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Chatzipavlou M, Karayiannis D, Chaloulakou S, Georgakopoulou E, Poulia KA. Implementation of sustainable food service systems in hospitals to achieve current sustainability goals: A scoping review. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2024; 61:237-252. [PMID: 38777440 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food waste is a pivotal contributor to environmental degradation in the modern world. Vast amounts of food are wasted and many individual efforts and collective initiatives being underway to deal with this challenge. Hospitals are institutions that produce and provide food, but at the same time contribute greatly to food waste. The objective of this scoping review is to present available data regarding quantity of food waste generated in public hospitals and summarizes studies that assess and quantify the greenhouse gas emissions (carbon footprint) associated to food service management in hospitals. METHODS A systematic literature research was conducted by two qualified researchers in PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and Science Direct. The publication date was set to the last ten years, i.e., 2013-2023. All the abstracts retrieved were screened, and the eligible articles were selected after a two-step process. Abstracts from the retrieved full papers' references were also screened for eligibility. The selected papers were included in the final scoping review. RESULTS Overall, 2870 studies were identified and 69 were included in the review. Most of the studies (n = 33) assessed the causes and quantified the amount of food waste generated in hospitals. A small number of studies (5) estimated carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq) produced by food waste. Although several studies suggested strategies and measures to reduce the environmental impact of foodservice operations, none of them implemented a comprehensive foodservice management system. CONCLUSION This scoping review suggests that hospital diets contribute to food waste and may have a negative environmental impact. There are several internal and external factors and practices that influence positively or negatively the sustainability of hospital food service systems. Systematic efforts are needed to identify and enhance parameters that could improve the environmental footprint of hospitals in terms of more effective management of food waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chatzipavlou
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, "Evangelismos" General Hospital of Athens, Ypsilantou 45-47, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Karayiannis
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, "Evangelismos" General Hospital of Athens, Ypsilantou 45-47, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula Chaloulakou
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, "Evangelismos" General Hospital of Athens, Ypsilantou 45-47, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthymia Georgakopoulou
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Anna Poulia
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece.
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Singh H, Benn N, Fung A, Kokorelias KM, Martyniuk J, Nelson MLA, Colquhoun H, Cameron JI, Munce S, Saragosa M, Godhwani K, Khan A, Yoo PY, Kuluski K. Co-design for stroke intervention development: Results of a scoping review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297162. [PMID: 38354160 PMCID: PMC10866508 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-design methodology seeks to actively engage end-users in developing interventions. It is increasingly used to design stroke interventions; however, limited guidance exists, particularly with/for individuals with stroke who have diverse cognitive, physical and functional abilities. Thus, we describe 1) the extent of existing research that has used co-design for stroke intervention development and 2) how co-design has been used to develop stroke interventions among studies that explicitly used co-design, including the rationale, types of co-designed stroke interventions, participants involved, research methodologies/approaches, methods of incorporating end-users in the research, co-design limitations, challenges and potential strategies reported by researchers. MATERIALS AND METHODS A scoping review informed by Joanna Briggs Institute and Arksey & O'Malley methodology was conducted by searching nine databases on December 21, 2022, to locate English-language literature that used co-design to develop a stroke intervention. Additional data sources were identified through a hand search. Data sources were de-duplicated, and two research team members reviewed their titles, abstracts and full text to ensure they met the inclusion criteria. Data relating to the research objectives were extracted, analyzed, and reported numerically and descriptively. RESULTS Data sources used co-design for stroke intervention development with (n = 89) and without (n = 139) explicitly using the term 'co-design.' Among studies explicitly using co-design, it was commonly used to understand end-user needs and generate new ideas. Many co-designed interventions were technology-based (65%), and 48% were for physical rehabilitation or activity-based. Co-design was commonly conducted with multiple participants (82%; e.g., individuals with stroke, family members/caregivers and clinicians) and used various methods to engage end-users, including focus groups and workshops. Limitations, challenges and potential strategies for recruitment, participant-engagement, contextual and logistical and ethics of co-designed interventions were described. CONCLUSIONS Given the increasing popularity of co-design as a methodology for developing stroke interventions internationally, these findings can inform future co-designed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardeep Singh
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Natasha Benn
- The KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Agnes Fung
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kristina M. Kokorelias
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Geriatrics Division, Sinai Health System, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Julia Martyniuk
- Gerstein Science Information Centre, University of Toronto Libraries, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michelle L. A. Nelson
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
| | - Heather Colquhoun
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jill I. Cameron
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sarah Munce
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marianne Saragosa
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kian Godhwani
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aleena Khan
- Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul Yejong Yoo
- Division of Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kerry Kuluski
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Toronto, Canada
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Developing New Methods for Person-Centred Approaches to Adjudicate Context-Mechanism-Outcome Configurations in Realist Evaluation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042370. [PMID: 35206560 PMCID: PMC8871803 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Realist evaluation provides a general method of evaluating the application of interventions including policy, legislation, projects, and new processes in social settings such as law enforcement, healthcare and education. Realist evaluation focuses on what about interventions works, for whom, and in what circumstances, and there is a growing body of work using realist evaluation to analyse interventions in healthcare organizations, including those using Lean Six Sigma improvement methodologies. Whilst realist evaluation facilitates the analysis of interventions using both qualitative and quantitative research, there is little guidance given on methods of data collection and analysis. The purpose of this study is to address this lack of guidance through detailing the use of innovative person-centred methods of data collection and analysis in a realist evaluation that enabled us to understand the contribution of Lean Six Sigma to person-centred care and cultures. This use of person-centred principles in the adjudication of identified program theories has informed novel methods of collecting and analysing data in realist evaluation that facilitate a person-centred approach to working with research participants and a way of making the implicit explicit when adjudicating program theory.
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Moffatt S, Garry C, McCann H, Teeling SP, Ward M, McNamara M. The Use of Lean Six Sigma Methodology in the Reduction of Patient Length of Stay Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:1588. [PMID: 35162610 PMCID: PMC8835068 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to reduce the length of stay of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients within a private hospital in Ireland, reducing any non-value-added activity in the patient pathway, with the goal of increasing patient flow, bed capacity, and revenue generation within the hospital system, while maintaining patient satisfaction. Methods: We used a pre-/post-intervention design and Lean Six Sigma methods and tools to assess and improve the current process. Results: A reduction in inpatient length of stay by 57%, and a reduction in identified non-value-added activity by 88%, resulted in a new day-case surgery pathway for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients. The pathway evidenced no re-admissions and demonstrated patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Six months post-project commencement, we had successfully achieved our goals of reducing our anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patient's length of stay. This study contributes to the growing body of published evidence which shows that adopting a Lean Six Sigma approach can be successfully employed to optimise care and surgical pathways in healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead Moffatt
- Beacon Hospital, Beacon Court, Bracken Rd, Sandyford Business Park, Sandyford, Dublin 18, D18 AK68 Dublin, Ireland; (C.G.); (H.M.)
| | - Catherine Garry
- Beacon Hospital, Beacon Court, Bracken Rd, Sandyford Business Park, Sandyford, Dublin 18, D18 AK68 Dublin, Ireland; (C.G.); (H.M.)
| | - Hannah McCann
- Beacon Hospital, Beacon Court, Bracken Rd, Sandyford Business Park, Sandyford, Dublin 18, D18 AK68 Dublin, Ireland; (C.G.); (H.M.)
| | - Sean Paul Teeling
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education & Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems UCD Health Sciences Centre, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.P.T.); (M.M.)
- Centre for Person-Centred Practice Research Division of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Queen Margaret University Drive, Musselburgh EH21 6UU, UK
| | - Marie Ward
- Centre for Innovative Human Systems, School of Psychology, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin 2, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Martin McNamara
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education & Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems UCD Health Sciences Centre, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.P.T.); (M.M.)
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Egan P, Pierce A, Flynn A, Teeling SP, Ward M, McNamara M. Releasing Operating Room Nursing Time to Care through the Reduction of Surgical Case Preparation Time: A Lean Six Sigma Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182212098. [PMID: 34831852 PMCID: PMC8621029 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare systems internationally are working under increasing demand to use finite resources with greater efficiency. The drive for efficiency utilises process improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma. This study outlines a pilot Lean Six Sigma intervention designed to release nursing time to care within a peri-operative environment; this was achieved by collaborating with stakeholders to redesign the process for laparoscopic hernia surgical case preparation (set up) material. Across 128 laparoscopic hernia surgical cases, the pilot resulted in a 55% decrease in overall nursing time spent in gathering and preparing materials for laparoscopic hernia surgical cases, with a corresponding reduction in packaging waste. The major impact of releasing nursing time to care within busy Operating Room environments enabled nurses to focus on continuing to deliver high-quality care to their patients and reduce pressure expressed by the Operating Room nurses. The results have led to an ongoing review of other surgical procedures preparation to further release nursing time and will be of interest to perioperative teams internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Egan
- Beacon Hospital Beacon Court, Bracken Rd, Sandyford Business Park, Sandyford, Dublin 18, D18 AK68 Dublin, Ireland; (A.P.); (A.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Anthony Pierce
- Beacon Hospital Beacon Court, Bracken Rd, Sandyford Business Park, Sandyford, Dublin 18, D18 AK68 Dublin, Ireland; (A.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Audrey Flynn
- Beacon Hospital Beacon Court, Bracken Rd, Sandyford Business Park, Sandyford, Dublin 18, D18 AK68 Dublin, Ireland; (A.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Sean Paul Teeling
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education & Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems UCD Health Sciences Centre, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.P.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Marie Ward
- Centre for Innovative Human Systems, School of Psychology, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Martin McNamara
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education & Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems UCD Health Sciences Centre, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.P.T.); (M.M.)
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Dempsey A, Robinson C, Moffatt N, Hennessy T, Bradshaw A, Teeling SP, Ward M, McNamara M. Lean Six Sigma Redesign of a Process for Healthcare Mandatory Education in Basic Life Support-A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11653. [PMID: 34770166 PMCID: PMC8583709 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare staff are required to undertake mandatory training programs to ensure they maintain key clinical competencies. This study was conducted in a private hospital in Ireland, where the processes for accessing mandatory training were found to be highly complex and non-user friendly, resulting in missed training opportunities, specific training license expiration, and underutilized training slots which resulted in lost time for both the trainers and trainees. A pilot study was undertaken to review the process for accessing mandatory training with a focus on the mandatory training program of Basic Life Support (BLS). This was chosen due to its importance in patient resuscitation and its requirement in the hospital achieving Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. A pre- and post-team-based intervention design was used with Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology employed to redesign the process of booking, scheduling, and delivery of BLS training leading to staff individual BLS certification for a period of two years. The redesign of the BLS training program resulted in a new blended delivery method, and the initiation of a pilot project led to a 50% increase in the volume of BLS classes and a time saving of 154 h 30 min for staff and 48 h 14 min for BLS instructors. The success of the BLS process access pilot has functioned as a platform for the redesign of other mandatory education programs and will be of interest to hospitals with mandatory training requirements that are already facing healthcare challenges and demands on staff time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Dempsey
- Beacon Hospital, Sandyford, D18 AK68 Dublin, Ireland; (C.R.); (N.M.); (T.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Ciara Robinson
- Beacon Hospital, Sandyford, D18 AK68 Dublin, Ireland; (C.R.); (N.M.); (T.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Niamh Moffatt
- Beacon Hospital, Sandyford, D18 AK68 Dublin, Ireland; (C.R.); (N.M.); (T.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Therese Hennessy
- Beacon Hospital, Sandyford, D18 AK68 Dublin, Ireland; (C.R.); (N.M.); (T.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Annmarie Bradshaw
- Beacon Hospital, Sandyford, D18 AK68 Dublin, Ireland; (C.R.); (N.M.); (T.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Sean Paul Teeling
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education & Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.P.T.); (M.M.)
- Centre for Person-Centred Practice Research Division of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University Drive, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh EH21 6UU, UK
| | - Marie Ward
- Centre for Innovative Human Systems, School of Psychology, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Martin McNamara
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education & Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.P.T.); (M.M.)
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Teeling SP, Dewing J, Baldie D. A Realist Inquiry to Identify the Contribution of Lean Six Sigma to Person-Centred Care and Cultures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910427. [PMID: 34639727 PMCID: PMC8507723 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A lack of fidelity to Lean Six Sigma's (LSS) philosophical roots can create division between person-centred approaches to transforming care experiences and services, and system wide quality improvement methods focused solely on efficiency and clinical outcomes. There is little research into, and a poor understanding of, the mechanisms and processes through which LSS education influences healthcare staffs' person-centred practice. This realist inquiry asks 'whether, to what extent and in what ways, LSS in healthcare contributes to person-centred care and cultures'. Realist review identified three potential Context, Mechanism, Outcome configurations (CMOcs) explaining how LSS influenced practice, relating to staff, patients, and organisational influences. Realist evaluation was used to explore the CMOc relating to staff, showing how they interacted with a LSS education Programme (the intervention) with CMOc adjudication by the research team and study participants to determine whether, to what extent, and in what ways it influenced person-centred cultures. Three more focused CMOcs emerged from the adjudication of the CMOc relating to staff, and these were aligned to previously identified synergies and divergences between participants' LSS practice and person-centred cultures. This enabled us to understand the contribution of LSS to person-centred care and cultures that contribute to the evidence base on the study of quality improvement beyond intervention effectiveness alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seán Paul Teeling
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland
- Mater Lean Academy, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin D07 R2WY, Ireland
- Centre for Person-Centred Practice Research Division of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University Drive, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland EH21 6UU, UK; (J.D.); (D.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jan Dewing
- Centre for Person-Centred Practice Research Division of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University Drive, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland EH21 6UU, UK; (J.D.); (D.B.)
| | - Deborah Baldie
- Centre for Person-Centred Practice Research Division of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University Drive, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland EH21 6UU, UK; (J.D.); (D.B.)
- Nursing and Midwifery Directorate, NHS Grampian, Scotland AB25 2ZN, UK
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McCarthy SE, Jabakhanji SB, Martin J, Flynn MA, Sørensen J. Reporting standards, outcomes and costs of quality improvement studies in Ireland: a scoping review. BMJ Open Qual 2021; 10:bmjoq-2020-001319. [PMID: 34341016 PMCID: PMC8330587 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2020-001319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To profile the aims and characteristics of quality improvement (QI) initiatives conducted in Ireland, to review the quality of their reporting and to assess outcomes and costs. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, Lenus and rian.ie. Two researchers independently screened abstracts (n=379) and separately reviewed 43 studies identified for inclusion using a 70-item critique tool. The tool was based on the Quality Improvement Minimum Quality Criteria Set (QI-MQCS), an appraisal instrument for QI intervention publications, and health economics reporting criteria. After reaching consensus, the final dataset was analysed using descriptive statistics. To support interpretations, findings were presented at a national stakeholder workshop. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA QI studies implemented and evaluated in Ireland and published between January 2015 and April 2020. RESULTS The 43 studies represented various QI interventions. Most studies were peer-reviewed publications (n=37), conducted in hospitals (n=38). Studies mainly aimed to improve the 'effectiveness' (65%), 'efficiency' (53%), 'timeliness' (47%) and 'safety' (44%) of care. Fewer aimed to improve 'patient-centredness' (30%), 'value for money' (23%) or 'staff well-being' (9%). No study aimed to increase 'equity'. Seventy per cent of studies described 14 of 16 QI-MQCS dimensions. Least often studies reported the 'penetration/reach' of an initiative and only 35% reported health outcomes. While 53% of studies expressed awareness of costs, only eight provided at least one quantifiable figure for costs or savings. No studies assessed the cost-effectiveness of the QI. CONCLUSION Irish QI studies included in our review demonstrate varied aims and high reporting standards. Strategies are needed to support greater stimulation and dissemination of QI beyond the hospital sector and awareness of equity issues as QI work. Systematic measurement and reporting of costs and outcomes can be facilitated by integrating principles of health economics in QI education and guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhán Eithne McCarthy
- Graduate School of Healthcare Management, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Samira Barbara Jabakhanji
- Healthcare Outcomes Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jennifer Martin
- National Quality Improvement Team, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maureen Alice Flynn
- National Quality Improvement Team, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jan Sørensen
- Healthcare Outcomes Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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