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Sattler A, Phadke A, Mickelsen J, Seay-Morrison T, Filipowicz H, Chhoa D, Srinivasan M. Catalyzing System Change: 100 Quality Improvement Projects in 1000 Days. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:940-950. [PMID: 37985609 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08431-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health system change requires quality improvement (QI) infrastructure that supports frontline staff implementing sustainable innovations. We created an 8-week rapid-cycle QI training program, Stanford Primary Care-Project Engagement Platform (PC-PEP), open to patient-facing primary care clinicians and staff. OBJECTIVE Examine the feasibility and outcomes of a scalable QI program for busy practicing providers and staff in an academic medical center. DESIGN Program evaluation. PARTICIPANTS A total of 172 PCPH team members: providers (n = 55), staff (n = 99), and medical learners (n = 18) in the Stanford Division of Primary Care and Population Health (PCPH) clinics, 2018-2021. MAIN MEASURES We categorized projects by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) Quintuple Aim (QA): better health, better patient experience, lower cost of care, better care team experience, and improved equity/inclusion. We assessed project progress with a modified version of The Ottawa Hospital Innovation Framework: step 1 (identified root causes), step 2 (designed/tested interventions), step 3 (assessed project outcome), step 4 (met project goal with target group), step 5A (intervention(s) spread within clinic), step 5B (intervention(s) spread to different setting). Participants rated post-participation QI self-efficacy. KEY RESULTS Within 1000 days, 172 unique participants completed 104 PC-PEP projects. Most projects aimed to improve patient health (55%) or care team experience (23%). Among projects, 9% reached step 1, 8% step 2, 16% step 3, 26% step 4, 21% step 5A, and 20% step 5B. Learner involvement increased likelihood of scholarly products (47% vs 10%). Forty-six of 47 (98%) survey respondents reported improved QI self-efficacy. Medical assistants, more so than physicians, reported feeling acknowledged by the health system for their QI efforts (100% vs 61%). CONCLUSIONS With appropriate QI infrastructure, scalable QI training models like Stanford PC-PEP can empower frontline workers to create meaningful changes across the IHI QA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Sattler
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Davis Chhoa
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Kassie AM, Eakin E, Abate BB, Endalamaw A, Zewdie A, Wolka E, Assefa Y. The use of positive deviance approach to improve health service delivery and quality of care: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:438. [PMID: 38589897 PMCID: PMC11003118 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10850-2] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality has been a persistent challenge in the healthcare system, particularly in resource-limited settings. As a result, the utilization of innovative approaches is required to help countries in their efforts to enhance the quality of healthcare. The positive deviance (PD) approach is an innovative approach that can be utilized to improve healthcare quality. The approach assumes that solutions to problems are already available within the community and identifying and sharing those solutions can help others to resolve existing issues. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to synthesize the evidence regarding the use of the PD approach in healthcare system service delivery and quality improvement programs. METHODS Articles were retrieved from six international databases. The last date for article search was June 02, 2023, and no date restriction was applied. All articles were assessed for inclusion through a title and/or abstract read. Then, articles that passed the title and abstract review were screened by reading their full texts. In case of duplication, only the full-text published articles were retained. A descriptive mapping and evidence synthesis was done to present data with the guide of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for Scoping Reviews checklist and the results are presented in text, table, and figure formats. RESULTS A total of 125 articles were included in this scoping review. More than half, 66 (52.8%), of the articles were from the United States, 11(8.8%) from multinational studies, 10 (8%) from Canada, 8 (6.4%) from the United Kingdom and the remaining, 30 (24%) are from other nations around the world. The scoping review indicates that several types of study designs can be applied in utilizing the PD approach for healthcare service and quality improvement programs. However, although validated performance measures are utilized to identify positive deviants (PDs) in many of the articles, some of the selection criteria utilized by authors lack clarity and are subject to potential bias. In addition, several limitations have been mentioned in the articles including issues in operationalizing PD, focus on leaders and senior managers and limited staff involvement, bias, lack of comparison, limited setting, and issues in generalizability/transferability of results from prospects perspective. Nevertheless, the limitations identified are potentially manageable and can be contextually resolved depending on the nature of the study. Furthermore, PD has been successfully employed in healthcare service and quality improvement programs including in increasing surgical care quality, hand hygiene practice, and reducing healthcare-associated infections. CONCLUSION The scoping review findings have indicated that healthcare systems have been able to enhance quality, reduce errors, and improve patient outcomes by identifying lessons from those who exhibit exceptional practices and implementing successful strategies in their practice. All the outcomes of PD-based research, however, are dependent on the first step of identifying true PDs. Hence, it is critical that PDs are identified using objective and validated measures of performance as failure to identify true PDs can subsequently lead to failure in identifying best practices for learning and dissemination to other contextually similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelign Mengesha Kassie
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
| | - Elizabeth Eakin
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Biruk Beletew Abate
- School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Aklilu Endalamaw
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Anteneh Zewdie
- International Institute for Primary Health Care, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eskinder Wolka
- International Institute for Primary Health Care, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yibeltal Assefa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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McGowan J, Attal B, Kuhn I, Hinton L, Draycott T, Martin GP, Dixon-Woods M. Quality and reporting of large-scale improvement programmes: a review of maternity initiatives in the English NHS, 2010-2023. BMJ Qual Saf 2024:bmjqs-2023-016606. [PMID: 38050180 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2023-016606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large-scale improvement programmes are a frequent response to quality and safety problems in health systems globally, but have mixed impact. The extent to which they meet criteria for programme quality, particularly in relation to transparency of reporting and evaluation, is unclear. AIM To identify large-scale improvement programmes focused on intrapartum care implemented in English National Health Service maternity services in the period 2010-2023, and to conduct a structured quality assessment. METHODS We drew on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidance to inform the design and reporting of our study. We identified relevant programmes using multiple search strategies of grey literature, research databases and other sources. Programmes that met a prespecified definition of improvement programme, that focused on intrapartum care and that had a retrievable evaluation report were subject to structured assessment using selected features of programme quality. RESULTS We identified 1434 records via databases and other sources. 14 major initiatives in English maternity services could not be quality assessed due to lack of a retrievable evaluation report. Quality assessment of the 15 improvement programmes meeting our criteria for assessment found highly variable quality and reporting. Programme specification was variable and mostly low quality. Only eight reported the evidence base for their interventions. Description of implementation support was poor and none reported customisation for challenged services. None reported reduction of inequalities as an explicit goal. Only seven made use of explicit patient and public involvement practices, and only six explicitly used published theories/models/frameworks to guide implementation. Programmes varied in their reporting of the planning, scope and design of evaluation, with weak designs evident. CONCLUSIONS Poor transparency of reporting and weak or absent evaluation undermine large-scale improvement programmes by limiting learning and accountability. This review indicates important targets for improving quality in large-scale programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James McGowan
- The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bothaina Attal
- The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Isla Kuhn
- The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lisa Hinton
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tim Draycott
- Department of Women's Health, North Bristol NHS Trust, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, UK
| | - Graham P Martin
- The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mary Dixon-Woods
- The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Sanlorenzo LA, Hatch LD. Developing a Respiratory Quality Improvement Program to Prevent and Treat Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Clin Perinatol 2023; 50:363-380. [PMID: 37201986 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Improvements in respiratory care have resulted in improved outcomes for preterm infants over the past three decades. To target the multifactorial nature of neonatal lung diseases, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) should consider developing comprehensive respiratory quality improvement programs that address all drivers of neonatal respiratory disease. This article presents a potential framework for developing a quality improvement program to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the NICU. Drawing on available research and quality improvement reports, the authors discuss key components, measures, drivers, and interventions that should be considered when building a respiratory quality improvement program devoted to preventing and treating bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Sanlorenzo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Columbia University Medical Center, 3959 Broadway Avenue, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Leon Dupree Hatch
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 4413 VCH, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Center for Child Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Results of a Virtual Multi-Institutional Program for Quality Improvement Training and Project Facilitation. J Am Coll Radiol 2023; 20:173-182. [PMID: 36272524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this project was to describe the results of a multi-institutional quality improvement (QI) program conducted in a virtual format. METHODS Developed at Stanford in 2016, the Realizing Improvement Through Team Empowerment program uses a team-based, project-based improvement approach to QI. The program was planned to be replicated at two other institutions through respective on-site programs but was converted to a multi-institutional virtual format in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual program began in July 2020 and ended in December 2020. The two institutions participated jointly in the cohort, with 10 2-hour training sessions every 2 weeks for a total of 18 weeks. Project progress was monitored using a predetermined project progress scale by the program manager, who provided more direct project support as needed. RESULTS The cohort consisted of six teams (37 participants) from two institutions. Each team completed a QI project in subjects including MRI, ultrasound, CT, diagnostic radiography, and ACR certification. All projects reached levels of between 3.0 (initial test cycles begun with evidence of modest improvement) and 4.0 (performance data meeting goal and statistical process control criteria for improvement) and met graduation criteria for program completion. DISCUSSION We found the structured problem-solving method, along with timely focused QI education materials via a virtual platform, to be effective in simultaneously facilitating improvement projects from multiple institutions. The combination of two institutions fostered encouragement and shared learning across institutions.
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Marang-van de Mheen PJ, Woodcock T. Grand rounds in methodology: four critical decision points in statistical process control evaluations of quality improvement initiatives. BMJ Qual Saf 2023; 32:47-54. [PMID: 36109158 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-014870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Quality improvement (QI) projects often employ statistical process control (SPC) charts to monitor process or outcome measures as part of ongoing feedback, to inform successive Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles and refine the intervention (formative evaluation). SPC charts can also be used to draw inferences on effectiveness and generalisability of improvement efforts (summative evaluation), but only if appropriately designed and meeting specific methodological requirements for generalisability. Inadequate design decreases the validity of results, which not only reduces the chance of publication but could also result in patient harm and wasted resources if incorrect conclusions are drawn. This paper aims to bring together much of what has been written in various tutorials, to suggest a process for using SPC in QI projects. We highlight four critical decision points that are often missed, how these are inter-related and how they affect the inferences that can be drawn regarding effectiveness of the intervention: (1) the need for a stable baseline to enable drawing inferences on effectiveness; (2) choice of outcome measures to assess effectiveness, safety and intervention fidelity; (3) design features to improve the quality of QI projects; (4) choice of SPC analysis aligned with the type of outcome, and reporting on the potential influence of other interventions or secular trends.These decision points should be explicitly reported for readers to interpret and judge the results, and can be seen as supplementing the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence guidelines. Thinking in advance about both formative and summative evaluation will inform more deliberate choices and strengthen the evidence produced by QI projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perla J Marang-van de Mheen
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Medical Decision Making, J10-S, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Woodcock
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration Northwest London, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Tao X, Li J, Gu Y, Ma L, Xu W, Wang R, Gao L, Zhang R, Wang H, Jiang Y. A National Quality Improvement Program on Ultrasound Department in China: A Controlled Cohort Study of 1297 Public Hospitals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:397. [PMID: 36612718 PMCID: PMC9819884 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Providing high-quality medical services is of great importance in the imaging department, as there is a growing focus on personal health, and high-quality services can lead to improved patient outcomes. Many quality improvement (QI) programs with good guidance and fine measurement for improvement have been reported to be effective. In order to improve the quality of ultrasound departments in China, we conducted this study of a national quality improvement program. A total of 1297 public hospitals were included in this QI program on ultrasound departments in China from 2017 to 2019. The effect of this QI program was investigated, and potential factors, including hospital level and local economic development, were considered. The outcome indicators, the positive rate and diagnostic accuracy, were improved significantly between the two phases (positive rate, 2017 vs. 2019: 66.21% vs. 73.91%, p < 0.001; diagnostic accuracy, 2017 vs. 2019: 85.37% vs. 89.74%; p < 0.001). Additionally, they were improved in secondary and tertiary hospitals, with the improvement in secondary hospitals being greater. Notably, the enhancement of diagnostic accuracy in low-GDP provinces was almost 20%, which was more significant than the enhancement in high-GDP provinces. However, the important structural indicator, the doctor-to-patient ratio, decreased from 1.05:10,000 to 0.96:10,000 (p = 0.026). This study suggests that the national ultrasound QI program improved the outcome indicators, with secondary-level hospitals improving more than tertiary hospitals and low-GDP provinces improving more than high-GDP regions. Additionally, as there is a growing need for ultrasound examinations, more ultrasound doctors are needed in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Tao
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jianchu Li
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yang Gu
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Ruojiao Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Luying Gao
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yuxin Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
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Brevik HS, Hufthammer KO, Hernes ME, Bjørneklett R, Brattebø G. Implementing a new emergency medical triage tool in one health region in Norway: some lessons learned. BMJ Open Qual 2022; 11:bmjoq-2021-001730. [PMID: 35534042 PMCID: PMC9086633 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2021-001730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acutely sick or injured patients depend on ambulance and emergency department personnel performing an accurate initial assessment and prioritisation (triage) to effectively identify patients in need of immediate treatment. Triage also ensures that each patient receives fair initial assessment. To improve the patient safety, quality of care, and communication about a patient's medical condition, we implemented a new triage tool (the South African Triage Scale Norway (SATS-N) in all the ambulance services and emergency departments in one health region in Norway. This article describes the lessons we learnt during this implementation process. METHODS The main framework in this quality improvement (QI) work was the plan-do-study-act cycle. Additional process sources were 'The Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for improvement' and the Norwegian Patient Safety Programme. RESULTS Based on the QI process as a whole, we defined subjects influencing this work to be successful, such as identifying areas for improvement, establishing multidisciplinary teams, coaching, implementing measurements and securing sustainability. After these subjects were connected to the relevant challenges and desired effects, we described the lessons we learnt during this comprehensive QI process. CONCLUSION We learnt the importance of following a structured framework for QI process during the implementation of the SATS-N triage tool. Furthermore, securing anchoring at all levels, from the managements to the medical professionals in direct patient-orientated work, was relevant important. Moreover, establishing multidisciplinary teams with ambulance personnel, emergency department nurses and doctors with various medical specialties provided ownership to the participants. Meanwhile, coaching provided necessary security for the staff directly involved in caring for patients. Keeping the spirit and perseverance high were important factors in completing the implementation. Establishment of the regional network group was found to be important for sustainability and further improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rune Bjørneklett
- Emergency Care Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Guttorm Brattebø
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Emergency Medical Communication (KoKom), Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Flaherty BF, Hummel K, Vijayarajah S, White BR, Outsen S, Larsen GY. Improving Knowledge of Active Safety and QI Projects Amongst Practitioners in a Pediatric ICU. Pediatr Qual Saf 2022; 7:e569. [PMID: 35720872 PMCID: PMC9197365 DOI: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The success of quality improvement (QI) projects depends on many factors, with communication and knowledge of project-specific practice change being fundamental. This project aimed to improve the knowledge of active safety and QI projects. Methods Two interventions were trialed to improve knowledge: paired email and meeting announcements followed by a daily huddle to review ongoing projects. Knowledge, measured as the ability to recall a project and its practice change, was the primary outcome. The frequency and duration of the Huddle were process and balancing measures, respectively. Results Seven days after a meeting/email announcement, 3 of 13 (23%) faculty and fellows recalled the announced practice change. Investigators then tested the effects of the Huddle by assessing practitioners' knowledge of safety and QI project-related practice changes on the first and last day of a service week. The average percentage of items recalled increased from the beginning to end of a service week by 33% [46% to 79%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 12-53] for faculty and 27% (51% to 77%, 95% CI 13-40) for fellows. The Huddle occurred in four of seven (interquartile range 2-5) days/wk with a mean duration of 4.5 (SD 2) minutes. Follow-up assessment 2 years after Huddle implementation demonstrate sustained increase in item recall [faculty +36% (95% CI +13% to 40%); fellows +35% (95% CI +23% to 47%)]. Conclusions A daily huddle to discuss safety and QI project-related practice change is an effective and time-efficient communication method to increase knowledge of active projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian F. Flaherty
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Kevin Hummel
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Senthuran Vijayarajah
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Ok
| | - Benjamin R. White
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, Hershey, PA
| | - Shad Outsen
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Gitte Y. Larsen
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
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Taylor SM, Slowinske L, Dennison M, Manusky C, Tan S, Patel K, Brewington D. Inpatient rehabilitation wheelchair management quality improvement project: Implications for patients with spinal cord injury. J Spinal Cord Med 2022; 46:414-423. [PMID: 35108164 PMCID: PMC10114970 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.2019656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE Evaluate hospital fleet wheelchair (WC) requests submitted by physical therapists (PT) for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) to trial and use during inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGN Quality improvement project secondary analysis of delivery process and WC trials. SETTING Urban inpatient rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS Internal review of 4,371 WC requests narrowed to 750 patients with SCI. INTERVENTIONS PTs submitted WC requests between March 25, 2017, and September 30, 2019. OUTCOME MEASURES WC delivery timeframe, level of SCI, type of WC. RESULTS PTs requested power (28%), and manual WC bases: standard (19.1%), tilt (18.9%), ultralight rigid (18.9%), ultralight folding (13.5%), and recliner (1.6%) respectively. Patients received fleet WCs 49.9% of the time within specified urgency timeframes. A Chi-Square test showed a significant association between WC request urgency and fulfillment within established timeframes (χ2 = 19.68, P < 0.001, n = 750). Broken down by urgency level: 60.0% low (n = 12), 56.2% medium (n = 244), and 39.9% high (n = 118) received their WC within established timeframes. Patients with cervical level SCI (n = 162) had the highest mean wait time of 8.28 days for power WCs. The second highest wait time was 6.29 days (SD 6.6) for manual ultralight rigid WCs (n = 34). CONCLUSION Inpatient fleet WC delivery is critical to patients with SCI. Variation occurs by WC type requested and by the level of injury. Gaps exist in providing appropriate WCs in facility timeframe guidelines by the level of urgency that is within 24 h for high, 3-5 days for medium, and 5-7 days for low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally M Taylor
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Laura Slowinske
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department at Northwestern Medicine, Northwestern Medical Group Women's Health Physical Therapy, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael Dennison
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Colton Manusky
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Shawn Tan
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kinjal Patel
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Miltner R, Pesch L, Mercado S, Dammrich T, Stafford T, Hunter J, Stewart G. Why Competency Standardization Matters for Improvement: An Assessment of the Healthcare Quality Workforce. J Healthc Qual 2021; 43:263-274. [PMID: 34463669 DOI: 10.1097/jhq.0000000000000316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Healthcare transformation requires a healthcare quality workforce with the requisite expertise to lead, oversee, and implement positive change within healthcare organizations. The National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) Competency Framework, which spans 29 competencies across 8 domains of healthcare quality, outlines the specific knowledge and skills needed to advance personal and organizational quality goals. This study describes 1,671 responses to the NAHQ Professional Assessment survey from a diverse group of healthcare quality professionals representative of NAHQ's professional community. Results show that two-thirds of respondents indicated they are working in 4 or more competency domains, with 85% reporting working in Performance and Process Improvement. Results also indicate that individuals who hold the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) certification perform work at more advanced levels across all eight domains of the competency framework. This was statistically significant for 13 of the 29 competencies including all three competency statements within the Performance and Process Improvement domain. Healthcare organizations need a workforce with specialized quality and safety expertise to advance quality goals, and this study suggests that those who invest in continued professional development by attaining the CPHQ certification may be better positioned to contribute meaningfully to advance these goals and improve organizational outcomes.
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Dye ME, Pugh C, Sala C, Scott TA, Wallace T, Grubb PH, Hatch LD. Developing a Unit-Based Quality Improvement Program in a Large Neonatal ICU. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2021; 47:654-662. [PMID: 34284954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality improvement (QI) methods have been widely adopted in health care. Although theoretical frameworks and models for organizing successful QI programs have been described, few reports have provided practical examples to link existing QI theory to building a unit-based QI program. The purpose of this report is to describe the authors' experience in building QI infrastructure in a large neonatal ICU (NICU). METHODS A unit-based QI program was developed with the goal of fostering the growth of high-functioning QI teams. This program was based on six pillars: shared vision for QI, QI team capacity, QI team capability, actionable data for improvement, culture of improvement, and QI team integration with external collaboratives. Multiple interventions were developed, including a QI dashboard to align NICU metrics with unit and hospital quality goals, formal training for QI leaders, QI coaches imbedded in project teams, a day-long QI educational workshop to introduce QI methodology to unit staff, and a secure, Web-based QI data infrastructure. RESULTS Over a five-year period, this QI infrastructure brought organization and support for individual QI project teams and improved patient outcomes in the unit. Two case studies are presented, describing teams that used support from the QI infrastructure. The Infection Prevention team reduced central line-associated bloodstream infections from 0.89 to 0.36 infections per 1,000 central line-days. The Nutrition team decreased the percentage of very low birth weight infants discharged with weights less than the 10th percentile from 51% to 40%. CONCLUSION The clinicians provide a pragmatic example of incorporating QI organizational and contextual theory into practice to support the development of high-functioning QI teams and build a unit-based QI program.
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Wijk H, Heikkilä K, Ponzer S, Kihlström L, Nordquist J. Successful implementation of change in postgraduate medical education - a qualitative study of programme directors. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:213. [PMID: 33853598 PMCID: PMC8048047 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02606-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leaders in postgraduate medical education are responsible for implementing educational change. Although difficulties in implementing change are described both in the general leadership literature as well as in the field of medical education, knowledge of what characterises successful change leadership in postgraduate medical education is limited. The aim of this study is to explore the process used by educational leaders in successful change implementation in postgraduate medical education. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 programme directors to explore how they had implemented successful change projects. The sample consisted of programme directors who had reported in a previous survey having high educational impact at their workplace. Interviews were analysed using Ödman's qualitative interpretative method. RESULTS The interviews identified similarities in how participating programme directors had implemented changes. Five interconnected themes crystallised from the data: (1) belonging to a group, (2) having a vision and meaning, (3) having a mandate for change, (4) involving colleagues and superiors, and (5) having a long-term perspective. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illuminate important aspects of successful change management in postgraduate medical education. Change is ideally based on a clear vision and is implemented in coalition with others. A long-term strategy should be planned, including involvement and anchoring of key persons in several discrete steps as change is implemented. While some of these findings are congruent with the general literature on change management, this study emphasises the importance of a mandate, with successful change leadership dependent on coalition and the facilitation provided by the next level of leadership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Wijk
- Department of Medicine (Huddinge), Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristiina Heikkilä
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Sari Ponzer
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Kihlström
- Department of Research and Education, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Nordquist
- Department of Medicine (Huddinge), Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Research and Education, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Latif A, Gulzar N, Lowe F, Ansong T, Gohil S. Engaging community pharmacists in quality improvement (QI): a qualitative case study of a partnership between a Higher Education Institute and Local Pharmaceutical Committees. BMJ Open Qual 2021; 10:bmjoq-2020-001047. [PMID: 33455910 PMCID: PMC7813393 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2020-001047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality improvement (QI) involves the use of systematic tools and methods to improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients. However, awareness and application of QI among healthcare professionals is poor and new strategies are needed to engage them in this area. OBJECTIVES This study describes an innovative collaboration between one Higher Educational Institute (HEI) and Local Pharmaceutical Committees (LPCs) to develop a postgraduate QI module aimed to upskill community pharmacists in QI methods. The study explores pharmacist engagement with the learning and investigates the impact on their practice. METHODS Details of the HEI-LPCs collaboration and communication with pharmacist were recorded. Focus groups were held with community pharmacists who enrolled onto the module to explore their motivation for undertaking the learning, how their knowledge of QI had changed and how they applied this learning in practice. A constructivist qualitative methodology was used to analyse the data. RESULTS The study found that a HEI-LPC partnership was feasible in developing and delivering the QI module. Fifteen pharmacists enrolled and following its completion, eight took part in one of two focus groups. Pharmacists reported a desire to extend and acquire new skills. The HEI-LPC partnership signalled a vote of confidence that gave pharmacists reassurance to sign up for the training. Some found returning to academia challenging and reported a lack of time and organisational support. Despite this, pharmacists demonstrated an enhanced understanding of QI, were more analytical in their day-to-day problem-solving and viewed the learning as having a positive impact on their team's organisational culture with potential to improve service quality for patients. CONCLUSIONS With the increased adoption of new pharmacist's roles and recent changes to governance associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, a HEI-LPC collaborative approach could upskill pharmacists and help them acquire skills to accommodate new working practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asam Latif
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nargis Gulzar
- School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Fiona Lowe
- Herefordshire & Worcestershire LPC, Coventry LPC & Warwickshire LPC (Local Pharmaceutical Committee), Evesham, UK
| | - Theo Ansong
- School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Sejal Gohil
- School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
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Wyatt KD, Freedman EB, Arteaga GM, Rodriguez V, Warad DM. Computer-based simulation to reduce EHR-related chemotherapy ordering errors. Cancer Med 2020; 9:8844-8851. [PMID: 33002331 PMCID: PMC7724293 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The electronic health record (EHR) is a contributor to serious patient harm occurring within a sociotechnical system. Chemotherapy ordering is a high-risk task due to the complex nature of ordering workflows and potential detrimental effects if wrong chemotherapeutic doses are administered. Many chemotherapy ordering errors cannot be mitigated through systems-based changes due to the limited extent to which individual institutions are able to customize proprietary EHR software. We hypothesized that simulation-based training could improve providers' ability to identify and mitigate common chemotherapy ordering errors. METHODS Pediatric hematology/oncology providers voluntarily participated in simulations using an EHR testing ("Playground") environment. The number of safety risks identified and mitigated by each provider at baseline was recorded. Risks were reviewed one-on-one after initial simulations and at a group "lunch-and-learn" session. At three-month follow-up, repeat simulations assessed for improvements in error identification and mitigation, and providers were surveyed about prevention of real-life safety events. RESULTS The 8 participating providers identified and mitigated an average of 5.5 out of 10 safety risks during the initial simulation, compared 7.4 safety risks at the follow up simulation (p=0.030). Two of the providers (25%) reported preventing at least one real-world patient safety event in the clinical setting as a result of the initial training session. CONCLUSIONS Simulation-based training may reduce providers' susceptibility to chemotherapy ordering safety vulnerabilities within the EHR. This approach may be used when systems-based EHR improvements are not feasible due to limited ability to customize local instances of proprietary EHR software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk D. Wyatt
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/OncologyMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
| | | | | | | | - Deepti M. Warad
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/OncologyMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
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Goldman J, Kuper A, Baker GR, Bulmer B, Coffey M, Jeffs L, Shea C, Whitehead C, Shojania KG, Wong B. Experiential Learning in Project-Based Quality Improvement Education: Questioning Assumptions and Identifying Future Directions. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2020; 95:1745-1754. [PMID: 32079957 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000003203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Project-based experiential learning is a defining element of quality improvement (QI) education despite ongoing challenges and uncertainties. The authors examined stakeholders' perceptions and experiences of QI project-based learning to increase understanding of factors that influence learning and project experiences. METHOD The authors used a case study approach to examine QI project-based learning in 3 advanced longitudinal QI programs, 2 at the University of Toronto and 1 at an academic tertiary-care hospital. From March 2016 to June 2017, they undertook 135 hours of education program observation and 58 interviews with learners, program directors, project coaches, and institutional leaders and reviewed relevant documents. They analyzed data using a conventional and directed data analysis approach. RESULTS The findings provide insight into 5 key factors that influenced participants' project-based learning experiences and outcomes: (1) variable emphasis on learning versus project objectives and resulting benefits, tensions, and consequences; (2) challenges integrating the QI project into the curriculum timeline; (3) project coaching factors (e.g., ability, capacity, role clarity); (4) participants' differing access to resources and ability to direct a QI project given their professional roles; and (5) workplace environment influence on project success. CONCLUSIONS The findings contribute to an empirical basis toward more effective experiential learning in QI by identifying factors to target and optimize. Expanding conceptualizations of project-based learning for QI education beyond learner-initiated, time-bound projects, which are at the core of many QI educational initiatives, may be necessary to improve learning and project outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Goldman
- J. Goldman is assistant professor, Department of Medicine, scientist, Centre for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, and cross-appointed researcher, Wilson Centre for Research in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1589-4070
| | - Ayelet Kuper
- A. Kuper is associate professor, Department of Medicine, scientist and associate director, Wilson Centre for Research in Education, University Health Network, University of Toronto, and staff physician, Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - G Ross Baker
- G.R. Baker is professor and program lead, Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beverly Bulmer
- B. Bulmer is vice president, Education, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, and lecturer, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maitreya Coffey
- M. Coffey is associate professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, medical officer for patient safety, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and associate clinical director, Children's Hospitals Solutions for Patient Safety, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Lianne Jeffs
- L. Jeffs is research and innovation lead scholar in residence and senior clinician scientist, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, associate professor, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, and affiliate scientist, Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Shea
- C. Shea is program director and lecturer, Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cynthia Whitehead
- C. Whitehead is professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, director and scientist, Wilson Centre for Research in Education, University Health Network, University of Toronto, and vice president of education, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaveh G Shojania
- K.G. Shojania is professor and vice chair, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, and staff physician, Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9942-0130
| | - Brian Wong
- B. Wong is associate professor, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, director, Centre for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, and staff physician, Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Latif A, Gulzar N, Gohil S, Ansong T. Quality improvement in community pharmacy: a qualitative investigation of the impact of a postgraduate quality improvement educational module on pharmacists understanding and practice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2020; 29:84-89. [PMID: 32797686 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Quality improvement (QI) is increasingly featuring in the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) agenda to promote safety, effectiveness and patient experience. However, the use of QI techniques by healthcare professionals appears limited and constrained with only isolated examples of good practice. This study explores QI within the pharmacy context. Focusing on the community pharmacy 'Healthy Living Pharmacy scheme', this study aims to explore changes in QI understanding resulting from a postgraduate QI educational intervention. METHODS Four focus groups were held involving 13 community pharmacists enrolled onto a newly developed postgraduate QI educational module. Two focus groups were held before and two after the module's completion. Knowledge of QI and practical applications following the learning was explored. KEY FINDINGS Three themes emerged: pharmacists' motivation for learning about QI, conceptual understanding and translation into practice. Pharmacists expressed positive views about learning new skills but expressed logistical concerns about how they would accommodate the extra learning. Prior knowledge of QI was found to be lacking and its application in practice ineffectual. Following completion of the QI module, significant improvements in comprehension and application were seen. Pharmacists considered it too soon to make an assessment on patient outcomes as their improvements required time to effectively embed changes in practice. CONCLUSIONS Quality improvement forms an important part of the NHS quality and safety agenda; however, community pharmacists may not currently have adequate knowledge of QI principles. The postgraduate educational intervention showed promising results in pharmacist's knowledge, organisational culture and application in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asam Latif
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nargis Gulzar
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Sejal Gohil
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Theo Ansong
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
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Organizational Support in Healthcare Redesign Education: A Mixed-Methods Exploratory Study of Expert Coach and Executive Sponsor Experiences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155308. [PMID: 32717993 PMCID: PMC7432300 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare organizations must continue to improve services to meet the rising demand and patient expectations. For this to occur, the health workforce needs to have knowledge and skills to design, implement, and evaluate service improvement interventions. Studies have shown that effective training in health service improvement and redesign combines didactic education with experiential project-based learning and on-the-ground coaching. Project-based learning requires organizational support and oversight, generally through executive sponsorship. A mixed-methods approach, comprising online surveys and semi-structured interviews, was used to explore the experiences of expert coaches and executive sponsors as key facilitators of workplace-based projects undertaken during an Australian postgraduate healthcare redesign course. Fifteen (54%) expert coaches and 37 (20%) executive sponsors completed the online survey. Ten expert coaches and six executive sponsors participated in interviews. The survey data revealed overall positive experiences for coaches and mixed experiences for sponsors. Interview participants expressed a sense of fulfillment that came from working with project teams to deliver a successful project and educational outcomes. However, concerns were raised about adequate resourcing, organizational recognition, competing priorities, and the skills required to effectively coach and sponsor. Expert coaches and executive sponsors sometimes felt under-valued and may benefit from cohort-tailored and evidence-based professional development.
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Javaid MK, Sami A, Lems W, Mitchell P, Thomas T, Singer A, Speerin R, Fujita M, Pierroz DD, Akesson K, Halbout P, Ferrari S, Cooper C. A patient-level key performance indicator set to measure the effectiveness of fracture liaison services and guide quality improvement: a position paper of the IOF Capture the Fracture Working Group, National Osteoporosis Foundation and Fragility Fracture Network. Osteoporos Int 2020; 31:1193-1204. [PMID: 32266437 PMCID: PMC7280347 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-020-05377-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) Capture the Fracture® Campaign with the Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) and National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) has developed eleven patient-level key performance indicators (KPIs) for fracture liaison services (FLSs) to guide quality improvement. INTRODUCTION Fracture Liaison Services (FLSs) are recommended worldwide to reduce fracture risk after a sentinel fracture. Given not every FLS is automatically effective, the IOF Capture the Fracture working group has developed and implemented the Best Practice Framework to assess the organisational components of an FLS. We have now developed a complimentary KPI set that extends this assessment of performance to the patient level. METHODS The Capture the Fracture working group in collaboration with the Fragility Fracture Network Secondary Fragility Fracture Special Interest Group and National Osteoporosis Foundation adapted existing metrics from the UK-based Fracture Liaison Service Database Audit to develop a patient-level KPI set for FLSs. RESULTS Eleven KPIs were selected. The proportion of patients: with non-spinal fractures; with spine fractures (detected clinically and radiologically); assessed for fracture risk within 12 weeks of sentinel fracture; having DXA assessment within 12 weeks of sentinel fracture; having falls risk assessment; recommended anti-osteoporosis medication; commenced of strength and balance exercise intervention within 16 weeks of sentinel fracture; monitored within 16 weeks of sentinel fracture; started anti-osteoporosis medication within 16 weeks of sentinel fracture; prescribed anti-osteoporosis medication 52 weeks after sentinel fracture. The final KPI measures data completeness for each of the other KPIs. For these indicators, levels of achievement were set at the < 50%, 50-80% and > 80% levels except for treatment recommendation where a level of 50% was used. CONCLUSION This KPI set compliments the existing Best Practice Framework to support FLSs to examine their own performance using patient-level data. By using this KPI set for local quality improvement cycles, FLSs will be able to efficiently realise the full potential of secondary fracture prevention and improved clinical outcomes for their local populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Javaid
- The Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Orthopaedic Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX4 7LD, UK.
| | - A Sami
- The Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Orthopaedic Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX4 7LD, UK
| | - W Lems
- VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Mitchell
- The Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Orthopaedic Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX4 7LD, UK
- School of Medicine, Sydney Campus, The University of Notre Dame Australia, 140 Broadway, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - T Thomas
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Nord, CHU de Saint-Etienne, and INSERM U1059, University of Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - A Singer
- Department of Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - R Speerin
- Fragility Fracture Network, Zürich, Switzerland
- Musculoskeletal Network, NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation, Chatswood, Australia
| | - M Fujita
- International Osteoporosis Foundation, Nyon, Switzerland
| | - D D Pierroz
- International Osteoporosis Foundation, Nyon, Switzerland
| | - K Akesson
- Department of Orthopaedics, Skane University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - P Halbout
- International Osteoporosis Foundation, Nyon, Switzerland
| | - S Ferrari
- Division of Bone Disease, Department of Internal Medicine Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - C Cooper
- The Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Orthopaedic Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX4 7LD, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Walker DM, DePuccio MJ, Huerta TR, McAlearney AS. Designing Quality Improvement Collaboratives for Dissemination: Lessons from a Multiple Case Study of the Implementation of Obstetric Emergency Safety Bundles. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2019; 46:136-145. [PMID: 31839423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality improvement collaboratives (QICs) can help to disseminate evidence-based practices, but there is limited guidance from the perspectives of QIC organizers and participants of best practices to support practice change. To address this gap, this study aimed to identify key structures and processes of QICs that support dissemination and implementation of quality improvement projects. METHODS Semistructured one-on-one and group interviews were conducted from December 2017 to May 2018 with project administrators (n = 28) at three QICs that had been funded to develop and disseminate obstetric emergency safety bundles in more than 300 hospitals across five states. For further study, the project leads (n = 25) at six hospitals nominated by each QIC were interviewed. A multiple case study design was used to evaluate the dissemination strategies of each of the three QICs. For the QIC interviews, questions asked about dissemination approach, and for the hospital interviews, questions asked about implementation facilitators and barriers. All interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using both deductive and inductive methods. RESULTS A key element supporting the dissemination strategy of each QIC was leveraging existing partnerships and relationships and promoting a shared vision with participating hospitals. A robust data infrastructure to support the project was identified as a critical element to support dissemination, yet was a challenge for the QICs. CONCLUSION These findings highlight specific elements of a dissemination approach that QICs can deploy to support their dissemination efforts. In particular, building data infrastructure may be a useful strategy to support ongoing quality improvement projects.
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Algurén B, Nordin A, Andersson-Gäre B, Peterson A. In-depth comparison of two quality improvement collaboratives from different healthcare areas based on registry data-possible factors contributing to sustained improvement in outcomes beyond the project time. Implement Sci 2019; 14:74. [PMID: 31337394 PMCID: PMC6647054 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-019-0926-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality improvement collaboratives (QICs) are widely used to improve healthcare, but there are few studies of long-term sustained improved outcomes, and inconsistent evidence about what factors contribute to success. The aim of the study was to open the black box of QICs and compare characteristics and activities in detail of two differing QICs in relation to their changed outcomes from baseline and the following 3 years. METHODS Final reports of two QICs-one on heart failure care with five teams, and one on osteoarthritis care with seven teams, including detailed descriptions of improvement projects from each QIC's team, were analysed and coded by 18 QIC characteristics and four team characteristics. Goal variables from each team routinely collected within the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF) and the Better Management of Patients with OsteoArthritis Registry (BOA) at year 2013 (baseline), 2014, 2015 and 2016 were analysed with univariate statistics. RESULTS The two QICs differed greatly in design. The SwedeHF-QIC involved eight experts and ran for 12 months, whereas the BOA-QIC engaged three experts and ran for 6 months. There were about twice as many activities in the SwedeHF-QIC as in the BOA-QIC and they ranged from standardisation of team coordination to better information and structured follow-ups. The outcome results were heterogeneous within teams and across teams and QICs. Both QICs were highly appreciated by the participants and contributed to their learning, e.g. of improvement methods; however, several teams had already reached goal values when the QICs were launched in 2013. CONCLUSIONS Even though many QI activities were carried out, it was difficult to see sustained improvements on outcomes. Outcomes as specific measurable aspects of care in need of improvement should be chosen carefully. Activities focusing on adherence to standard care programmes and on increased follow-up of patients seemed to lead to more long-lasting improvements. Although earlier studies showed that data follow-up and measurement skills as well as well-functioning data warehouses contribute to sustained improvements, the present registries' functionality and QICs at this time did not support those aspects sufficiently. Further studies on QICs and their impact on improvement beyond the project time should investigate the effect of those elements in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix Algurén
- Department of Food and Nutrition, and Sport Science, University of Gothenburg, Faculty of Education, Box 300, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden. .,School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden.
| | - Annika Nordin
- School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Boel Andersson-Gäre
- School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden.,Futurum, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Anette Peterson
- School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden.,Futurum, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
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Aggarwal G, Peden CJ, Mohammed MA, Pullyblank A, Williams B, Stephens T, Kellett S, Kirkby-Bott J, Quiney N. Evaluation of the Collaborative Use of an Evidence-Based Care Bundle in Emergency Laparotomy. JAMA Surg 2019; 154:e190145. [PMID: 30892581 PMCID: PMC6537778 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2019.0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Question Is a quality improvement collaborative approach to implementation of a care bundle associated with reductions in mortality from emergency laparotomy? Findings In this study of a collaborative project involving 28 hospitals and a total of 14 809 patients, reductions in mortality and length of stay were seen after implementation of a care bundle. Improvement took time to occur and was not seen until the second year of the collaborative project. Meaning The findings suggest that hospitals should consider adopting a care bundle approach and participating in a collaborative group to see improvement in outcomes for patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Importance Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy have high mortality, but few studies exist to improve outcomes for these patients. Objective To assess whether a collaborative approach to implement a 6-point care bundle is associated with reduction in mortality and length of stay and improvement in the delivery of standards of care across a group of hospitals. Design, Setting, and Participants The Emergency Laparotomy Collaborative (ELC) was a UK-based prospective quality improvement study of the implementation of a care bundle provided to patients requiring emergency laparotomy between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2017. Participants were 28 National Health Service hospitals and emergency surgical patients who were treated at these hospitals and whose data were entered into the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) database. Post-ELC implementation outcomes were compared with baseline data from July 1, 2014, to September 30, 2015. Data entry and collection were performed through the NELA. Interventions A 6-point, evidence-based care bundle was used. The bundle included prompt measurement of blood lactate levels, early review and treatment for sepsis, transfer to the operating room within defined time goals after the decision to operate, use of goal-directed fluid therapy, postoperative admission to an intensive care unit, and multidisciplinary involvement of senior clinicians in the decision and delivery of perioperative care. Change management and leadership coaching were provided to ELC leadership teams. Main Outcome and Measures Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, both crude and Portsmouth Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and morbidity (P-POSSUM) risk-adjusted, and length of stay. Secondary outcomes were the changes after implementation of the separate metrics in the care bundle. Results A total of 28 hospitals participated in the ELC and completed the project. The baseline group included 5562 patients (2937 female [52.8%] and a mean [range] age of 65.3 [18.0-114.0] years), whereas the post-ELC group had 9247 patients (4911 female [53.1%] and a mean [range] age of 65.0 [18.0-99.0] years). Unadjusted mortality rate decreased from 9.8% at baseline to 8.3% in year 2 of the project, and so did risk-adjusted mortality from a baseline of 5.3% to 4.5% post-ELC. Mean length of stay decreased from 20.1 days during year 1 to 18.9 days during year 2. Significant changes in 5 of the 6 metrics in the care bundle were achieved. Conclusions and Relevance A collaborative approach using a quality improvement methodology and a care bundle appeared to be effective in reducing mortality and length of stay in emergency laparotomy, suggesting that hospitals should adopt such an approach to see better patient outcomes and care delivery performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geeta Aggarwal
- Department of Anesthesiology, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Carol J Peden
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | | | - Anne Pullyblank
- Department of Surgery, North Bristol Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom.,West of England Academic Health Science Network, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Williams
- Kent Surrey Sussex Academic Health Science Network, Crawley, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Stephens
- Critical Care and Perioperative Medicine Research Group, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Kellett
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - James Kirkby-Bott
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Nial Quiney
- Department of Anesthesiology, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, United Kingdom
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23
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Difusco LA, Helman SM. Quality Over Quantity: Standardization of Pediatric HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device Dressing Changes. ASAIO J 2018; 64:e181-e186. [PMID: 30234506 DOI: 10.1097/mat.0000000000000876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric patients are unique both in their diagnosis and clinical presentation before implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD) and in their driveline site characteristics post-implant. There is limited evidence in scholarly literature that describes complications of pediatric VAD driveline sites or approaches by which to manage them. The Cardiac Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) follows a standard of care for HeartWare VAD (HVAD) dressing changes in the inpatient setting with the goal of transitioning patients to weekly dressing changes by the time they are discharged to home. As a patient with an HVAD nears discharge, members of an interprofessional team collaborate with insurance providers and home care agencies to procure the appropriate supplies needed at home. Individualized plans of care are necessary for patients who are unable to transition to weekly dressings; however, customized products (such as silicone foam border dressings and antimicrobial agents) may be challenging to supply as single items from home care agencies. Between March 2014 and June 2017, 15 patients underwent HVAD implantation, and eight (53%) were discharged home. Ten patients (67%) were able to transition to weekly dressing changes. Individualized plans of care for driveline site management were required for six (40%) patients with persistent drainage. Three patients (20%) experienced a driveline site infection. This article describes how a quality improvement (QI) initiative using rapid-cycle improvement methodology was executed to standardize HVAD dressing changes in our pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Ann Difusco
- From the Cardiac Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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24
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Brandrud AS, Bretthauer M, Brattebø G, Pedersen MJ, Håpnes K, Møller K, Bjorge T, Nyen B, Strauman L, Schreiner A, Haldorsen GS, Bergli M, Nelson E, Morgan TS, Hjortdahl P. Local emergency medical response after a terrorist attack in Norway: a qualitative study. BMJ Qual Saf 2017; 26:806-816. [PMID: 28676492 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2017-006517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION On 22 July 2011, Norway suffered a devastating terrorist attack targeting a political youth camp on a remote island. Within a few hours, 35 injured terrorist victims were admitted to the local Ringerike community hospital. All victims survived. The local emergency medical service (EMS), despite limited resources, was evaluated by three external bodies as successful in handling this crisis. This study investigates the determinants for the success of that EMS as a model for quality improvement in healthcare. METHODS We performed focus group interviews using the critical incident technique with 30 healthcare professionals involved in the care of the attack victims to establish determinants of the EMS' success. Two independent teams of professional experts classified and validated the identified determinants. RESULTS Our findings suggest a combination of four elements essential for the success of the EMS: (1) major emergency preparedness and competence based on continuous planning, training and learning; (2) crisis management based on knowledge, trust and data collection; (3) empowerment through multiprofessional networks; and (4) the ability to improvise based on acquired structure and competence. The informants reported the successful response was specifically based on multiprofessional trauma education, team training, and prehospital and in-hospital networking including mental healthcare. The powerful combination of preparedness, competence and crisis management built on empowerment enabled the healthcare workers to trust themselves and each other to make professional decisions and creative improvisations in an unpredictable situation. CONCLUSION The determinants for success derived from this qualitative study (preparedness, management, networking, ability to improvise) may be universally applicable to understanding the conditions for resilient and safe healthcare services, and of general interest for quality improvement in healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleidis S Brandrud
- Quality Department, Vestre Viken HF, Drammen, Buskerud, Norway.,Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michael Bretthauer
- Clinical Effectiveness Research Group, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Transplantation Medicine and K G Jebsen Center for Colorectal Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guttorm Brattebø
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Trauma, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - May Jb Pedersen
- Department of General and Orthopedic Surgery, Obstetrics, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Ringerike Hospital, Vestre Viken HF, Drammen, Buskerud, Norway
| | - Kent Håpnes
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Ringerike DPS, Vestre Viken HF, Drammen, Buskerud, Norway
| | - Karin Møller
- Department of Medicine, Municipality of Ringerike, Honefoss, Buskerud, Norway
| | - Trond Bjorge
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Ostfold Hospital, Kalnes, Ostfold, Norway
| | - Bjørnar Nyen
- Department of Medicine, Municipality of Porsgrunn, Porsgrunn, Norway
| | - Lars Strauman
- Department of Medicine, Nordland Hospital, Lofoten, Nordland, Norway
| | - Ada Schreiner
- Norwegian Federation of Organizations of Disabled People, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gro S Haldorsen
- Department of Quality, Medicine and Patient Safety, South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, Hamar, Norway
| | - Maria Bergli
- Quality Department, Vestre Viken HF, Drammen, Buskerud, Norway
| | - Eugene Nelson
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Tamara S Morgan
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Per Hjortdahl
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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