Trust in an ongoing quality improvement project.

Asynchronous Testing of 2 Specimen-Diversion Devices to Reduce Blood Culture Contamination: A Single-Site Product Supply Quality Improvement Project

ObjectiveBlood culture contamination above the national threshold has been a consistent clinical issue in the ED setting. Two commercially available devices were examined that divert an initial small volume of the specimen before the collection of blood culture to reduce skin contamination. MethodsProspectively, 2 different blood culture–diversion devices were made available in the unit supplies to ED clinicians at a single site during 2 different periods of time as a follow-up strategy to an ongoing quality improvement project. Blood samples were collected in the emergency department over a period of 16 months. A retrospective record review study was conducted comparing the use of the 2 specimen-diversion devices with no device (control group) for blood culture contamination rates. The main outcome of monthly blood culture contamination per device was tested using a Bayesian Poisson multilevel regression model. ResultsA total of 4030 blood samples were collected and analyzed from November 2017 to February 2019. The model estimated that the mean incidence of contaminated blood draws in the device A group was 0.29 (0.14-0.55) times the incidence of contaminated draws in the control group. The mean incidence of contaminated blood draws in the device B group was 0.23 (0.13-0.37) times the incidence of contaminated draws in the control group, suggesting that initial-diversion methods reduced blood culture contamination. ConclusionInitial specimen–diversion devices supplement present standard phlebotomy protocols to bring down the blood culture contamination rate.

Two simple replacements for the Triage Early Warning Score to facilitate the South African Triage Scale in low resource settings.

BackgroundThe South African Triage Scale (SATS) requires the calculation of the Triage Early Warning Score (TEWS), which takes time and is prone to error.Aimto derive and validate triage scores from a clinical database collected in a low-resource hospital in sub-Saharan Africa over four years and compare them with the ability of TEWS to triage patients.MethodsA retrospective observational study carried out in Kitovu Hospital, Masaka, Uganda as part of an ongoing quality improvement project. Data collected on 4482 patients was divided into two equal cohorts: one for the derivation of scores by logistic regression and the other for their validation.ResultsTwo scores identified the largest number of patients with the lowest in-hospital mortality. A score based on oxygen saturation, mental status and mobility had a c statistic for discrimination of 0.83 (95% CI 0.079–0.87) in the derivation, and 0.81 (95% CI 0.77–0.86) in the validation cohort. Another score based on respiratory rate, mental status and mobility had a c statistic of 0.82 (95% CI 0.078–0.87) in the derivation, and 0.81 (95% CI 0.77–0.86) in the validation cohort. The oxygen saturation-based score of zero points identified 51% of patients in the derivation cohort who had in-hospital mortality rate of 0.5%, and 49% of patients in the validation cohort who had in-hospital mortality of 1.0%. A respiratory rate-based score of zero points identified 45% in the derivation cohort who had in-hospital mortality rate of 0.5%, and 44% of patients in the validation cohort who had in-hospital mortality of 0.8%. Both scores had comparable performance to TEWS.ConclusionTwo easy to calculate scores have comparable performance to TEWS and, therefore, could replace it to facilitate the adoption of SATS in low-resource settings.