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Johnston EE, Tefera R, Ananth P, Martinez I, Porter A, Snaman JM, Thienprayoon R, Asch S, Bhatia S, O'Beirne R. Defining the Denominator for Measuring Quality of End-of-Life Care in Children with Cancer: Results of a Nominal Group Technique. J Pediatr 2024:114038. [PMID: 38554745 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine which groups of children with cancer for whom to apply the newly developed quality measures for end-of-life (EOL) care. STUDY DESIGN In a series of nominal groups, panelists answered the question: "Which children, diagnoses, conditions, or prognoses should be included when examining the quality of EOL care for children with cancer?" In each group, individual panelists proposed answers to the question. After collating individual responses, each panelist ranked their 5 top answers and points were assigned (5 pts for the best answer, 4 pts the second best, etc.). A team of pediatric oncology and palliative care clinician-scientists developed and applied a coding structure for responses and associated themes and subthemes for responses. RESULTS We conducted five nominal groups with a total of 44 participants. Most participants identified as female (88%) and Non-Hispanic White (86%). Seventy-nine percent were clinicians, mainly in pediatric palliative care, pediatric oncology, or hospice; 40% were researchers and 12% were bereaved parents. Responses fell into 5 themes: (1) poor prognosis cancer; (2) specific treatment scenarios; (3) certain populations; (4) certain symptoms; (5) specific utilization scenarios. Poor prognosis cancer and specific treatment scenarios received the most points (320 pts [49%]; 147 pts [23%], respectively). CONCLUSIONS Participants developed a framework to identify which children should be included in EOL quality measures for children with cancer. The deliberate identification of the denominator for pediatric quality measures serves as a potent tool for enhancing quality, conducting research, and developing clinical programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Johnston
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
| | - Raba Tefera
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Prasanna Ananth
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Isaac Martinez
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Amy Porter
- Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer M Snaman
- Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Thienprayoon
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Palliative Care, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Steve Asch
- Department of Medicine/Primary Care, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Smita Bhatia
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ronan O'Beirne
- Division of Continuing Medical Education, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Reyes MA, Etinger V, Hronek C, Hall M, Davidson A, Mangione-Smith R, Kaiser SV, Parikh K. Pediatric Respiratory Illnesses: An Update on Achievable Benchmarks of Care. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2022058389. [PMID: 37403624 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-058389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pediatric respiratory illnesses (PRI): asthma, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, croup, and influenza are leading causes of pediatric hospitalizations, and emergency department (ED) visits in the United States. There is a lack of standardized measures to assess the quality of hospital care delivered for these conditions. We aimed to develop a measure set for automated data extraction from administrative data sets and evaluate its performance including updated achievable benchmarks of care (ABC). METHODS A multidisciplinary subject-matter experts team selected quality measures from multiple sources. The measure set was applied to the Public Health Information System database (Children's Hospital Association, Lenexa, KS) to cohorts of ED visits and hospitalizations from 2017 to 2019. ABC for pertinent measures and performance gaps of mean values from the ABC were estimated. ABC were compared with previous reports. RESULTS The measure set: PRI report includes a total of 94 quality measures. The study cohort included 984 337 episodes of care, and 82.3% were discharged from the ED. Measures with low performance included bronchodilators (19.7%) and chest x-rays (14.4%) for bronchiolitis in the ED. These indicators were (34.6%) and (29.5%) in the hospitalized cohort. In pneumonia, there was a 57.3% use of narrow spectrum antibiotics. In general, compared with previous reports, there was improvement toward optimal performance for the ABCs. CONCLUSIONS The PRI report provides performance data including ABC and identifies performance gaps in the quality of care for common respiratory illnesses. Future directions include examining health inequities, and understanding and addressing the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario A Reyes
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
| | - Veronica Etinger
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
| | | | - Matt Hall
- Children's Hospital Association, Lenexa, Kansas
| | | | | | - Sunitha V Kaiser
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, San Francisco, California
| | - Kavita Parikh
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
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Glavinovic T, Vinson AJ, Silver SA, Yohanna S. An Environmental Scan and Evaluation of Quality Indicators Across Canadian Kidney Transplant Centers. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2021; 8:20543581211027969. [PMID: 34262781 PMCID: PMC8243101 DOI: 10.1177/20543581211027969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment for an individual requiring kidney replacement therapy, resulting in improved survival and quality of life while costing the health care system less than maintenance dialysis. Achieving and maintaining a kidney transplant requires extensive coordination of several different health care services. To improve the quality of kidney transplant care, quality metrics or indicators that encompass all aspects of the individual’s journey to transplant should be measured in a standardized fashion. Objective: To identify, categorize, and evaluate strengths and weaknesses of kidney transplant quality indicators currently being used across Canada. Design: An environmental scan of quality indicators being used by kidney organizations and programs. Setting: A 16-member volunteer pan-Canadian panel with expertise in nephrology, transplant, and quality improvement. Sample: Transplant programs, as well as provincial transplant and kidney agencies across Canada. Methods: Indicators were first categorized based on the period of transplant care and then using the Institute of Medicine and Donabedian frameworks. A 4-member subcommittee rated each indicator using a modified version of the Delphi consensus technique based on the American College of Physician/Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality criteria. Consensus ratings were subsequently shared with the entire 16-member panel for additional comments. Results: We identified 46 measures related to transplant care across 7 Canadian provinces (9 referral and evaluation, 9 waitlist activity and outcomes, 6 hospitalization for transplant surgery, 12 posttransplant care, 6 organ utilization, 4 living donor). We rated 24 indicators (52%) as necessary to distinguish high-quality from low-quality care, most of which measured effective (n = 10) or efficient (n = 6) care. Only 7 (15%) of 46 indicators evaluated person-centered or equitable care. Fourteen common indicators were measured by 5 of 7 provinces, 10 of which were deemed “necessary,” measuring safe (n = 2), effective (n = 5), efficient (n = 2), and equitable (n = 1) care. Limitations: The panel lacked patient and allied health representation. Conclusions: There are a large number of kidney transplant quality indicators currently being used in Canada, some of which are common across provinces and focus primarily on measuring effective care. Person-centered and equitable care indicators were lacking, and only half of these indicators were deemed “necessary” for quality improvement. Our results should complement ongoing work to achieve national consensus on the standardization of quality indicators in kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Glavinovic
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda J Vinson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Samuel A Silver
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Seychelle Yohanna
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Quality Indicators for the Diagnosis and Management of Menière's Disease. Otol Neurotol 2021; 42:e1084-e1092. [PMID: 34191782 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000003206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Menière's disease (MD) is a clinical disorder that often provides challenges in diagnosis and management. High-quality evidence to guide care providers is sparse, which can result in significant practice variations. Quality indicators (QIs) are one method that can be used to standardize and measure accepted care practices to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes. Here, we developed practical, high-yield QIs that serve to measure and inform the quality of care provided to patients with MD. STUDY DESIGN Modified RAND Corporation University of California, Los Angeles appropriateness methodology for QI development. SETTING Multicenter nine-member expert panel. PATIENTS NA. INTERVENTIONS NA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Final QIs deemed appropriate measures of quality care with agreement by the expert panel. RESULTS Twenty-seven candidate indicators were identified after literature review. After the first round of evaluations, the panel agreed on three candidate indicators as appropriate QIs. A subsequent expert panel meeting provided a platform to discuss disagreements. Two agreed-upon QIs were revised during this discussion before final evaluations. The expert panel ultimately agreed upon five QIs as appropriate measures of high-quality care after completing final evaluations and reviewing updated literature. The five quality indicators measure audiometric documentation, minimization of electrocochleography, use of intratympanic dexamethasone, use of intratympanic gentamycin, and rate of labyrinthectomy/vestibular neurectomy in refractory MD patient. CONCLUSIONS This study proposes five QIs that cover key aspects of care for MD, such as accurate diagnosis and management options including initial destructive therapies. These QIs can serve multiple purposes, the most important of which is to galvanize quality improvement initiatives.
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Quality Indicators for the Diagnosis and Management of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Otol Neurotol 2021; 42:e991-e1000. [PMID: 34049327 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000003205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an ideal entity for quality indicator (QI) development, providing treatment challenges resulting in variable or substandard care. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recently updated their SSNHL guidelines. With SSNHL demonstrating a large burden of illness, this study sought to leverage the updated guidelines and develop QIs that support quality improvement initiatives at an individual, institutional, and systems level. METHODS Candidate indicators (CIs) were extracted from high-quality SSNHL guidelines that were evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool. Each CI and its supporting evidence were summarized and reviewed by a nine-member expert panel based on validity, reliability, and feasibility of measurement. Final QIs were selected from CIs using the modified RAND Corporation-University of California, Los Angeles appropriateness methodology. RESULTS Fifteen CIs were identified after literature review. After the first round of evaluations, the panel agreed on 11 candidate indicators as appropriate QIs with 2 additional CIs suggested for consideration. An expert panel meeting provided a platform to discuss areas of disagreement before final evaluations. The expert panel subsequently agreed upon 11 final QIs as appropriate measures of high-quality care for SSNHL. CONCLUSION The 11 proposed QIs from this study are supported by evidence and expert consensus, facilitating measurement across a wide breadth of quality domains. With the recently updated SSNHL guidelines, and a greater focus on quality improvement opportunities, these QIs may be used by healthcare providers for targeted quality improvement initiatives.
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Martínez-Sánchez L, López-Ávila J, Barasoain-Millán A, Angelats-Romero CM, Azkunaga-Santibañez B, Molina-Cabañero JC, Alday A, Andrés A, Angelats C, Aquino E, Astete J, Baena I, Barasoain A, Bello P, Benito C, Benito H, Botifoll E, Burguera B, Campos C, Canduela V, Clerigué N, Comalrena C, Del Campo T, De Miguel B, Fernández R, Fernández B, García E, García M, García M, García M, García-Vao C, Herrero L, Huerta P, Humayor J, Hurtado P, Iturralde I, Jordá A, Khodayar P, Lalinde M, Lobato Z, López J, López V, Luaces C, Mangione L, Martín L, Martínez S. L, Martínez L, Martorell J, May M, Melguizo M, Mesa S, Molina J, Muñiz M, Muñoz J, Muñoz N, Oliva S, Palacios M, Pérez A, Pérez C, Pinyot M, Peñalba A, Pociello N, Rodríguez A, Rodríguez M, Señer R, Serrano I, Vázquez P, Vidal C. Actions that should not be taken with a paediatric patient who has been exposed to a potentially toxic substance. An Pediatr (Barc) 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpede.2020.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Hingwala J, Molnar AO, Mysore P, Silver SA. An Environmental Scan of Ambulatory Care Quality Indicators for Patients With Advanced Kidney Disease Currently Used in Canada. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2021; 8:2054358121991096. [PMID: 33614057 PMCID: PMC7868503 DOI: 10.1177/2054358121991096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Quality indicators can be used to identify gaps in care and drive frontline improvement activities. These efforts are important to prevent adverse events in the increasing number of ambulatory patients with advanced kidney disease in Canada, but it is unclear what indicators exist and the components of health care quality they measure. Objective: We sought to identify, categorize, and evaluate quality indicators currently in use across Canada for ambulatory patients with advanced kidney disease. Design: Environmental scan of quality indicators currently being collected by various organizations. Setting: We assembled a 16-member group from across Canada with expertise in nephrology and quality improvement. Patients: Our scan included indicators relevant to patients with chronic kidney disease in ambulatory care clinics. Measurements: We categorized the identified quality indicators using the Institute of Medicine and Donabedian frameworks. Methods: A 4-member panel used a modified Delphi process to evaluate the indicators found during the environmental scan using the American College of Physicians/Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality criteria. The ratings were then shared with the full panel for further comments and approval. Results: The environmental scan found 28 quality indicators across 7 provinces, with 8 (29%) rated as “necessary” to distinguish high-quality from poor-quality care. Of these 8 indicators, 3 were measured by more than 1 province (% of patients on a statin, number of patients receiving a preemptive transplant, and estimated glomerular filtration rate at dialysis start); no indicator was used by more than 2 provinces. None of the indicators rated as necessary measured timely or equitable care, nor did we identify any measures that assessed the setting in which care occurs (ie, structure measures). Limitations: Our list cannot be considered as an exhaustive list of available quality indicators at hand in Canada. Our work focused on quality indicators for nephrology providers and programs, and not indicators that can be applied across primary and specialty providers. We also focused on indicator constructs and not the detailed definitions or their application. Last, our panel does not represent the views of other important stakeholders. Conclusions: Our environmental scan provides a snapshot of the scope of quality indicators for ambulatory patients with advanced kidney disease in Canada. This catalog should inform indicator selection and the development of new indicators based on the identified gaps, as well as motivate increased pan-Canadian collaboration on quality measurement and improvement. Trial registration: Not applicable as this article is not a systematic review, nor does it report results of a health intervention on human participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Hingwala
- Division of Nephrology, Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Amber O Molnar
- Division of Nephrology, St. Joseph's Healthcare, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Priyanka Mysore
- Division of Nephrology, Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Samuel A Silver
- Division of Nephrology, Kingston Health Sciences Center, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Afolalu OO, Jordan S, Kyriacos U. Medical error reporting among doctors and nurses in a Nigerian hospital: A cross-sectional survey. J Nurs Manag 2021; 29:1007-1015. [PMID: 33346942 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare doctors' and nurses' perceptions of factors influencing medical error reporting. BACKGROUND In Nigeria, there is limited information on determinants of error reporting and systems. METHODS From the total workforce (N = 600), 140 nurses and 90 doctors were selected by random sampling and completed the questionnaire February to March 2017. RESULTS All 140 nurses and 90 doctors approached responded. Inter-professional differences in response to sentinel events showed that 55/140, 39.3% nurses and 48/90, 53.3% doctors would never report wrong medicines administered and 49/138, 35.5% nurses and 35/90, 38.9% doctors would never report a haemolytic transfusion error. Some respondents (72/140, 51.4% nurses vs. 29/90, 32.2% doctors) were unaware of reporting systems. Most (77/140, 55% nurses vs. 48/90, 53.3% doctors) considered these to be ineffective and confounded by a 'blame culture'. Perceived barriers included lack of confidentiality; facilitators included clear guidelines about protection from litigation. CONCLUSIONS Error reporting is suboptimal. Nurses and doctors have a minimal common understanding of barriers to error reporting and demonstrate inconsistent practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Suboptimal reporting of serious adverse events has implications for patient safety. Managers need to prioritize education in adverse events, clarify reporting procedures and divest the organisation of a 'blame culture'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olamide O Afolalu
- Division of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sue Jordan
- School of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Wales, UK
| | - Una Kyriacos
- Division of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Dubrofsky L, Ibrahim A, Tennankore K, Poinen K, Shah S, Silver SA. An Environmental Scan and Evaluation of Home Dialysis Quality Indicators Currently Used in Canada. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2020; 7:2054358120977391. [PMID: 33354332 PMCID: PMC7734484 DOI: 10.1177/2054358120977391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Quality indicators are important tools to measure and ultimately improve the quality of care provided. Performance measurement may be particularly helpful to grow disciplines that are underutilized and cost-effective, such as home dialysis (peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis). Objective To identify and catalog home dialysis quality indicators currently used in Canada, as well as to evaluate these indicators as a starting point for future collaboration and standardization of quality indicators across Canada. Design An environmental scan of quality indicators from provincial organizations, quality organizations, and stakeholders. Setting Sixteen-member pan-Canadian panel with expertise in both nephrology and quality improvement. Patients Our environmental scan included indicators relevant to patients on home dialysis. Measurements We classified existing indicators based on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Donabedian frameworks. Methods To evaluate the indicators, a 6-person subcommittee conducted a modified version of the Delphi consensus technique based on the American College of Physicians/Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality criteria. We shared these consensus ratings with the entire 16-member panel for further examination. We rated items from 1 to 9 on 6 domains (1-3 does not meet criteria to 7-9 meets criteria) as well as a global final rating (1-3 unnecessary to 7-9 necessary) to distinguish high-quality from low-quality indicators. Results Overall, we identified 40 quality indicators across 7 provinces, with 22 (55%) rated as "necessary" to distinguish high quality from poor quality care. Ten indicators were measured by more than 1 province, and 5 of these indicators were rated as necessary (home dialysis prevalence, home dialysis incidence, anemia target achievement, rates of peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis, and home dialysis attrition). None of these indicators captured the IOM domains of timely, patient-centered, or equitable care. Limitations The environmental scan is a nonexhaustive list of quality indicators in Canada. The panel also lacked representation from patients, administrators, and allied health professionals. Conclusions These results provide Canadian home dialysis programs with a starting point on how to measure quality of care along with the current gaps. This work is an initial and necessary step toward future collaboration and standardization of quality indicators across Canada, so that home dialysis programs can access a smaller number of highly rated balanced indicators to motivate and support patient-centered quality improvement initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Dubrofsky
- Division of Nephrology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ali Ibrahim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karthik Tennankore
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University & Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Canada
| | - Krishna Poinen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sachin Shah
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Samuel A Silver
- Division of Nephrology, Kingston Health Sciences Center, Queen's University, ON, Canada
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Blum D, Thomas A, Harris C, Hingwala J, Beaubien-Souligny W, Silver SA. An Environmental Scan of Canadian Quality Metrics for Patients on In-Center Hemodialysis. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2020; 7:2054358120975314. [PMID: 33343910 PMCID: PMC7727051 DOI: 10.1177/2054358120975314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Quality metrics or indicators help guide quality improvement work by reporting on measurable aspects of health care upon which improvement efforts can focus. For recipients of in-center hemodialysis (ICHD) in Canada, it is unclear what ICHD quality indicators exist and whether they adequately cover different domains of health care quality. Objectives: To identify and evaluate current Canadian ICHD quality metrics to document a starting point for future collaborations and standardization of quality improvement in Canada. Design: Environmental scan of quality metrics in ICHD, and subsequent indicator evaluation using a modified Delphi approach. Setting: Canadian ICHD units. Participants: Sixteen-member pan-Canadian working group with expertise in ICHD and quality improvement. Measurements: We classified the existing indicators based on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Donabedian frameworks. Methods: Each metric was rated by a 5-person subcommittee using a modified Delphi approach based on the American College of Physicians/Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality criteria. We shared these consensus ratings with the entire 16-member panel for additional comments. Results: We identified 27 metrics that are tracked across 8 provinces, with only 9 (33%) tracked by multiple provinces (ie, more than 1 province). We rated 9 metrics (33%) as “necessary” to distinguish high-quality from low-quality care, of which only 2 were tracked by multiple provinces (proportion of patients by primary access and rate of vascular access-related bloodstream infections). Most (16/27, 59%) indicators assessed the IOM domains of safe or effective care, and none of the “necessary” indicators measured the IOM domains of timely, patient-centered, or equitable care. Limitations: The environmental scan is a nonexhaustive list of quality indicators in Canada. The panel also lacked representation from patients, administrators, and allied health professionals, with more representation from academic sites. Conclusions: Quality indicators in Canada mainly focus on safe and effective care, with little provincial overlap. These results highlight current gaps in quality of care measurement for ICHD, and this initial work should provide programs with a starting point to combine highly rated indicators with newly developed indicators into a concise balanced scorecard that supports quality improvement initiatives across all aspects of ICHD care. Trial Registration: not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Blum
- Division of Nephrology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Daniel Blum, Division of Nephrology, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Sainte Catherine, D-070, Montreal, QC, Canada H3T 1E2.
| | - Alison Thomas
- Division of Nephrology, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Claire Harris
- Division of Nephrology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jay Hingwala
- Division of Nephrology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Samuel A. Silver
- Division of Nephrology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Pediatric Preparedness of the Emergency Departments. Pediatr Emerg Care 2020; 36:602-605. [PMID: 33086361 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Emergency departments (EDs) varied in their preparedness to provide pediatric emergency care, with mortality rates being higher when EDs were unprepared. Guidelines are available to aid EDs in their preparedness. We aimed to determine the preparedness of EDs in our healthcare cluster using the guidelines from the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM) as references for audit. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study involving a pediatric ED and 3 general EDs within a healthcare cluster. A survey was completed by a pediatric representative at each ED who assessed his/her own ED's effort against each recommended standard with reference to calendar year of 2018. The availability of pediatric equipment, supplies, and medications was checked against the items recommended list by the IFEM. RESULTS The response rate was 100%. The proportion of agreement with reference standards was lower for general EDs (RCPCH: 11.4%-70.0% and IFEM: 39.6%-84.0%) than pediatric ED (RCPCH: 85.7% and IFEM: 91.7%). Unmet standards were predominantly in the categories of management of pediatric patients with complex medical needs, management of pediatric death, adolescents, mental health and substance misuse, protection and safeguarding of pediatric patients, as well as advanced training and research. The proportion of available equipment, supplies, and medications was also lower for general EDs (77.2%-82.0%) than pediatric ED (89.4%). CONCLUSIONS The standards of pediatric emergency care were met to different extents in the healthcare cluster. Using available references, EDs should identify lapses unique to their own settings to improve the delivery of pediatric emergency care.
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Martínez-Sánchez L, López-Ávila J, Barasoain-Millán A, Angelats-Romero CM, Azkunaga-Santibañez B, Molina-Cabañero JC. [Actions that should not be taken with a paediatric patient who has been exposed to a potentially toxic substance]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2020; 94:285-292. [PMID: 33131718 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2020.07.002] [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: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To show the preparation process by the Poisoning Working Group of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Emergencies (GTI-SEUP), of the list of things «not to do» for a paediatric patient who has been exposed to a potentially toxic substance. METHOD The preparation process of the list was carried out in three phases. First: «Brainstorming» that was open to all members of the GTI-SEUP. Second: Recommendations were selected by following modified-Delphi methodology. All participants were asked to rate the proposals (from 1 = strongly disagree to 9 = strongly agree). Those with an average score greater than 8 were accepted (provided that at least two-thirds of the participants had given them a score ≥ 7), and a second consultation was made for the recommendations with an average score between 6 and 8. Third: Writing and creating a consensus of the final document was done. RESULT A total of 11 proposals were initially obtained. Thirty-two of the 57 GTI-SEUP participants completed the scoring questionnaire. In the first consultation, seven «not to do» recommendations were accepted, and four obtained a doubtful average score (between 6 and 8). After the second consultation, the list was made up of eight recommendations. Two refer to general management, four to gastrointestinal decontamination techniques, and two to the administration of antidotes. CONCLUSION The list of actions that should not be taken with a child that has been exposed to a possible poison is a consensus tool, within the GTI-SEUP, to promote improvement in the quality of care offered to these patients. This improvement is based on avoiding unnecessary measures, which can sometimes be harmful to the child.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier López-Ávila
- Servicio de Urgencias de Pediatría. Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, España
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13
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Cottrell J, Yip J, Chan Y, Chin CJ, Damji A, de Almeida JR, Desrosiers M, Eskander A, Janjua A, Kilty S, Lee JM, Macdonald KI, Meen EK, Rudmik L, Sommer DD, Sowerby L, Tewfik MA, Thamboo A, Vescan AD, Witterick IJ, Wright E, Monteiro E. Quality Indicators for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2020; 34:519-531. [DOI: 10.1177/1945892420912158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) is a highly prevalent disease that is treated by a variety of specialties, including but not limited to, family physicians, emergency physicians, otolaryngology—head and neck surgeons, infectious disease specialists, and allergy and immunologists. Unfortunately, despite high-quality guidelines, variable and substandard care continues to be demonstrated in the treatment of ABRS. Objective This study aimed to develop ABRS-specific quality indicators (QIs) to evaluate the diagnosis and management that reduces symptoms, improves quality of life, and prevents complications. Methods A guideline-based approach, proposed by Kötter et al., was used to develop QIs for ABRS. Candidate indicators (CIs) were extracted from 4 guiding documents and evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool. Each CI and its supporting evidence was summarized and reviewed by an expert panel based on validity, reliability, and feasibility of measurement. Final QIs were selected from CIs utilizing the modified RAND/University of California at Los Angeles appropriateness methodology. Results Twenty-nine CIs were identified after literature review and evaluated by our panel. Of these, 5 CIs reached consensus as being appropriate QIs, with 1 requiring additional discussion. After a second round of evaluations, the panel selected 7 QIs as appropriate measures of high-quality care. Conclusion This study proposes 7 QIs for the diagnosis and management of patients with ABRS. These QIs can serve multiple purposes, including documenting the quality of care; comparing institutions and providers; prioritizing quality improvement initiatives; supporting accountability, regulation, and accreditation; and determining pay for performance initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Cottrell
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan Yip
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yvonne Chan
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher J Chin
- Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Ali Damji
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John R. de Almeida
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin Desrosiers
- Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Centre Hospitalier de l’University de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Antoine Eskander
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arif Janjua
- Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shaun Kilty
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - John M. Lee
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristian I. Macdonald
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric K. Meen
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Luke Rudmik
- Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Doron D. Sommer
- Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leigh Sowerby
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc A. Tewfik
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Andrew Thamboo
- Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Allan D. Vescan
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian J. Witterick
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin Wright
- Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eric Monteiro
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Exploring Flood-Related Unintentional Fatal Drowning of Children and Adolescents Aged 0–19 Years in Australia. SAFETY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/safety5030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Disasters, such as flooding, are predicted to increase. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death during times of flood. This study examined the little explored topic of child drowning during floods, with the aim of identifying risk factors to inform prevention strategies. A retrospective, total population examination of cases of children and adolescents aged 0–19 years who died from unintentional flood-related drowning in Australia for the 16-year period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2018 was undertaken. Univariate and chi-square analysis was conducted, with Fisher’s exact test used for cell counts <5. Across the study period, 44 flood-related drowning deaths occurred among children and adolescents (63.6% male; 34.1% aged 10–14 years). Almost all (84.1%) occurred in rivers, creeks, or streams in flood, with the remaining incidents occurring in storm water drains (n = 7). Leading activities immediately prior to drowning were non-aquatic transport (40.9%), swimming in floodwaters (25.0%), and falls into floodwaters (15.9%). Flood-related fatal drowning among children and adolescents is rare (0.05 per 100,000 population), however flood-drowning risk increases as remoteness increases, with children and adolescents drowning in floodwaters in very remote areas at a rate 57 times that of major cities. All drownings are preventable, and this study has identified key causal factors that must be considered in advocacy and prevention efforts. These include: the importance of adult supervision, avoiding flooded waterways when driving or for recreational purposes, and the increased risks for those residing in geographically isolated and socially disadvantaged areas. Findings must be considered when developing interventions and advocacy for the purposes of the reduction of child and adolescent drowning during times of flood.
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Moore L, Lauzier F, Tardif PA, Boukar KM, Farhat I, Archambault P, Mercier É, Lamontagne F, Chassé M, Stelfox HT, Berthelot S, Gabbe B, Lecky F, Yanchar N, Champion H, Kortbeek J, Cameron P, Bonaventure PL, Paquet J, Truchon C, Turgeon AF. Low-value clinical practices in injury care: A scoping review and expert consultation survey. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2019; 86:983-993. [PMID: 31124896 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000002246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tests and treatments that are not supported by evidence and could expose patients to unnecessary harm, referred to here as low-value clinical practices, consume up to 30% of health care resources. Choosing Wisely and other organizations have published lists of clinical practices to be avoided. However, few apply to injury and most are based uniquely on expert consensus. We aimed to identify low-value clinical practices in acute injury care. METHODS We conducted a scoping review targeting articles, reviews and guidelines that identified low-value clinical practices specific to injury populations. Thirty-six experts rated clinical practices on a five-point Likert scale from clearly low value to clearly beneficial. Clinical practices reported as low value by at least one level I, II, or III study and considered clearly or potentially low-value by at least 75% of experts were retained as candidates for low-value injury care. RESULTS Of 50,695 citations, 815 studies were included and led to the identification of 150 clinical practices. Of these, 63 were considered candidates for low-value injury care; 33 in the emergency room, 9 in trauma surgery, 15 in the intensive care unit, and 5 in orthopedics. We also identified 87 "gray zone" practices, which did not meet our criteria for low-value care. CONCLUSION We identified 63 low-value clinical practices in acute injury care that are supported by empirical evidence and expert opinion. Conditional on future research, they represent potential targets for guidelines, overuse metrics and de-implementation interventions. We also identified 87 "gray zone" practices, which may be interesting targets for value-based decision-making. Our study represents an important step toward the deimplementation of low-value clinical practices in injury care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Systematic Review, Level IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne Moore
- From the Department of Social and Preventative Medicine (L.M., K.M.B., I.F.), Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma, Emergency, Critical Care Medicine (L.M., F.Lauzier, P.-A.T., K.M.B., I.M., E.M., S.B., P.L.B., A.F.T.), Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine (F.Lauzier, A.F.T.), Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit (P.A.), Transfert des Connaissances et Évaluation des Technologies et Modes d'Intervention en Santé, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval (Hôpital St François d'Assise), Université Laval; Department of Medicine (F.Lamontagne), Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke; Department of Medicine (M.C.), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec; Departments of Critical Care Medicine (H.T.S.), Medicine and Community Health Sciences, O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (B.G.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Emergency Medicine (F.Lecky), University of Sheffield, Sheffield; Trauma Audit and Research Network, United Kingdom; Department of Surgery (N.Y.), Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia; Department of Surgery (H.C.), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Surgery (J.K.), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; The Alfred Hospital (P.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery (P.L.B., J.P.), Université Laval; Institut National D'Excellence en Santé et en Services Sociaux (C.T.), Québec, Canada
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Borger van der Burg BLS, Kessel B, DuBose JJ, Hörer TM, Hoencamp R. Consensus on resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the Aorta: A first consensus paper using a Delphi method. Injury 2019; 50:1186-1191. [PMID: 31047681 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2019.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To further strengthen the evidence base on the use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) we performed a Delphi consensus. The aim of this paper is to establish consensus on the indications and contraindications for the use of REBOA in trauma and non-trauma patients based on the existing evidence and expertise. STUDY DESIGN A literature review facilitated the design of a three-round Delphi questionnaire. Delphi panelists were identified by the investigators. Consensus was reached when at least 70% of the panelists responded to the survey and more than 70% of respondents reached agreement or disagreement. RESULTS Panel members reached consensus on potential indications, contra-indications and settings for use of REBOA (excluding the pre hospital environment), physiological parameters for patient selection and indications for early femoral access. Panel members failed to reach consensus on the use of REBOA in patients in extremis (no pulse, no blood pressure) and the use of REBOA in patients with two major bleeding sites. CONCLUSIONS Consensus was reached on indications, contra indications, physiological parameters for patient selection for REBOA and early femoral access. The panel did not reach consensus on the use of REBOA in patients in pre-hospital settings, patients in extremis (no pulse, no blood pressure) and in patients with 2 or more major bleeding sites. Further research should focus on the indications of REBOA in pre hospital settings, patients in near cardiac arrest and REBOA inflation times.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B Kessel
- Department of Trauma, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - J J DuBose
- R Adam Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, USA
| | - T M Hörer
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Life Science Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - R Hoencamp
- Department of Surgery, Alrijne Hospital, Leiderdorp, the Netherlands; Defense Healthcare Organization, Ministry of Defense, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
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17
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Homaira N, Wiles LK, Gardner C, Molloy CJ, Arnolda G, Ting HP, Hibbert PD, Braithwaite J, Jaffe A. Assessing the quality of health care in the management of bronchiolitis in Australian children: a population-based sample survey. BMJ Qual Saf 2019; 28:817-825. [PMID: 30940731 PMCID: PMC6837255 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2018-009028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Bronchiolitis is the most common cause of respiratory hospitalisation in children aged <2 years. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) suggest only supportive management of bronchiolitis. However, the availability of CPGs do not guarantee that they are used appropriately and marked variation in the clinical management exists. We conducted an assessment of guideline adherence in the management of bronchiolitis in children at a subnationally representative level including inpatient and ambulatory services in Australia. Methods We searched for national and international CPGs relating to management of bronchiolitis in children and identified 16 recommendations which were formatted into 40 medical record audit indicator questions. A retrospective medical record review assessing compliance with the CPGs was conducted across three types of healthcare setting: hospital inpatient admissions, emergency department (ED) presentations and general practice (GP) consultations in three Australian states for children aged <2 years receiving care in 2012 and 2013. Results Purpose-trained surveyors conducted 13 979 eligible indicator assessments across 796 visits for bronchiolitis at 119 sites. Guideline adherence for management of bronchiolitis was 77.3% (95% CI 72.6 to 81.5) for children attending EDs, 81.6% (95% CI 78.0 to 84.9) for inpatients and 52.3% (95% CI 44.8 to 59.7) for children attending GP consultations. While adherence to some individual indicators was high, overall adherence to documentation of 10 indicators relating to history taking and examination was poorest and estimated at 2.7% (95% CI 1.5 to 4.4). Conclusions The study is the first to assess guideline-adherence in both hospital (ED and inpatient) and GP settings. Our study demonstrated that while the quality of care for bronchiolitis was generally adherent to CPG indicators, specific aspects of management were deficient, especially documentation of history taking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Homaira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Respiratory Department, Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise K Wiles
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire Gardner
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Gaston Arnolda
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hsuen P Ting
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Damian Hibbert
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam Jaffe
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Respiratory Department, Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Daftary RK, Murray BL, Reynolds TA. Development of a simple, practice-based tool to assess quality of paediatric emergency care delivery in resource-limited settings: identifying critical actions via a Delphi study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e021123. [PMID: 30093514 PMCID: PMC6089303 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Provision of timely, high-quality care for the initial management of critically ill children in African hospitals remains a challenge. Monitoring the completion of critical actions during resuscitations can inform efforts to reduce variability and improve outcomes. We sought to develop a practice-based tool based on contextually relevant actions identified via a Delphi process. Our goal was to develop a tool that could identify gaps in care, facilitate identification of training and standardised assessment to support quality improvement efforts. DESIGN Six sentinel conditions were selected based on disease epidemiology and mortality at rural and urban African emergency departments. Potential critical actions were identified through focused literature review. These actions were evaluated within a three-round modified Delphi process. A set of logistical filters was applied to the candidate list to derive a practice-based tool. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Attendees at an international emergency medicine conference comprised an expert panel of 25 participants, with 84% working primarily in African settings. Consensus rounds allowing novel responses were conducted via online and in-person surveys. RESULTS The expert panel generated 199 actions that apply to six conditions in emergently ill children. Application of appropriateness criteria refined this to 92 candidate actions across the following seven categories: core skills, active seizure, altered mental status, diarrhoeal illness, febrile illness, respiratory distress and polytrauma. From these, we identified 28 actions for inclusion in a practice-based tool contextually relevant to the initial management of critically ill children in Africa. CONCLUSIONS A group consensus process identified critical actions for severely ill children with select sentinel conditions in emergency paediatric care in an African setting. Absence of these actions during resuscitation might reflect modifiable gaps in quality of care. The resulting practice-based tool is context relevant and can serve as a foundation for training and quality improvement efforts in African hospitals and emergency departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Kirit Daftary
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Brittany Lee Murray
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Teri Ann Reynolds
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Emergency and Trauma Care Program, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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19
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Cottrell J, Yip J, Chan Y, Chin CJ, Damji A, de Almeida JR, Desrosiers M, Janjua A, Kilty S, Lee JM, Macdonald KI, Meen EK, Rudmik L, Sommer DD, Sowerby L, Tewfik MA, Vescan AD, Witterick IJ, Wright E, Monteiro E. Quality indicators for the diagnosis and management of chronic rhinosinusitis. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2018; 8:1369-1379. [PMID: 29999592 DOI: 10.1002/alr.22161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been identified as a high-priority disease category for quality improvement. To this end, this study aimed to develop CRS-specific quality indicators (QIs) to evaluate diagnosis and management that relieves patient discomfort, improves quality of life, and prevents complications. METHODS A guideline-based approach, proposed in 2012 by Kötter et al. was used to develop QIs for CRS. Candidate indicators (CIs) were extracted from 3 practice guidelines and 1 international consensus statement on the diagnosis and management of CRS. Guidelines were evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool. Each CI and its supporting evidence was summarized and reviewed by an expert panel based on validity, reliability, and feasibility of measurement. Final QIs were selected from CIs utilizing the modified RAND Corporation-University of California, Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA) appropriateness methodology. RESULTS Thirty-nine CIs were identified after literature review and evaluated by our panel. Of these, 9 CIs reached consensus as being appropriate QIs, with 4 requiring additional discussion. After a second round of evaluations, the panel selected 9 QIs as appropriate measures of high-quality care. CONCLUSION This study proposes 9 QIs for the diagnosis and management of patients with CRS. These QIs can serve multiple purposes, including documenting the quality of care; comparing institutions and providers; prioritizing quality improvement initiatives; supporting accountability, regulation, and accreditation; and determining pay-for-performance initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Cottrell
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan Yip
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yvonne Chan
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher J Chin
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Ali Damji
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John R de Almeida
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Martin Desrosiers
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Centre Hospitalier de l'University de Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Arif Janjua
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shaun Kilty
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - John M Lee
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kristian I Macdonald
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Eric K Meen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Luke Rudmik
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Doron D Sommer
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Leigh Sowerby
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Marc A Tewfik
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Allan D Vescan
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ian J Witterick
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Erin Wright
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eric Monteiro
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Michelson KA, Lyons TW, Bachur RG, Monuteaux MC, Finkelstein JA. Timing and Location of Emergency Department Revisits. Pediatrics 2018; 141:peds.2017-4087. [PMID: 29650806 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-4087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency department (ED) revisits are used as a measure of care quality. Many EDs measure only revisits to the same facility, underestimating true rates. We sought to determine the frequency, location, and predictors of ED revisits to the same or a different ED. METHODS We studied ED discharges for children <18 years old in Maryland and New York in the statewide ED and inpatient databases. Revisits were defined as ED visits within 7 days of an index visit. Our primary outcome was the proportion of revisits that were different-hospital revisits (DHRs). We measured the underestimation of total revisits when only same-hospital revisits were measured. We determined the risk of DHR by quartile of annual ED pediatric volume, adjusting for case mix, insurance, state, and urban location. RESULTS Revisits across 261 EDs occurred after 5.9% of 4.3 million discharges. A per-ED median 21.9% of revisits were DHRs (interquartile range 14.2%-34.6%). Measuring only same-hospital revisits underestimated total revisits by 17.4%. The proportions of revisits that were DHRs by increasing volume quartile were 28.1%, 25.5%, 22.6%, and 14.5%. The adjusted risk of DHR was lower for increasing quartiles of pediatric volume (adjusted odds ratio for highest versus lowest quartile 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.36). CONCLUSIONS Measuring ED revisits only at the index ED significantly underestimates total revisits. Lower pediatric volume is associated with higher DHRs as a proportion of revisits. When using revisits as a measure of emergency care quality, effort should be made to assess revisits to different EDs.
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Sills MR, Macy ML, Kocher KE, Sabbatini AK. Return Visit Admissions May Not Indicate Quality of Emergency Department Care for Children. Acad Emerg Med 2018; 25:283-292. [PMID: 28960666 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective was to test the hypothesis that in-hospital outcomes are worse among children admitted during a return ED visit than among those admitted during an index ED visit. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of ED visits by children age 0 to 17 to hospitals in Florida and New York in 2013. Children hospitalized during an ED return visit within 7 days were classified as "ED return admissions" (discharged at ED index visit and admitted at return visit) or "readmissions" (admission at both ED index and return visits). In-hospital outcomes for ED return admissions and readmissions were compared to "index admissions without return admission" (admitted at ED index visit without 7-day return visit admission). RESULTS Among 1,886,053 index ED visits to 321 hospitals, 75,437 were index admissions without return admission, 7,561 were ED return admissions, and 1,333 were readmissions. ED return admissions had lower intensive care unit admission rates (11.0% vs. 13.6%; adjusted odds ratio = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71 to 0.85), longer length of stay (3.51 days vs. 3.38 days; difference = 0.13 days; incidence rate ratio = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.07), but no difference in mean hospital costs (($7,138 vs. $7,331; difference = -$193; 95% CI = -$479 to $93) compared to index admissions without return admission. CONCLUSIONS Compared with children who experienced index admissions without return admission, children who are initially discharged from the ED who then have a return visit admission had lower severity and similar cost, suggesting that ED return visit admissions do not involve worse outcomes than do index admissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion R. Sills
- Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine and the Adult and Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado (MRS) AuroraCO
| | - Michelle L. Macy
- Department of Pediatrics University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI
- Child Health Evaluation and Research University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI
| | - Keith E. Kocher
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI
| | - Amber K. Sabbatini
- Division of Emergency Medicine University of Washington Harborview Medical Center Seattle WA
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Huang IA, Jaing TH, Wu CT, Chang CJ, Hsia SH, Huang N. A tale of two systems: practice patterns of a single group of emergency medical physicians in Taiwan and China. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:642. [PMID: 28893261 PMCID: PMC5594439 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2606-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The quality of pediatric emergency care has been a major concern in health care. Following a series of health system reforms in China, it is important to do this assessment of pediatric emergency care, and to explore potential influences of health care system. This study aimed to compare practice differences in treating children with respiratory illnesses in two emergency department (ED) settings within different health care systems: China and Taiwan. Methods A pooled cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in two tertiary teaching hospitals in Xiamen, China and Keelung, Taiwan belong to the same hospital chain group. A team of 21 pediatricians rotated between the EDs of the two hospitals from 2009 to 2012. There were 109,705 ED encounters treated by the same team of pediatricians and 6596 visits were analyzed for common respiratory illnesses. Twelve quality measures in process and outcomes of asthma, bronchiolitis and croup were reported. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression models were applied to assess. In order to demonstrate the robustness of our findings, we analyzed the data using an alternative modeling technique, multilevel modeling. Results After adjustment, children with asthma presented to the ED in China had a significantly 76% lower likelihood to be prescribed a chest radiograph, and a 98% lower likelihood to be prescribed steroids and discharged home than those in Taiwan. Also, children with asthma presented to the ED in China had significantly 7.76 times higher risk to incur 24-72 h return visits. Furthermore, children with bronchiolitis in China (Odds ratio (OR): 0.21; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.17-0.28) were significantly less likely to be prescribed chest radiograph, but were significantly more likely to be prescribed antibiotics (OR: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.46-3.28). Conclusions This study illustrated that although high quality care depends on better assessment of physician performance, the delivery of pediatric emergency care differed significantly between these two healthcare systems after holding the care providers the same and adjusting for important patient characteristics. The findings suggest that the features of the health care system may play a significant role.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Anne Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 222, Maijin Rd., Keelung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No.259, Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist, Taoyuan City, 333, Taiwan.,Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou Dist, Taipei City, 112, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No.123, Xiafei Rd., Haicang Dist, Xiamen City, China
| | - Tang-Her Jaing
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No.259, Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist, Taoyuan City, 333, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, 5. Fu-hsing St., Guishan Dist, Taoyuan City, 333, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Teng Wu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No.259, Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist, Taoyuan City, 333, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, 5. Fu-hsing St., Guishan Dist, Taoyuan City, 333, Taiwan
| | - Chee-Jen Chang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No.259, Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist, Taoyuan City, 333, Taiwan.,Resources Center for Clinical Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5. Fu-hsing St., Guishan Dist, Taoyuan City, 333, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Hsuan Hsia
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No.259, Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist, Taoyuan City, 333, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, 5. Fu-hsing St., Guishan Dist, Taoyuan City, 333, Taiwan
| | - Nicole Huang
- Institute of Hospital and Healthcare Administration, National Yang Ming University, Room 101, Medical Building ll, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou Dist, Taipei City, 112, Taiwan.
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Burger D, Jordan S, Kyriacos U. Validation of a modified early warning score-linked Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation communication tool: A mixed methods study. J Clin Nurs 2017; 26:2794-2806. [PMID: 28401657 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To develop and validate a modified Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation communication tool incorporating components of the Cape Town modified early warning score vital signs chart for reporting early signs of clinical deterioration. BACKGROUND Reporting early signs of physiological and clinical deterioration could prevent "failure to rescue" or unexpected intensive care admission, cardiac arrest or death. A structured communication tool incorporating physiological and clinical parameters allows nurses to provide pertinent information about a deteriorating patient in a logical order. DESIGN Mixed methods instrument development and validation. METHODS We used a sequential three-phase method: cognitive interviews, content validation and inter-rater reliability testing to validate a self-designed communication tool. Participants were purposively selected expert nurses and doctors in government sector hospitals in Cape Town. RESULTS Cognitive interviews with five experts prompted most changes to the communication tool: 15/42 (35.71%) items were modified. Content validation of a revised tool was high by a predetermined ≥70% of 18 experts: 4/49 (8.2%) items were modified. Inter-rater reliability testing by two nurses indicated substantial to full agreement (Cohen's kappa .61-1) on 37/45 (82%) items. The one item achieving slight agreement (Cohen's kappa .20) indicated a difference in clinical judgement. The high overall percentage agreement (82%) suggests that the modified items are sound. Overall, 45 items remained on the validated tool. CONCLUSION The first modified early warning score-linked Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation communication tool developed in South Africa was found to be valid and reliable in a local context. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Nurses in South Africa can use the validated tool to provide doctors with pertinent information about a deteriorating patient in a logical order to prevent a serious adverse event. Our findings provide a reference for other African countries to develop and validate communication tools for reporting early signs of clinical deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Burger
- Division of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sue Jordan
- School of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Wales, UK
| | - Una Kyriacos
- Division of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Perron CE, Bachur RG, Stack AM. Development, Implementation, and Use of an Emergency Physician Performance Dashboard. CLINICAL PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpem.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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25
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Wilkinson M, King B, Iyer S, Higginbotham E, Wallace A, Hovinga C, Allen C. Comparison of a rapid albuterol pathway with a standard pathway for the treatment of children with a moderate to severe asthma exacerbation in the emergency department. J Asthma 2017; 55:244-251. [PMID: 28548898 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2017.1323920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine if a rapid albuterol delivery pathway with a breath-enhanced nebulizer can reduce emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS), while maintaining admission rates and side effects, when compared to a traditional asthma pathway with a standard jet nebulizer. METHODS Children aged 3-18 presenting to a large urban pediatric ED for asthma were enrolled if they were determined by pediatric asthma score to have a moderate to severe exacerbation. Subjects were randomized to either a standard treatment arm where they received up to 2 continuous albuterol nebulizations, or a rapid albuterol arm where they received up to 4 rapid albuterol treatments with a breath-enhanced nebulizer, depending on severity scoring. The primary endpoint was ED LOS from enrollment until disposition decision. Asthma scores, albuterol dose, side effects, and return visits were also recorded. RESULTS A total of 50 subjects were enrolled (25 in each arm). The study LOS was shorter in the rapid albuterol group (118 vs. 163 minutes, p = 0.0002). When total ED LOS was analyzed, the difference was no longer statistically significant (192 vs. 203 minutes, p = 0.65). There were no statistically significant differences with respect to admission rates, asthma score changes, side effects, or return visits. CONCLUSION A rapid albuterol treatment pathway that utilizes a breath-enhanced nebulizer is an effective alternative to traditional pathways that utilize continuous nebulizations for children with moderate to severe asthma exacerbations in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Wilkinson
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School , Austin , TX , USA.,b Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Pediatric Emergency Medicine , Austin , TX , USA
| | - Ben King
- c Seton Healthcare Family , Stroke Institute , Austin , TX , USA
| | - Sujit Iyer
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School , Austin , TX , USA.,b Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Pediatric Emergency Medicine , Austin , TX , USA
| | - Eric Higginbotham
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School , Austin , TX , USA.,b Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Pediatric Emergency Medicine , Austin , TX , USA
| | - Anna Wallace
- b Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Pediatric Emergency Medicine , Austin , TX , USA
| | - Collin Hovinga
- d Seton Healthcare Family , Research Enterprise , Austin , TX , USA.,e College of Pharmacy , University of Texas at Austin , Austin , TX , USA
| | - Coburn Allen
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School , Austin , TX , USA.,b Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Pediatric Emergency Medicine , Austin , TX , USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent research has shown significant variation in rates of computed tomography (CT) use among pediatric hospital emergency departments (ED) for evaluation of head injured children. We examined the rates of CT use by individual ED attending physicians for evaluation of head injured children in a pediatric hospital ED. METHODS We used an administrative database to identify children younger than 18 years evaluated for head injury from January 2011 through March 2013 at our children's hospital ED, staffed by pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowship trained physicians and pediatricians. We excluded encounters with trauma team activation or previous head CT performed elsewhere. We excluded physicians whose patient volume was less than 1 standard deviation below the group mean. RESULTS After exclusions, we evaluated 5340 encounters for head injury by 27 ED attending physicians. For individual physicians, CT rates ranged from 12.4% to 37.3%, with a mean group rate of 28.4%. Individual PEM physician CT rates ranged from 18.9% to 37.3%, versus 12.4% to 31.8% for pediatricians. Of the 1518 encounters in which CT was done, 128 (8.4%) had a traumatic brain injury on CT, and 125 (8.2%) had a simple skull fracture without traumatic brain injury on CT. Patient factors associated with CT use included age younger than 2 years, higher triage acuity, arrival time of 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, hospital admission, and evaluation by a PEM physician. CONCLUSIONS Physicians at our pediatric hospital ED varied in the use of CT for the evaluation of head-injured children.
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Wilson PM, Florin TA, Huang G, Fenchel M, Mittiga MR. Is Tachycardia at Discharge From the Pediatric Emergency Department a Cause for Concern? A Nonconcurrent Cohort Study. Ann Emerg Med 2017; 70:268-276.e2. [PMID: 28238501 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE We evaluate the association between discharge tachycardia and (1) emergency department (ED) and urgent care revisit and (2) receipt of clinically important intervention at the revisit. METHODS The study included a nonconcurrent cohort of children aged 0 to younger than 19 years, discharged from 2 pediatric EDs and 4 pediatric urgent care centers in 2013. The primary exposure was discharge tachycardia (last recorded pulse rate ≥99th percentile for age). The main outcome was ED or urgent care revisit within 72 hours of discharge. Additional outcomes included interventions received and disposition at the revisit, prevalence of discharge tachycardia at the index visit, and associations of pain, fever, and medications with discharge tachycardia. Multivariable logistic regression determined relative risk ratios for revisit and receipt of clinically important intervention at the revisit. RESULTS Of eligible visits, 126,774 were included, of which 10,470 patients (8.3%) had discharge tachycardia. Discharge tachycardia was associated with an increased risk of revisit (adjusted RR 1.3; 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 1.5), increased risk of tachycardia at the revisit (relative risk 3.1; 95% confidence interval 2.6 to 3.7), and of the receipt of certain clinically important interventions (supplemental oxygen, respiratory medications and admission, antibiotics and admission, and peripheral intravenous line placement and admission). However, there was no increased risk for the composite outcome of receipt of any clinically important intervention or admission on revisit. CONCLUSION Discharge tachycardia is associated with an increased risk of revisit. It is likely that tachycardia at discharge is not a critical factor associated with impending physiologic deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paria M Wilson
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.
| | - Todd A Florin
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Guixia Huang
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Matthew Fenchel
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Matthew R Mittiga
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
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Physician Assistant Management of Pediatric Patients in a General Community Emergency Department: A Real-World Analysis. Pediatr Emerg Care 2017; 33:26-30. [PMID: 27798540 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000000949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple studies have documented the nonclinical characteristics of physician assistant (PA) practices in the emergency department (ED). This study examines the clinical care PAs provide to younger pediatric patients in a general community ED. METHODS The electronic medical record database of an urban community general ED was queried to identify pediatric patients aged 6 years or younger. This age group was selected because it was considered to be representative of physiologic and pathologic conditions unique to children. The 72-hour recidivism rates were used as an objective outcome measure to compare the care provided by PAs with the care of attending emergency physicians (EPs). Three different treatment groups were defined for the analysis: EPs alone, PAs alone, and PAs with consults from EPs (PA & EP). RESULTS A total of 10,369 children aged 6 years or younger were seen during a 24-month study period. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 2.2 (0.2) years, with 2909 (28%) aged 1 year or younger. A total of 807 (7.8%) patients returned within 72 hours of their initial ED visit with 57 (0.55%) subsequently admitted. Recidivism rates for the 3 clinical groups were as follows: PA (6.8%), EP (8.0%), and PA & EP (9.3%) (P < 0.03). Patients admitted to the hospital on their return visits for the 3 clinical groups were as follows: PA (0.4%), EP (0.6%), and PA & EP (0.7%) (P = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS Based on the outcome measure of 72-hour recidivism, PA management of pediatric patients 6 years or younger is similar to that of attending EPs.
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Walls TA, Hughes NT, Mullan PC, Chamberlain JM, Brown K. Improving Pediatric Asthma Outcomes in a Community Emergency Department. Pediatrics 2017; 139:peds.2016-0088. [PMID: 27940506 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma triggers >775 000 emergency department (ED) visits for children each year. Approximately 80% of these visits occur in community EDs. We performed this study to measure effects of partnership with a community ED on pediatric asthma care. METHODS For this quality improvement initiative, we implemented an evidence-based pediatric asthma guideline in a community ED. We included patients whose clinical impression in the medical decision section of the electronic health record contained the words asthma, bronchospasm, or wheezing. We reviewed charts of included patients 12 months before guideline implementation (August 2012-July 2013) and 19 months after guideline implementation (August 2013-February 2015). Process measures included the proportion of children who had an asthma score recorded, the proportion who received steroids, and time to steroid administration. The outcome measure was the proportion of children who needed transfer for additional care. RESULTS In total, 724 patients were included, 289 during the baseline period and 435 after guideline implementation. Overall, 64% of patients were assigned an asthma score after guideline implementation. During the baseline period, 60% of patients received steroids during their ED visit, compared with 76% after guideline implementation (odds ratio 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-3.0). After guideline implementation, the mean time to steroids decreased significantly, from 196 to 105 minutes (P < .001). Significantly fewer patients needed transfer after guideline implementation (10% compared with 14% during the baseline period) (odds ratio 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.99). CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that partnership between a pediatric tertiary care center and a community ED is feasible and can improve pediatric asthma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A Walls
- Children's National Health Systems, Washington, District of Columbia;
| | - Naomi T Hughes
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Paul C Mullan
- Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Norfolk, Virginia
| | | | - Kathleen Brown
- Children's National Health Systems, Washington, District of Columbia
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Michelson KA, Bachur RG, Levy JA. The impact of critically ill children on paediatric ED medication timeliness. Emerg Med J 2016; 34:8-12. [PMID: 27694335 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2016-205989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The presence of critically ill patients may impact care for other ED patients. We sought to evaluate whether the presence of a critically ill child was associated with the time to (1) receipt of the first medication among other patients, and (2) administration of diagnosis-specific medications. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of all paediatric ED visits over 3 years. Patients were exposed if they arrived during the first hour of a critically ill patient's care. The primary outcome was the time from arrival to first medication administration. Secondary outcomes were time to corticosteroids in asthma and time to antibiotics for fever/neutropenia. We modelled times to medication using median regression, adjusting for demographics, arrival time and weekday, and census (number of patients in the ED). RESULTS We analysed 170 112 visits. Median times to first medication for those exposed to 0, 1 and >1 simultaneous critically ill patients were 90 min (IQR 54-146), 96 min (IQR 58-157) and 113 min (IQR 72-166), respectively (p<0.001). The increase in time to corticosteroids among exposed patients versus unexposed was 6 min (IQR 2-14, p=0.11) and in time to antibiotic for fever/neutropenia was -4 min (IQR -4 to -11, p=0.13). Modelled time to first medication increased 3.1 min (95% CI 0.5 to 5.7) among all exposed patients (p=0.02). Time to first medication increased 15.3 min (95% CI 14.7 to 15.9) for each 10 patient increase in census. CONCLUSIONS The presence of critically ill patients was associated with a delay in medication administration to others. Census independently predicted medication delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A Michelson
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard G Bachur
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jason A Levy
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Thomas A, Silver SA, Rathe A, Robinson P, Wald R, Bell CM, Harel Z. Feasibility of a hemodialysis safety checklist for nurses and patients: a quality improvement study. Clin Kidney J 2016; 9:335-42. [PMID: 27274816 PMCID: PMC4886914 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfw019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with end-stage renal disease are at high risk for medical errors given their comorbidities, polypharmacy and coordination of care with other hospital departments. We previously developed a hemodialysis safety checklist (Hemo Pause) to be jointly completed by nurses and patients. Our objective was to determine the feasibility of using this checklist during every hemodialysis session for 3 months. METHODS We conducted a single-center, prospective time series study. A convenience sample of 14 nurses and 22 prevalent in-center hemodialysis patients volunteered to participate. All participants were trained in the administration of the Hemo Pause checklist. The primary outcome was completion of the Hemo Pause checklist, which was assessed at weekly intervals. We also measured the acceptability of the Hemo Pause checklist using a local patient safety survey. RESULTS There were 799 hemodialysis treatments pre-intervention (13 January-5 April 2014) and 757 post-intervention (5 May-26 July 2014). The checklist was completed for 556 of the 757 (73%) treatments. Among the hemodialysis nurses, 93% (13/14) agreed that the checklist was easy to use and 79% (11/14) agreed it should be expanded to other patients. Among the hemodialysis patients, 73% (16/22) agreed that the checklist made them feel safer and should be expanded to other patients. CONCLUSIONS The Hemo Pause safety checklist was acceptable to both nurses and patients over 3 months. Our next step is to spread this checklist locally and conduct a mixed methods study to determine mechanisms by which its use may improve safety culture and reduce adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Thomas
- Division of Nephrology, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Samuel A. Silver
- Division of Nephrology, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Rathe
- Division of Nephrology, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pamela Robinson
- Division of Nephrology, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ron Wald
- Division of Nephrology, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine and Keenan Research Center, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chaim M. Bell
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ziv Harel
- Division of Nephrology, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine and Keenan Research Center, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Betty R, Una K. Final year nursing students self-reported understanding of the relevance of bioscience. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.5897/ijnm2016.0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Bahm A, Freedman SB, Guan J, Guttmann A. Evaluating the Impact of Clinical Decision Tools in Pediatric Acute Gastroenteritis: A Population-based Cohort Study. Acad Emerg Med 2016; 23:599-609. [PMID: 26824763 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a leading cause of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits. Despite evidence-based guidelines, variation in adherence exists. Clinical decision tools can enhance evidence-based care, but little is known about their use and effectiveness in pediatric AGE. This study sought to determine if the following tools-1) pathways/order sets, 2) medical directives for oral rehydration therapy (ORT) or ondansetron, and 3) printed discharge instructions-are associated with AGE admission and ED revisits. METHODS This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of all children 3 months-18 years with an AGE ED visit in Ontario, Canada, from 2008 to 2010, using linked survey and health administrative databases. Logistic regression models associating clinical decision tools (CDTs) with hospitalizations and revisits controlling for hospital and patient characteristics were employed. RESULTS Of the 57,921 patient visits during the study period, there were 2,401 hospitalizations (4.2%). A total of 55,520 patients were discharged from the ED, with 2,378 (4.3%) experiencing a 72-hour return visit. In adjusted models, none of the tools were significantly associated with admission. Medical directive for ORT was associated with lower return visit rates (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79-0.94] and printed discharge instructions with higher return visits (aOR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.08-1.65); pathways/order sets and medical directives for ondansetron had no association. CONCLUSIONS Admissions in children with AGE are not associated with the presence of CDTs. While ORT medical directives are associated with lower ED revisits, printed discharge instructions have the opposite effect. The simple presence/absence of decision support tools does not guarantee improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Bahm
- Hospital for Sick Children and the Department of Paediatrics; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Stephen B. Freedman
- Sections of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Gastroenterology; Alberta Children's Hospital; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute; University of Calgary; Calgary Alberta Canada
| | - Jun Guan
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Astrid Guttmann
- Hospital for Sick Children and the Department of Paediatrics; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
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Guttmann A, Weinstein M, Austin PC, Bhamani A, Anderson G. Variability in the emergency department use of discretionary radiographs in children with common respiratory conditions: the mixed effect of access to pediatrician care. CAN J EMERG MED 2016; 15:8-17. [PMID: 23283118 DOI: 10.2310/8000.2012.120649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to investigate whether different staffing models are associated with variation in radiograph use for children seen for bronchiolitis, croup, and asthma and discharged home from emergency departments (EDs) in Ontario. METHODS We surveyed all Ontario EDs regarding physician staffing models and use of clinical protocols. We used a population-based ED database to determine radiograph rates and patient characteristics. Regression techniques that controlled for patient factors and clustering within EDs were applied. RESULTS From April 2004 to March 2006, 5,186, 10,408, and 35,150 children were discharged home from an ED with bronchiolitis, croup, and asthma, respectively. Radiograph rates were 42.7% for bronchiolitis, 10.1% for croup, and 25.9% for asthma. Over 50% of children were treated in EDs with nonpediatric front-line care but with consultant pediatricians available. Compared to children in these settings, those seen in EDs with front-line pediatric staff were less likely to have radiographs for all three conditions (adjusted odds ratios [ORs] 0.47 [95% CI 0.24-0.95], 0.47 [95% CI 0.27-0.82], 0.13 [95% CI 0.02-0.66] for bronchiolitis, croup, and asthma, respectively). Children in community hospitals with pediatricians were significantly more likely to have a radiograph if seen by a consultant pediatrician (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.20-1.63 [bronchiolitis]; OR 2.76, 95% CI 2.16-3.53 [croup]; and OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.64-2.36 [asthma]). We found no association between clinical protocol use and radiograph rates. CONCLUSIONS High rates of discretionary radiograph use exist for common respiratory problems of children seen across ED settings. Quality improvement efforts should be focused in this area, and radiograph use in EDs staffed by front-line pediatrics-trained staff could serve as an initial benchmark target for other institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Guttmann
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Sabbatini AK, Kocher KE, Basu A, Hsia RY. In-Hospital Outcomes and Costs Among Patients Hospitalized During a Return Visit to the Emergency Department. JAMA 2016; 315:663-71. [PMID: 26881369 PMCID: PMC8366576 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2016.0649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Unscheduled short-term return visits to the emergency department (ED) are increasingly monitored as a hospital performance measure and have been proposed as a measure of the quality of emergency care. OBJECTIVE To examine in-hospital clinical outcomes and resource use among patients who are hospitalized during an unscheduled return visit to the ED. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective analysis of adult ED visits to acute care hospitals in Florida and New York in 2013 using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Patients with index ED visits were identified and followed up for return visits to the ED within 7, 14, and 30 days. EXPOSURES Hospital admission occurring during an initial visit to the ED vs during a return visit to the ED. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES In-hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay, and inpatient costs. RESULTS Among the 9,036,483 index ED visits to 424 hospitals in the study sample, 1,758,359 patients were admitted to the hospital during the index ED visit. Of these patients, 149,214 (8.5%) had a return visit to the ED within 7 days of the index ED visit, 228,370 (13.0%) within 14 days, and 349,335 (19.9%) within 30 days, and 76,151 (51.0%), 122,040 (53.4%), and 190,768 (54.6%), respectively, were readmitted to the hospital. Among the 7,278,124 patients who were discharged during the index ED visit, 598,404 (8.2%) had a return visit to the ED within 7 days, 839,386 (11.5%) within 14 days, and 1,205,865 (16.6%) within 30 days. Of these patients, 86,012 (14.4%) were admitted to the hospital within 7 days, 121,587 (14.5%) within 14 days, and 173,279 (14.4%) within 30 days. The 86,012 patients discharged from the ED and admitted to the hospital during a return ED visit within 7 days had significantly lower rates of in-hospital mortality (1.85%) compared with the 1,609,145 patients who were admitted during the index ED visit without a return ED visit (2.48%) (odds ratio, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.69-0.78]), lower rates of ICU admission (23.3% vs 29.0%, respectively; odds ratio, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.71-0.76]), lower mean costs ($10,169 vs $10,799; difference, $629 [95% CI, $479-$781]), and longer lengths of stay (5.16 days vs 4.97 days; IRR, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.03-1.05]). Similar outcomes were observed for patients returning to the ED within 14 and 30 days of the index ED visit. In contrast, patients who returned to the ED after hospital discharge and were readmitted had higher rates of in-hospital mortality and ICU admission, longer lengths of stay, and higher costs during the repeat hospital admission compared with those admitted to the hospital during the index ED visit without a return ED visit. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Compared with adult patients who were hospitalized during the index ED visit and did not have a return visit to the ED, patients who were initially discharged during an ED visit and admitted during a return visit to the ED had lower in-hospital mortality, ICU admission rates, and in-hospital costs and longer lengths of stay. These findings suggest that hospital admissions associated with return visits to the ED may not adequately capture deficits in the quality of care delivered during an ED visit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keith E Kocher
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor3Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Anirban Basu
- Department of Health Services and Economics, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Renee Y Hsia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco6Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco
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Jones P, Wells S, Harper A, LeFevre J, Stewart J, Curtis E, Reid P, Ameratunga S. Is a national time target for emergency department stay associated with changes in the quality of care for acute asthma? A multicentre pre-intervention post-intervention study. Emerg Med Australas 2016; 28:48-55. [PMID: 26762650 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.12529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is debate whether targets for ED length of stay introduced to reduce ED overcrowding are helpful or harmful, as focus on a process target may divert attention from clinical care. Our objective was to investigate the effect of a national ED target in Aotearoa New Zealand on the recommended care for acute asthma as this is known to suffer in overcrowded departments. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review study across four sites from 2006 to 2012 (target introduced mid 2009). The primary outcome was time to steroids in the ED. The secondary outcomes were other aspects of asthma care in ED. We used general linear models or logistic regression as appropriate to assess care before and after the target. RESULTS Among the 570 (of 1270 randomly selected cases) eligible for analysis, no difference was demonstrated in time to steroids: least square mean (95% CI) = 58.1 (49-67.5) min before and 50.4 (42.9-55.8) min after the target (P = 0.15). More patients received steroids in ED after the target, OR (95% CI) = 2.1 (1.2-4.3). No differences were demonstrated in those receiving steroid prescriptions or re-presentations: OR (95% CI) = 1.3 (0.9-1.96) and 1.1 (0.5-2.3), respectively. Changes in pre-target and post-target ED and hospital length of stay varied between hospitals. CONCLUSION Introduction of the target was not associated with a change in times to steroids in ED, although more patients received steroids in ED indicating closer adherence to recommended practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Jones
- Adult Emergency Department, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Susan Wells
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alana Harper
- Adult Emergency Department, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - James LeFevre
- Adult Emergency, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna Stewart
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Elana Curtis
- Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Papaarangi Reid
- Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Shanthi Ameratunga
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Abstract
Background Child health care is an important part of the UK general practice workload; in 2009 children aged <15 years accounted for 10.9% of consultations. However, only 1.2% of the UK’s Quality and Outcomes Framework pay-for-performance incentive points relate specifically to children. Aim To improve the quality of care provided for children and adolescents by defining a set of quality indicators that reflect evidence-based national guidelines and are feasible to audit using routine computerised clinical records. Design and setting Multi-step consensus methodology in UK general practice. Method Four-step development process: selection of priority issues (applying nominal group methodology), systematic review of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) clinical guidelines, translation of guideline recommendations into quality indicators, and assessment of their validity and implementation feasibility (applying consensus methodology used in selecting QOF indicators). Results Of the 296 national guidelines published, 48 were potentially relevant to children in primary care, but only 123 of 1863 recommendations (6.6%) met selection criteria for translation into 56 potential quality indicators. A further 13 potential indicators were articulated after review of existing quality indicators and standards. Assessment of the validity and feasibility of implementation of these 69 candidate indicators by a clinical expert group identified 35 with median scores 8 on a 9-point Likert scale. However, only seven of the 35 achieved a GRADE rating >1 (were based on more than expert opinion). Conclusion Producing valid primary care quality indicators for children is feasible but difficult. These indicators require piloting before wide adoption but have the potential to raise the standard of primary care for all children.
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Bekmezian A, Fee C, Weber E. Clinical pathway improves pediatrics asthma management in the emergency department and reduces admissions. J Asthma 2015; 52:806-14. [PMID: 25985707 PMCID: PMC4669067 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2015.1019086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Poor adherence to the National Institute of Health (NIH) Asthma Guidelines may result in unnecessary admissions for children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with exacerbations. We determine the effect of implementing an evidence-based ED clinical pathway on corticosteroid and bronchodilator administration and imaging utilization, and the subsequent effect on hospital admissions in a US ED. METHODS A prospective, interventional study of pediatric (≤21 years) visits to an academic ED between 2011 and 2013 with moderate-severe asthma exacerbations has been conducted. A multidisciplinary team designed a one-page clinical pathway based on the NIH Guidelines. Nurses, respiratory therapists and physicians attended educational sessions prior to the pathway implementation. By adjusting for demographics, acuity and ED volume, we compared timing and appropriateness of corticosteroid and bronchodilator administration, and chest radiograph (CXR) utilization with historical controls from 2006 to 2011. Subsequent hospital admission rates were also compared. RESULTS A total of 379 post-intervention visits were compared with 870 controls. Corticosteroids were more likely to be administered during post-intervention visits (96% vs. 78%, adjusted OR 6.35; 95% CI 3.17-12.73). Post-intervention, median time to corticosteroid administration was 45 min faster (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.67-0.81) and more patients received corticosteroids within 1 h of arrival (45% vs. 18%, OR 3.5; 95% CI 2.50-4.90). More patients received > 1 bronchodilator dose within 1 h (36% vs. 24%, OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.23-2.21) and fewer received CXRs (27% vs. 42%, OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.52-0.94). There were fewer admissions post-intervention (13% vs. 21%, OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.37-0.76). CONCLUSION A clinical pathway is associated with improved adherence to NIH Guidelines and, subsequently, fewer hospital admissions for pediatric ED patients with asthma exacerbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpi Bekmezian
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Christopher Fee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Ellen Weber
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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Leonard MM, Kyriacos U. Student nurses' recognition of early signs of abnormal vital sign recordings. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2015; 35:e11-e18. [PMID: 25979801 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing urgency for nurses to recognize early signs of deterioration in patients and to take appropriate action to prevent serious adverse effects. OBJECTIVES To assess respondents' ability to identify abnormal recordings for respiratory and heart rate, oxygen saturation level, systolic blood pressure, level of consciousness, urinary output and normal temperature. DESIGN A descriptive observational survey. SETTING A nursing college in Cape Town, South Africa. PARTICIPANTS A sample of 77/212 (36.3%) fourth year students. METHODS A self-administered adapted questionnaire was employed to collect demographic data and respondents' selections of recorded physiological values for the purpose of deciding when to call for more skilled help. RESULTS The median age for 62/77 (80.5%) of the respondents was 25years; 3/76 (3.9%) had a previous certificate in nursing. Most respondents were female (66/76, 85.7%). Afrikaans was the first language preference of 33 (42.9%) respondents, followed by isiXhosa (31/77, 40.3%) and English (10/77, 13.0%). Most respondents (48/77, 62.3%) recognized a normal temperature reading (35-38.4°C). However, overall there would have been delays in calling for more skilled assistance in 288/416 (69.2%) instances of critical illness for a high-score MEWS of 3 and in 226/639 (35.4%) instances at a medium-score MEWS of 2 for physiological parameters. In 96/562 (17.1%) instances, respondents would have called for assistance for a low-score MEWS of 1. CONCLUSIONS Non-recognition of deterioration in patients' clinical status and delayed intervention by nurses has implications for the development of serious adverse events. The MEWS is recommended as a track-and-trigger system for nursing curricula in South Africa and for implementation in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Una Kyriacos
- Division of Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, South Africa.
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Vermeulen MJ, Guttmann A, Stukel TA, Kachra A, Sivilotti MLA, Rowe BH, Dreyer J, Bell R, Schull M. Are reductions in emergency department length of stay associated with improvements in quality of care? A difference-in-differences analysis. BMJ Qual Saf 2015; 25:489-98. [PMID: 26271919 PMCID: PMC4941160 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2015-004189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background We sought to determine whether patients seen in hospitals who had reduced overall emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) in the 2 years following the introduction of the Ontario Emergency Room Wait Time Strategy were more likely to experience improvements in other measures of ED quality of care for three important conditions. Methods Retrospective medical record review using difference-in-differences analysis to compare changes in performance on quality indicators over the 3-year period between 11 Ontario hospitals where the median ED LOS had improved from fiscal year 2008 to 2010 and 13 matched sites where ED LOS was unchanged or worsened. Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), asthma and paediatric and adult upper limb fractures in these hospitals in 2008 and 2010 were evaluated with respect to 18 quality indicators reflecting timeliness and safety/effectiveness of care in the ED. In a secondary analysis, we examined shift-level ED crowding at the time of the patient visit and performance on the quality indicators. Results Median ED LOS improved by up to 26% (63 min) from 2008 to 2010 in the improved hospitals, and worsened by up to 47% (91 min) in the unimproved sites. We abstracted 4319 and 4498 charts from improved and unimproved hospitals, respectively. Improvement in a hospital's overall median ED LOS from 2008 to 2010 was not associated with a change in any of the other ED quality indicators over the same time period. In our secondary analysis, shift-level crowding was associated only with indicators that reflected timeliness of care. During less crowded shifts, patients with AMI were more likely to be reperfused within target intervals (rate ratio 1.59, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.45), patients with asthma more often received timely administration of steroids (rate ratio 1.88, 95% CI 1.59 to 2.24) and beta-agonists (rate ratio 1.47, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.74), and adult (but not paediatric) patients with fracture were more likely to receive analgesia or splinting within an hour (rate ratio 1.66, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.26). Conclusions These results suggest that a policy approach that targets only reductions in ED LOS is not associated with broader improvements in selected quality measures. At the same time, there is no evidence that efforts to address crowding have a detrimental effect on quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Astrid Guttmann
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Therese A Stukel
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ashif Kachra
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marco L A Sivilotti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian H Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan Dreyer
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Bell
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Schull
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Tourigny-Ruel G, Diksic D, Mok E, McGillivray D. Quality assurance evaluation of a simple linear protocol for the treatment of impending status epilepticus in a pediatric emergency department 2 years postimplementation. CAN J EMERG MED 2015; 16:304-13. [DOI: 10.2310/8000.2013.131131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a simple linear midazolam-based protocol for the management of impending status epilepticus in children up to 18 years of age.Methods:This is a descriptive, quality assessment, retrospective chart review of children presenting with the chief complaint of seizure disorder in the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary care pediatric hospital and a triage category of resuscitation or urgent from April 1, 2009, to August 31, 2011. In children with at least one seizure episode in the ED treated according to the linear protocol, three main outcomes were assessed: compliance, effectiveness, and complications.Results:Of the 128 children meeting the above study criteria, 68 had at least one seizure episode in the ED, and treatment was required to terminate at least one seizure episode in 46 of 68 patients (67.6%). Fifty-five seizure episodes were treated in the 46 patients: 51 of 55 seizure episodes were treated with midazolam (92.7%) and 4 of 55 with lorazepam or diazepam (7.3%). Of those treated with midazolam, 86.3% (44 of 51) were successfully treated with one or two doses of midazolam. The median seizure duration for all treated patients was 6 minutes. Of the 42 patients treated with midazolam, 7 required either continuous positive airway pressure or intubation, and two patients were treated for hypotension. One patient died of pneumococcal meningitis.Conclusion:This simple linear protocol is an effective and safe regimen for the treatment of impending status epilepticus in children.
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Silver SA, Thomas A, Rathe A, Robinson P, Wald R, Harel Z, Bell CM. Development of a hemodialysis safety checklist using a structured panel process. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2015; 2:5. [PMID: 25780628 PMCID: PMC4349476 DOI: 10.1186/s40697-015-0039-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization created a Surgical Safety Checklist with a pause or "time out" to help reduce preventable adverse events and improve communication. A similar tool might improve patient safety and reduce treatment-associated morbidity in the hemodialysis unit. OBJECTIVE To develop a Hemodialysis Safety Checklist (Hemo Pause) for daily use by nurses and patients. DESIGN A modified Delphi consensus technique based on the RAND method was used to evaluate and revise the checklist. SETTING University-affiliated in-center hemodialysis unit. PARTICIPANTS A multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and administrators developed the initial version of the Hemo Pause Checklist. The evaluation team consisted of 20 registered hemodialysis nurses. MEASUREMENTS The top 5 hemodialysis safety measures according to hemodialysis nurses. A 75% agreement threshold was required for consensus. METHODS The structured panel process was iterative, consisting of a literature review to identify safety parameters, individual rating of each parameter by the panel of hemodialysis nurses, an in-person consensus meeting wherein the panel refined the parameters, and a final anonymous survey that assessed panel consensus. RESULTS The literature review produced 31 patient safety parameters. Individual review by panelists reduced the list to 25 parameters, followed by further reduction to 19 at the in-person consensus meeting. The final round of scoring yielded the following top 5 safety measures: 1) confirmation of patient identity, 2) measurement of pre-dialysis weight, 3) recognition and transcription of new medical orders, 4) confirmation of dialysate composition based on prescription, and 5) measurement of pre-dialysis blood pressure. Revision using human factors principles incorporated the 19 patient safety parameters with greater than or equal to 75% consensus into a final checklist of 17-items. LIMITATIONS The literature review was not systematic. This was a single-center study, and the panel lacked patient and family representation. CONCLUSIONS A novel 17-item Hemodialysis Safety Checklist (Hemo Pause) for use by nurses and patients has been developed to standardize the hemodialysis procedure. Further quality improvement efforts are underway to explore the feasibility of using this checklist to reduce adverse events and strengthen the safety culture in the hemodialysis unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A Silver
- />Division of Nephrology, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alison Thomas
- />Division of Nephrology, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrea Rathe
- />Division of Nephrology, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Pamela Robinson
- />Division of Nephrology, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ron Wald
- />Division of Nephrology, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- />Department of Medicine and Keenan Research Center, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ziv Harel
- />Division of Nephrology, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- />Department of Medicine and Keenan Research Center, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chaim M Bell
- />Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- />Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Strudwick K, Nelson M, Martin-Khan M, Bourke M, Bell A, Russell T. Quality indicators for musculoskeletal injury management in the emergency department: a systematic review. Acad Emerg Med 2015; 22:127-41. [PMID: 25676528 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is increasing importance placed on quality of health care for musculoskeletal injuries in emergency departments (EDs). This systematic review aimed to identify existing musculoskeletal quality indicators (QIs) developed for ED use and to critically evaluate their methodological quality. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the gray literature, including relevant organizational websites, were searched in 2013. English-language articles were included that described the development of at least one QI related to the ED care of musculoskeletal injuries. Data extraction of each included article was conducted. A quality assessment was then performed by rating each relevant QI against the Appraisal of Indicators through Research and Evaluation (AIRE) Instrument. QIs with similar definitions were grouped together and categorized according to the health care quality frameworks of Donabedian and the Institute of Medicine. RESULTS The search revealed 1,805 potentially relevant articles, of which 15 were finally included in the review. The number of relevant QIs per article ranged from one to 11, resulting in a total of 71 QIs overall. Pain (n = 17) and fracture management (n = 13) QIs were predominant. Ten QIs scored at least 50% across all AIRE Instrument domains, and these related to pain management and appropriate imaging of the spine. CONCLUSIONS Methodological quality of the development of most QIs is poor. Recommendations for a core set of QIs that address the complete spectrum of musculoskeletal injury management in emergency medicine is not possible, and more work is needed. Currently, QIs with highest methodological quality are in the areas of pain management and medical imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Strudwick
- The Physiotherapy Department; QEII Jubilee Hospital; Metro South Health; Queensland Australia
- The Emergency Department; QEII Jubilee Hospital; Metro South Health; Queensland Australia
- The Division of Physiotherapy; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences The University of Queensland; Queensland Australia
| | - Mark Nelson
- The Physiotherapy Department; QEII Jubilee Hospital; Metro South Health; Queensland Australia
- The Division of Physiotherapy; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences The University of Queensland; Queensland Australia
| | - Melinda Martin-Khan
- The Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine; The University of Queensland; Queensland Australia
- The Centre for Online Health; The University of Queensland; Queensland Australia
| | - Michael Bourke
- The Physiotherapy Department; QEII Jubilee Hospital; Metro South Health; Queensland Australia
- The Division of Physiotherapy; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences The University of Queensland; Queensland Australia
| | - Anthony Bell
- The Emergency Department; QEII Jubilee Hospital; Metro South Health; Queensland Australia
- The School of Medicine; The University of Queensland; Queensland Australia
| | - Trevor Russell
- The Division of Physiotherapy; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences The University of Queensland; Queensland Australia
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Jones P, Shepherd M, Wells S, Le Fevre J, Ameratunga S. Review article: what makes a good healthcare quality indicator? A systematic review and validation study. Emerg Med Australas 2015; 26:113-24. [PMID: 24707999 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.12195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Indicators measuring aspects of performance to assess quality of care are often chosen arbitrarily. The present study aimed to determine what should be considered when selecting healthcare quality indicators, particularly focusing on the application to emergency medicine. Structured searches of electronic databases were supplemented by website searches of quality of care and benchmarking organisations, citation searches and discussions with experts. Candidate attributes of 'good' healthcare indicators were extracted independently by two authors. The validity of each attribute was independently assessed by 16 experts in quality of care and emergency medicine. Valid and reliable attributes were included in a critical appraisal tool for healthcare quality indicators, which was piloted by emergency medicine specialists. Twenty-three attributes were identified, and all were rated moderate to extremely important by an expert panel. The reliability was high: alpha = 0.98. Twelve existing tools explicitly stated a median (range) of 14 (8-17) attributes. A critical appraisal tool incorporating all the attributes was developed. This was piloted by four emergency medicine specialists who were asked to appraise and rank a set of six candidate indicators. Although using the tool took more time than implicit gestalt decision making: median (interquartile range) 190 (43-352) min versus 17.5 (3-34) min, their rankings changed after using the tool. To inform the appraisal of quality improvement indicators for emergency medicine, a comprehensive list of indicator attributes was identified, validated, developed into a tool and piloted. Although expert consensus is still required, this tool provides an explicit basis for discussions around indicator selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Jones
- Adult Emergency Department, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
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Barata I, Brown KM, Fitzmaurice L, Griffin ES, Snow SK. Best practices for improving flow and care of pediatric patients in the emergency department. Pediatrics 2015; 135:e273-83. [PMID: 25548334 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2014-3425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This report provides a summary of best practices for improving flow, reducing waiting times, and improving the quality of care of pediatric patients in the emergency department.
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Murtagh Kurowski E, Byczkowski T, Grupp-Phelan JM. Comparison of emergency care delivered to children and young adults with complex chronic conditions between pediatric and general emergency departments. Acad Emerg Med 2014; 21:778-84. [PMID: 25039935 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Increasing attention is being paid to medically complex children and young adults, such as those with complex chronic conditions, because they are high consumers of inpatient hospital days and resources. However, little is known about where these children and young adults with complex chronic conditions seek emergency care and if the type of emergency department (ED) influences the likelihood of admission. The authors sought to generate nationwide estimates for ED use by children and young adults with complex chronic conditions and to evaluate if being of the age for transition to adult care significantly affects the site of care and likelihood of hospital admission. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study using discharge data from the 2008 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to evaluate visits to either pediatric or general EDs by pediatric-aged patients (17 years old or younger) and transition-aged patients (18 to 24 years old) with at least one complex chronic condition. The main outcome measures were hospital admission, ED charges for treat-and-release visits, and total charges for admitted patients. RESULTS In 2008, 69% of visits by pediatric-aged and 92% of visits by transition-aged patients with multiple complex chronic conditions occurred in general EDs. Not surprisingly, pediatric age was the strongest predictor of seeking care in a pediatric ED (odds ratio [OR] = 15.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 12.3 to 20.5). Technology dependence (OR = 1.56; 95% CI =1.2 to 2.0) and presence of multiple complex chronic conditions (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.2 to 1.6) were also associated with higher odds of seeking care in a pediatric ED. When controlling for patient and hospital characteristics, type of ED was not a significant predictor of admission (p = 0.87) or total charges (p = 0.26) in either age group. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study shows that, despite their complexity, the vast majority of children and young adults with multiple complex chronic conditions are cared for in general EDs. When controlling for patient and hospital characteristics, the admission rate and total charges for hospitalized patients did not differ between pediatric and general EDs. This result highlights the need for increased attention to the care that these medically complex children and young adults receive outside of pediatric-specialty centers. These results also emphasize that any future performance metrics developed to evaluate the quality of emergency care for children and young adults with complex chronic conditions must be applicable to both pediatric and general ED settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Murtagh Kurowski
- The Division of Emergency Medicine; Department of Pediatrics; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; University of Cincinnati; Cincinnati OH
| | - Terri Byczkowski
- The Division of Emergency Medicine; Department of Pediatrics; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; University of Cincinnati; Cincinnati OH
| | - Jacqueline M. Grupp-Phelan
- The Division of Emergency Medicine; Department of Pediatrics; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; University of Cincinnati; Cincinnati OH
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Kyriacos U, Jelsma J, James M, Jordan S. Monitoring vital signs: development of a modified early warning scoring (MEWS) system for general wards in a developing country. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87073. [PMID: 24475226 PMCID: PMC3901724 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to develop and validate, by consensus, the construct and content of an observations chart for nurses incorporating a modified early warning scoring (MEWS) system for physiological parameters to be used for bedside monitoring on general wards in a public hospital in South Africa. Methods Delphi and modified face-to-face nominal group consensus methods were used to develop and validate a prototype observations chart that incorporated an existing UK MEWS. This informed the development of the Cape Town ward MEWS chart. Participants One specialist anaesthesiologist, one emergency medicine specialist, two critical care nurses and eight senior ward nurses with expertise in bedside monitoring (N = 12) were purposively sampled for consensus development of the MEWS. One general surgeon declined and one neurosurgeon replaced the emergency medicine specialist in the final round. Results Five consensus rounds achieved ≥70% agreement for cut points in five of seven physiological parameters respiratory and heart rates, systolic BP, temperature and urine output. For conscious level and oxygen saturation a relaxed rule of <70% agreement was applied. A reporting algorithm was established and incorporated in the MEWS chart representing decision rules determining the degree of urgency. Parameters and cut points differed from those in MEWS used in developed countries. Conclusions A MEWS for developing countries should record at least seven parameters. Experts from developing countries are best placed to stipulate cut points in physiological parameters. Further research is needed to explore the ability of the MEWS chart to identify physiological and clinical deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Kyriacos
- Division of Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Jennifer Jelsma
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael James
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Groote Schuur Hospital/University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sue Jordan
- School of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Wales, United Kingdom
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Jeffs L, Law MP, Straus S, Cardoso R, Lyons RF, Bell C. Defining quality outcomes for complex-care patients transitioning across the continuum using a structured panel process. BMJ Qual Saf 2013; 22:1014-24. [PMID: 23852937 PMCID: PMC3962028 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2012-001473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 05/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No standardised set of quality measures associated with transitioning complex-care patients across the various healthcare settings and home exists. In this context, a structured panel process was used to define quality measures for care transitions involving complex-care patients across healthcare settings. METHODS A modified Delphi consensus technique based on the RAND method was used to develop measures of quality care transitions across the continuum of care. Specific stages included a literature review, individual rating of each measure by each of the panelists (n=11), a face-to-face consensus meeting, and final ranking by the panelists. RESULTS The literature review produced an initial set of 119 measures. To advance to rounds 1 and 2, an aggregate rating of >75% of the measure was required. This analysis yielded 30/119 measures in round 1 and 11/30 measures in round 2. The final round of scoring yielded the following top five measures: (1) readmission rates within 30 days, (2) primary care visit within 7 days postdischarge for high-risk patients, (3) medication reconciliation completed at admission and prior to discharge, (4) readmission rates within 72 h and (5) time from discharge to homecare nursing visit for high-risk patients. CONCLUSIONS The five measures identified through this research may be useful as indicators of overall care quality related to care transitions involving complex-care patients across different healthcare settings. Further research efforts are called for to explore the applicability and feasibility of using the quality measures to drive quality improvement across the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne Jeffs
- St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madelyn P Law
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharon Straus
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto,Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Renee F Lyons
- Complex Chronic Disease Research, Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Professor Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Bridgepoint Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chaim Bell
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Schuur JD, Hsia RY, Burstin H, Schull MJ, Pines JM. Quality Measurement In The Emergency Department: Past And Future. Health Aff (Millwood) 2013; 32:2129-38. [DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2013.0730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah D. Schuur
- Jeremiah D. Schuur is an attending physician; chief of the Division of Health Policy Translation; and director of quality, patient safety, and performance improvement, all in the Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts. He is also an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School
| | - Renee Y. Hsia
- Renee Y. Hsia is an associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco
| | - Helen Burstin
- Helen Burstin is senior vice president for performance measures at the National Quality Forum, in Washington, D.C
| | - Michael J. Schull
- Michael J. Schull is the president and CEO of the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Toronto, Ontario, and a professor in the Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, at the University of Toronto
| | - Jesse M. Pines
- Jesse M. Pines is director of the Office for Clinical Practice Innovation, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and a professor of emergency medicine and health policy at the George Washington University, in Washington, D.C
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Stang AS, Straus SE, Crotts J, Johnson DW, Guttmann A. Quality indicators for high acuity pediatric conditions. Pediatrics 2013; 132:752-62. [PMID: 24062374 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2013-0854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identifying gaps in care and improving outcomes for severely ill children requires the development of evidence-based performance measures. We used a systematic process involving multiple stakeholders to identify and develop evidence-based quality indicators for high acuity pediatric conditions relevant to any emergency department (ED) setting where children are seen. METHODS A prioritized list of clinical conditions was selected by an advisory panel. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify existing indicators, as well as guidelines and evidence that could be used to inform the creation of new indicators. A multiphase, Rand-modified Delphi method consisting of anonymous questionnaires and a face-to-face meeting of an expert panel was used for indicator selection. Measure specifications and evidence grading were created for each indicator, and the feasibility and reliability of measurement was assessed in a tertiary care pediatric ED. RESULTS The conditions selected for indicator development were diabetic ketoacidosis, status asthmaticus, anaphylaxis, status epilepticus, severe head injury, and sepsis. The majority of the 62 selected indicators reflect ED processes (84%) with few indicators reflecting structures (11%) or outcomes (5%). Thirty-seven percent (n = 23) of the selected indicators are based on moderate or high quality evidence. Data were available and interrater reliability acceptable for the majority of indicators. CONCLUSIONS A systematic process involving multiple stakeholders was used to develop evidence-based quality indicators for high acuity pediatric conditions. Future work will test the reliability and feasibility of data collection on these indicators across the spectrum of ED settings that provide care for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia S Stang
- MDCM, MBA, MSc, Alberta Children's Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail, Calgary AB, T3B 6A8.
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