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Daisy CC, Fonseca C, Schuh A, Millikan S, Boyd C, Thomas L, Brennan KG, LoRe D, Famuyide M, Myers P, Ostilla LA, Feltman DM, Andrews B. The Landscape of Resource Utilization After Resuscitation of 22-, 23-, and 24-Weeks' Gestation Infants. J Pediatr 2024; 270:114033. [PMID: 38552951 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare estimated healthcare resources needed to care for 22 through 24 weeks' gestation infants. STUDY DESIGN This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included 1505 live in-born and out-born infants 22 through 24 weeks' gestational age at delivery from 6 pediatric tertiary care hospitals from 2011 through 2020. Median neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) length of stay (LOS) for each gestational age was used as a proxy for hospital resource utilization, and the number of comorbidities and medical technology use for each infant were used as estimates of future medical care needs. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis with Nemenyi's posthoc test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS Of the identified newborns, 22-week infants had shorter median LOS than their 23- and 24-week counterparts due to low survival rates. There was no significant difference in LOS for surviving 22-week infants compared with surviving 23-week infants. Surviving 22-week infants had similar proportions of comorbidities and medical technology use as 23-week infants. CONCLUSIONS Compared with 23- and 24-week infants, 22-week infants did not use a disproportionate amount of hospital resources. Twenty-two-week infants should not be excluded from resuscitation based on concern for increased hospital care and medical technology requirements. As overall resuscitation efforts and survival rates increase for 22-week infants, future research will be needed to assess the evolution of these results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camille Fonseca
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Allison Schuh
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Cameron Boyd
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Leah Thomas
- The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Kathleen G Brennan
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Danielle LoRe
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Mobolaji Famuyide
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Patrick Myers
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Dalia M Feltman
- Department of Pediatrics, NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston Hospital, Evanston, IL
| | - Bree Andrews
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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Kaempf JW, Wang L, Dunn M. The Triple Aim Quality Improvement Gold Standard Illustrated as Extremely Premature Infant Care. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e1172-e1182. [PMID: 36539206 DOI: 10.1055/a-2001-8844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Triple Aim is widely regarded as the quality improvement gold standard that enhances population health, lowers costs, and betters individual care. There have been no large-scale, sustained demonstrations of such improvement in healthcare. Illustrating the Triple Aim using relevant extremely premature infant outcomes might highlight interwoven proficiency and efficiency complexities that impede sustained value progress. STUDY DESIGN Ten long-term collaborating neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in the Vermont Oxford Network calculated the Triple Aim in 230/7 to 276/7-week infants using three surrogate measures: (1) population health/x-axis-eight major morbidity rates as a composite, risk-adjusted metric; (2) cost/y-axis-total hospital length of stay; and (3) individual care/z-axis-mortality, then illustrated this relationship as a sphere within a three-dimensional cube. RESULTS Three thousand seven hundred six infants born between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2019, with mean (standard deviation) gestational age of 25.7 (1.4) weeks and birth weight of 803 (208) grams were analyzed. Triple Aim three-axis cube positions varied inconsistently comparing NICUs. Each NICUs' sphere illustrated mixed x- and z-axis movement (clinical proficiency), and y-axis movement (cost efficiency). No NICU demonstrated the theoretically ideal Triple Aim improvement in all three axes. Backward movement in at least one axis occurred in eight NICUs. The whole-group Triple Aim sphere moved forward along the x-axis (better morbidities metric), but moved backward in the y-axis length of stay and z-axis mortality measurements. CONCLUSION Illustrating the Triple Aim gold standard as extreme prematurity outcomes reveals complexities inherent to simultaneous attempts at improving interwoven quality and cost outcomes. Lack of progress using relevant Triple Aim parameters from our well-established collaboration highlights the difficulties prioritizing competing outcomes, variable potentially-better-practice applications amongst NICUs, unmeasured biologic interactions, and obscured cultural-environmental contexts that all likely affect care. Triple Aim excellence, if even remotely possible, will necessitate scalable, evidence-based methodologies, pragmatism regarding inevitable trade-offs, and wise constrained-resource decisions. KEY POINTS · The Triple Aim gold standard is elusive. There is no demonstration of sustained, large-scale success in healthcare and our quality improvement network has previously published benchmark extreme prematuritymorbidity improvements.. · Extreme prematurity outcomes illustrated as the Triple Aim show uneven results in relevant surrogate parameters and Triple Aim achievement, if even possible, will necessitate evidence-based methodologies that are scalable.. · Pragmatism, inevitable trade-offs, and wise constrained-resource decisions are required for Triple Aim success..
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W Kaempf
- Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Women and Children's Services, Medical Data and Research Center, Portland, Oregon
| | - Lian Wang
- Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Women and Children's Services, Medical Data and Research Center, Portland, Oregon
| | - Michael Dunn
- Department of Newborn and Developmental Paediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Murless-Collins S, Kawaza K, Salim N, Molyneux EM, Chiume M, Aluvaala J, Macharia WM, Ezeaka VC, Odedere O, Shamba D, Tillya R, Penzias RE, Ezenwa BN, Ohuma EO, Cross JH, Lawn JE. Blood culture versus antibiotic use for neonatal inpatients in 61 hospitals implementing with the NEST360 Alliance in Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Tanzania: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:568. [PMID: 37968606 PMCID: PMC10652421 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04343-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thirty million small and sick newborns worldwide require inpatient care each year. Many receive antibiotics for clinically diagnosed infections without blood cultures, the current 'gold standard' for neonatal infection detection. Low neonatal blood culture use hampers appropriate antibiotic use, fuelling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which threatens newborn survival. This study analysed the gap between blood culture use and antibiotic prescribing in hospitals implementing with Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST360) in Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Tanzania. METHODS Inpatient data from every newborn admission record (July 2019-August 2022) were included to describe hospital-level blood culture use and antibiotic prescription. Health Facility Assessment data informed performance categorisation of hospitals into four tiers: (Tier 1) no laboratory, (Tier 2) laboratory but no microbiology, (Tier 3) neonatal blood culture use < 50% of newborns receiving antibiotics, and (Tier 4) neonatal blood culture use > 50%. RESULTS A total of 144,146 newborn records from 61 hospitals were analysed. Mean hospital antibiotic prescription was 70% (range = 25-100%), with 6% mean blood culture use (range = 0-56%). Of the 10,575 blood cultures performed, only 24% (95%CI 23-25) had results, with 10% (10-11) positivity. Overall, 40% (24/61) of hospitals performed no blood cultures for newborns. No hospitals were categorised as Tier 1 because all had laboratories. Of Tier 2 hospitals, 87% (20/23) were District hospitals. Most hospitals could do blood cultures (38/61), yet the majority were categorised as Tier 3 (36/61). Only two hospitals performed > 50% blood cultures for newborns on antibiotics (Tier 4). CONCLUSIONS The two Tier 4 hospitals, with higher use of blood cultures for newborns, underline potential for higher blood culture coverage in other similar hospitals. Understanding why these hospitals are positive outliers requires more research into local barriers and enablers to performing blood cultures. Tier 3 facilities are missing opportunities for infection detection, and quality improvement strategies in neonatal units could increase coverage rapidly. Tier 2 facilities could close coverage gaps, but further laboratory strengthening is required. Closing this culture gap is doable and a priority for advancing locally-driven antibiotic stewardship programmes, preventing AMR, and reducing infection-related newborn deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Murless-Collins
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive, & Child Health (MARCH) Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Kondwani Kawaza
- Department of Paediatrics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Nahya Salim
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Elizabeth M Molyneux
- Department of Paediatrics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Msandeni Chiume
- Department of Paediatrics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Jalemba Aluvaala
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Opeyemi Odedere
- Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies, Rice University, Texas, USA
| | - Donat Shamba
- Department of Health Systems, Impact Evaluation and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Robert Tillya
- Department of Health Systems, Impact Evaluation and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rebecca E Penzias
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive, & Child Health (MARCH) Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Eric O Ohuma
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive, & Child Health (MARCH) Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - James H Cross
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive, & Child Health (MARCH) Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Joy E Lawn
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive, & Child Health (MARCH) Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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King B, Patel RM. Using Quality Improvement to Improve Value and Reduce Waste. Clin Perinatol 2023; 50:489-506. [PMID: 37201993 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Value is defined as health outcomes achieved per dollar spent. Addressing value in quality improvement (QI) efforts can help optimize patient outcomes while reducing unnecessary spending. In this article, we discuss how QI focused on reducing morbidities frequently reduces costs, and how proper cost accounting can help demonstrate improvements in value. We provide examples of high-yield opportunities for value improvement in neonatology and review the literature associated with these topics. Opportunities include reducing neonatal intensive care admissions for low-acuity infants, sepsis evaluations in low-risk infants, unnecessary total parental nutrition use, and utilization of laboratory and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian King
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburg School of Medicine.
| | - Ravi M Patel
- Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Yieh L, Dukhovny D, Ho T. Understanding Variation in Care: Guidelines, Value, and Equity. Hosp Pediatr 2023; 13:e37-e39. [PMID: 36617987 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2022-007043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leah Yieh
- Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Institute, Division of Neonatal Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine.,Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dmitry Dukhovny
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Timmy Ho
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachussetts
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The Trend in Costs of Tertiary-Level Neonatal Intensive Care for Neonates Born Preterm at 22 0/7-28 6/7 Weeks of Gestation from 2010 to 2019 in Canada. J Pediatr 2022; 245:72-80.e6. [PMID: 35304168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.02.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the trend in costs over 10 years for tertiary-level neonatal care of infants born 220/7-286/7 weeks of gestation during an ongoing Canadian national quality improvement project. STUDY DESIGN Clinical characteristics, outcomes, and third-party payor costs for the tertiary neonatal care of infants born 220/7-286/7 weeks of gestation between the years 2010 and 2019 were analyzed from the Canadian Neonatal Network database. Costs were estimated using resource use data from the Canadian Neonatal Network and cost inputs from hospitals, physician billing, and administrative databases in Ontario, Canada. Cost estimates were adjusted to 2017 Canadian dollars (CAD). A generalized linear mixed-effects model with gamma regression was used to estimate trends in costs. RESULTS Between 2010 and 2019, the number of infants born <24 weeks of gestation increased from 4.4% to 7.7%. The average length of stay increased from 68 days to 75 days. Unadjusted average ± SD total costs per neonate were $120 717 ± $93 062 CAD in 2010 and $132 774 ± $93 161 CAD in 2019. After adjustment for year, center, and gestation, total costs and length of stay increased significantly, by $13 612 CAD (P < .01) and 8.1 days (P < .01) over 10 years, respectively; whereas costs accounting for LOS remained stable. CONCLUSIONS The total costs and length of stay for infants 220/7-286/7 weeks of gestation have increased over the past decade in Canada during an ongoing national quality improvement initiative; however, there was an increase in the number and survival of neonates at the age of periviability.
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Begnaud CM, Lemoine J, Broussard L, Rholdon R, Doshi H. A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Antibiotic Utilization and Ancillary Laboratory Tests in the Appraisal of Early-Onset Sepsis in the NICU. J Pediatr Nurs 2021; 60:215-222. [PMID: 34273817 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis and treatment of early-onset sepsis (EOS) of the newborn remains a controversial issue among providers due to the non-infectious symptomology which exists in the newborn period. METHODS Pre/post interventional quality improvement project in a level III NICU to reduce antibiotic utilization and ancillary laboratory tests with the introduction of an evidence-based guideline for the evaluation of EOS in the NICU. RESULTS Primary outcome measures include mean number of empiric antibiotic treatment days and utilization rate (AUR), number of laboratory tests ordered, and incidence of unwarranted antibiotic therapy beyond the 48-h rule out period. Mean empiric antibiotic treatment days decreased from 2.94 to 1.58 days and overall antibiotic use decreased from 73.7% to 57.1%. Likewise, the mean AUR decreased from 212.5 to 147.6 days of therapy per 1000 patient days. There was an 86% decline in the number of ancillary tests and unwarranted antibiotic use beyond 48- h was reduced by 74%. DISCUSSION Guidelines for EOS of the newborn should include a thorough baseline evaluation of the drivers of antibiotic use to create an evidence-based foundation. Reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and EOS evaluations in a safe and effective manner have the potential to lower consumer and healthcare expenditures while improving the long-term health of the newborn in the NICU. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasize the importance of implementing an evidence-based protocol for antibiotic stewardship in the NICU. With further research there is the potential to improve the healthcare of newborns while reducing expenditures in a safe, effective evaluation of EOS in the newborn population.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Martin Begnaud
- Our Lady of Lourdes Women's and Children's Hospital and Pediatrix Medical Group, LA, United States of America; University of Louisiana at Lafayette, College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, LA, United States of America.
| | - Jennifer Lemoine
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette, College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, LA, United States of America
| | - Lisa Broussard
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette, College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, LA, United States of America
| | - Roger Rholdon
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette, College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, LA, United States of America
| | - Harshit Doshi
- Golisano Childrens Hospital of Southwest FL, FL, United States of America
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an explosive adoption of telehealth in pediatrics . However, there remains substantial variation in evaluation methods and measures of these programs despite introduction of measurement frameworks in the last five years. In addition, for neonatal health care, assessing a telehealth program must measure its benefits and costs for four stakeholder groups - patients, providers, healthcare system, and payers. Because of differences in their role within the health system, each group's calculation of telehealth's value may align or not with one another, depending on how it is being used. Therefore, a common mental model for determining value is critical in order to use telehealth in ways that produce win-win situations for most if not all four stakeholder groups. In this chapter, we present important principles and concepts from previously published frameworks to propose an approach to telehealth evaluation that can be used for perinatal health. Such a framework will then drive future development and implementation of telehealth programs to provide value for all relevant stakeholders in a perinatal health care system.
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Yieh L, Dukhovny D. What Helps Us Decide to Adopt an Intervention: Efficacy, Costs, or Both? Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2021-051016. [PMID: 34272342 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-051016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leah Yieh
- Fetal and Neonatal Institute, Division of Neonatal Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California .,Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dmitry Dukhovny
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon
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Bauer S, Epstein S, Bieleninik Ł, Yakobson D, Elefant C, Arnon S. Parental Attitudes toward Consent for Music Intervention Studies in Preterm Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18157989. [PMID: 34360279 PMCID: PMC8345374 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: This study investigated parents' motives for enrolling preterm infants into music therapy intervention studies during Neonatal Intensive Care hospitalization. (2) Methods: We surveyed Israeli parents of preterm infants after they consented or refused to participate in such studies. The pre-piloted questionnaires evaluated attitudes toward research and music therapy intervention studies. The study included 116 (57%) parents who agreed to participate in music therapy studies and 87 (43%) who declined. (3) Results: Infants of those who agreed to participate were younger (17 ± 2.3 vs. 28 ± 4.7 days old, p = 0.03) and sicker (Clinical Risk Index for Babies score 6.1 ± 2.7 vs. 3.68 ± 4.1, p = 0.04). More single-parent families declined to participate (p = 0.05). Parents agreed to participate because they thought the study might help their child, would improve future care of preterm infants and increase medical knowledge (all p < 0.05). In addition, they perceived music as beneficial for brain development, thought it might improve bonding, and routinely listened to music daily. (4) Conclusions: When recruiting parents and preterm infants for music therapy intervention studies, one should highlight potential contributions to the child's health, future children's health and medical knowledge. Stressing music as a potential tool for brain development and augmenting bonding is important. The best time to recruit is when improvements are still anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Bauer
- Department of Neonatology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 44281, Israel; (S.B.); (D.Y.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 39040, Israel
| | - Shulamit Epstein
- School for Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (S.E.); (C.E.)
| | - Łucja Bieleninik
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland;
- GAMUT—The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, 5029 Bergen, Norway
| | - Dana Yakobson
- Department of Neonatology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 44281, Israel; (S.B.); (D.Y.)
- School for Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (S.E.); (C.E.)
| | - Cochavit Elefant
- School for Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (S.E.); (C.E.)
| | - Shmuel Arnon
- Department of Neonatology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 44281, Israel; (S.B.); (D.Y.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 39040, Israel
- Correspondence:
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Kaempf J, Morris M, Steffen E, Wang L, Dunn M. Continued improvement in morbidity reduction in extremely premature infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2021; 106:265-270. [PMID: 33109606 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-319961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Provide a progress report updating our long-term quality improvement collaboration focused on major morbidity reduction in extremely premature infants 23-27 weeks. METHODS 10 Vermont Oxford Network (VON) neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) (the POD) sustained a structured alliance: (A) face-to-face meetings, site visits and teleconferences, (B) transparent process and outcomes sharing, (C) utilisation of evidence-based potentially better practice toolkits, (D) family integration and (E) benchmarking via a composite mortality-morbidity score (Benefit Metric). Morbidity-specific toolkits were employed variably by each NICU according to local priorities. The eight major VON morbidities and the risk-adjusted Benefit Metric were compared in two epochs 2010-2013 versus 2014-2018. RESULTS 5888 infants, mean (SD) gestational age 25.8 (1.4) weeks, were tracked. The POD Benefit Metric significantly improved (p=0.03) and remained superior to the aggregate VON both epochs (p<0.001). Four POD morbidities significantly improved through 2018 - chronic lung disease (48%-40%), discharge weight <10th percentile (32%-22%), any late infection (19%-17%) and periventricular leukomalacia (4%-2%). In epoch 2, 34% of survivors had none of the eight major morbidities, while 36% had just one. Mortality did not change. CONCLUSIONS Inter-NICU collaboration, process and outcomes sharing and potentially better practice toolkits sustain improvement in 23-27 week morbidity rates, notably chronic lung disease, extrauterine growth restriction and the lowest zero-or-one major morbidity rate reported by a quality improvement collaboration. Unrevealed biological and cultural variables affect morbidity rates, countless remain unmeasured, thus duplication to other quality improvement groups is challenging. Understanding intensive care as innumerable interactions and constant flux that defy convenient linear constructs is fundamental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kaempf
- NICU, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Mindy Morris
- EngageGrowThrive, LLC, Huntington Beach, California, USA
| | - Eileen Steffen
- St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Michael Dunn
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Economics at the frontline: Tools and tips for busy clinicians. Semin Perinatol 2021; 45:151396. [PMID: 33589238 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2021.151396] [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: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Frontline providers of neonatal care have a moral imperative to enhance value and inform senior administrators of how to most efficiently spend healthcare dollars. This article argues that the frontline is the ideal setting to pursue these efforts, offers recommendations for how to measure value, and describes five simple yet effective concrete tools that can improve value. It concludes with tips on advancing a value-added agenda through the Model for Improvement and advice for teams on ways of approaching senior leaders to help align unit-level aims with system-level goals and mission. Armed with these instruments, multidisciplinary teams can help ensure that neonatal care remains at the forefront of high-value healthcare.
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Braun D, Edwards EM, Schulman J, Profit J, Pursley DM, Goodman DC. Choosing wisely for the other 80%: What we need to know about the more mature newborn and NICU care. Semin Perinatol 2021; 45:151395. [PMID: 33573773 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2021.151395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although neonatal intensive unit (NICU) care is envisioned as the care of very immature infants, more than 95% of births and 80% of NICU admissions are of more mature newborns-infants born at 34 or more weeks' gestation. In spite of the size of this population there are important gaps in the understanding of their needs and optimal management as reflected by remarkably large unexplained variation in their care. The goal of this article is to describe what is known about the more mature, higher birth weight newborn population's use of NICU care and highlight important gaps in knowledge and obstacles to research. Research priorities are identified: including (1) the need for birth population based rather than NICU based studies, and (2) population specific data elements. Summary: More mature newborns-infants of 34 or more weeks' gestation-account for most NICU admissions. There are large gaps in the understanding of their needs and optimal management as reflected by large unexplained variation in their care. We enumerate these gaps in current knowledge and suggest research priorities to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Braun
- Neonatal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, Panorama City, CA, United States; Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, United States.
| | - Erika M Edwards
- Dept of Pediatrics and Mathematics and Statistics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States; Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Joseph Schulman
- California Department of Health Care Services, California Children's Services, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Jochen Profit
- Perinatal Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - DeWayne M Pursley
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David C Goodman
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, NH, Lebanon
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14
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Abstract
Health care economics has become an essential topic for all clinicians. Rising health care costs and continued limited resources force hospitals, health networks, and payers to make difficult choices. Economic studies range from those that only focus on costs to those that include costs and outcomes in a single metric, allowing for an assessment of incremental benefit gained from the incremental investment made. This article takes a step by step approach to interpreting the results of an economic evaluation, allowing the reader to critically appraise the results and to understand the implications for their specific patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Yieh
- Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Institute, Division of Neonatal Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, MS #31, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States; Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| | - Dmitry Dukhovny
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States
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15
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Cost of clinician-driven tests and treatments in very low birth weight and/or very preterm infants. J Perinatol 2021; 41:295-304. [PMID: 33268831 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-00879-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To rank clinician-driven tests and treatments (CTTs) by their total cost during the birth hospitalization for preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort of very low birth weight (<1500 g) and/or very preterm (<32 weeks) subjects admitted to US children's hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Units (2012-2018). CTTs were defined as pharmaceutical, laboratory and imaging services and ranked by total cost. RESULTS 24,099 infants from 51 hospitals were included. Parenteral nutrition ($85M, 32% of pharmacy costs), blood gas analysis ($34M, 29% of laboratory costs), and chest radiographs ($18M, 31% of imaging costs) were the costliest CTTs overall. More than half of CTT-related costs occurred during 10% of hospital days. CONCLUSIONS The majority of CTT-related costs were from commonly used tests and treatments. Targeted efforts to improve value in neonatal care may benefit most from focusing on reducing unnecessary utilization of common tests and treatments, rather than infrequently used ones.
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16
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King BC, Richardson T, Patel RM, Lee HC, Bamat NA, Hall M, Slaughter JL. Prioritization framework for improving the value of care for very low birth weight and very preterm infants. J Perinatol 2021; 41:2463-2473. [PMID: 34075201 PMCID: PMC8514333 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-021-01114-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Create a prioritization framework for value-based improvement in neonatal care. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort study of very low birth weight (<1500 g) and/or very preterm (<32 weeks) infants discharged between 2012 and 2019 using the Pediatric Health Information System Database. Resource use was compared across hospitals and adjusted for patient-level differences. A prioritization score was created combining cost, patient exposure, and inter-hospital variability to rank resource categories. RESULTS Resource categories with the greatest cost, patient exposure, and inter-hospital variability were parenteral nutrition, hematology (lab testing), and anticoagulation (for central venous access and therapy), respectively. Based on our prioritization score, parenteral nutrition was identified as the highest priority overall. CONCLUSIONS We report the development of a prioritization score for potential value-based improvement in neonatal care. Our findings suggest that parenteral nutrition, central venous access, and high-volume laboratory and imaging modalities should be priorities for future comparative effectiveness and quality improvement efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C. King
- grid.416975.80000 0001 2200 2638Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| | - Troy Richardson
- grid.429588.aChildren’s Hospital Association, Lenexa, KS USA
| | - Ravi M. Patel
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Division of Neonatology, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Henry C. Lee
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Division of Neonatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Nicolas A. Bamat
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Matthew Hall
- grid.429588.aChildren’s Hospital Association, Lenexa, KS USA
| | - Jonathan L. Slaughter
- grid.240344.50000 0004 0392 3476Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
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17
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A quality improvement project improving the value of iNO utilization in preterm and term infants. J Perinatol 2021; 41:164-172. [PMID: 32770031 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-0768-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inhaled NO (iNO) is used in the NICU for management of hypoxemic respiratory failure. The cost of iNO is significant and does not consistently improve outcomes in infants <34 weeks. PROJECT DESIGN Our team used The Model for Improvement to design a quality improvement project to utilize iNO for appropriate indications, ensure response to therapy and initiate timely weaning. The project was carried out at a Level IV NICU and successful interventions spread to a smaller Level III NICU. RESULTS This project demonstrated significant improvement in all measures; total iNO hours per month, average iNO hours per patient, and the percentage of prolonged iNO courses. With an estimated cost of $115/h, the cost per patient for iNO use declined by half from $21,620 to $10,580. CONCLUSIONS Our team improved the value of iNO utilization at our institution and spread successful interventions to another NICU in our network.
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18
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Benincasa BC, Silveira RC, Schlatter RP, Balbinotto Neto G, Procianoy RS. Multivariate risk and clinical signs evaluations for early-onset sepsis on late preterm and term newborns and their economic impact. Eur J Pediatr 2020; 179:1859-1865. [PMID: 32623627 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-020-03727-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing evidence that strict evaluation of clinical signs is effective in detecting newborns at risk of early-onset sepsis (EOS) that require antibiotic therapy. In a retrospective case control design, we compared EOS antibiotic indication by clinical signs surveillance with multivariate risk analysis (EOSCalc), and estimate their costs. Newborns ≥ 34 weeks who received EOS antibiotics from June 2014 to December 2016 were studied. Were considered symptomatic those with three clinical signs within first 24 h or two signs and one risk factor present. Cost estimative was done using bottom-up hospital's perspective. Eight thousand three hundred twenty-one were born, 384 were included. Two hundred nineteen (57%) would receive antibiotics by EOSCalc and 64 (16.7%) by clinical signs (p < 0.001). All patients with blood cultures were detected and false-negatives were absent. Total cost was US$ 574,121, estimate US$ 415,576 by EOSCalc, and US$ 314,353 by clinical signs (p < 0.001).Conclusions: The use of EOSCalc and clinical signs surveillance seem to be safe and accurate methods in EOS management. Additionally, the two approaches have shown an economic advantage when compared with the hospital's current practice. What is Known: • EOSCalc is a useful method for screening of EOS in late preterm and term infants. • Presence of clinical signs and/or maternal risk factors are present newborns with EOS. What is New: • Rigorous observation of clinical signs is a more accurate method than EOSCalc to screen for EOS in late preterm and term newborns. • Rigorous observation of clinical signs is more economic than EOSCalc in managing EOS in late preterm and term neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca C Benincasa
- Department of Pediatrics, Newborn Section, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul and Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Silva Jardim 1155#701, Porto Alegre, RS, 90450-071, Brazil
| | - Rita C Silveira
- Department of Pediatrics, Newborn Section, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul and Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Silva Jardim 1155#701, Porto Alegre, RS, 90450-071, Brazil
| | - Rosane Paixão Schlatter
- Post-Graduation Program in Health's Education, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul and Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Giacomo Balbinotto Neto
- Department of Economics Science, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Renato S Procianoy
- Department of Pediatrics, Newborn Section, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul and Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Silva Jardim 1155#701, Porto Alegre, RS, 90450-071, Brazil.
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19
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Examining the Relationship between Cost and Quality of Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Beyond. CHILDREN-BASEL 2020; 7:children7110238. [PMID: 33227966 PMCID: PMC7699206 DOI: 10.3390/children7110238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
There is tremendous variation in costs of delivering health care, whether by country, hospital, or patient. However, the questions remain: what costs are reasonable? How does spending affect patient outcomes? We look to explore the relationship between cost and quality of care in adult, pediatric and neonatal literature. Health care stewardship initiatives attempt to address the issue of lowering costs while maintaining the same quality of care; but how do we define and deliver high value care to our patients? Ultimately, these questions remain challenging to tackle due to the heterogeneous definitions of cost and quality. Further standardization of these terms, as well as studying the variations of both costs and quality, may benefit future research on value in health care.
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20
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Cost-effectiveness of probiotics for necrotizing enterocolitis prevention in very low birth weight infants. J Perinatol 2020; 40:1652-1661. [PMID: 32811974 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-00790-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the cost-effectiveness of prophylactic probiotics on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) prevention in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. STUDY DESIGN We built a decision-analytic model using TreeAge. Effectiveness was assessed using quality-adjusted life-years (QALY). Primary outcome was an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) expressed as cost per QALY gained. Costs were expressed in 2017 US dollars. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (SA) were performed. RESULTS For the base case analysis, the ICER of probiotics versus no probiotics for the prevention of NEC in VLBW infants was $1868/QALY. SA revealed that probiotics became cost-saving at a NEC rate of 6.5% and higher or with incremental NEC cost of $37,500 or higher. CONCLUSIONS Our model demonstrated that prophylactic probiotics were a cost-effective strategy in NEC reduction. SA confirmed that the model is customizable to various clinical settings and thus, can aid in understanding the economic impact of this intervention.
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21
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The business case for quality improvement. J Perinatol 2020; 40:972-979. [PMID: 32231258 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-0660-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Value in healthcare can be defined as providing the optimal outcome per health dollar spent. Improving the value of healthcare for patients and healthcare organizations requires an understanding and evaluation of the costs and benefits. Investing in quality improvement (QI) work can bring about financial results for healthcare organizations over time, have beneficial organizational effects, and improve outcomes for patients. This article continues a series of QI educational papers in the Journal of Perinatology, and reviews financial and economic measures used to create the business case for QI. Ultimately, the business case for QI is better defined as a business strategy for success.
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Braun D, Braun E, Chiu V, Burgos AE, Gupta M, Volodarskiy M, Getahun D. Trends in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Utilization in a Large Integrated Health Care System. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e205239. [PMID: 32556257 PMCID: PMC7303809 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.5239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE There are few population-based studies addressing trends in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and NICU patient-days, especially in the subpopulation that, by gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW), might otherwise be able to stay in the room with their mothers. OBJECTIVE To describe population-based trends in NICU admissions, NICU patient-days, readmissions, and mortality in the birth population of a large integrated health care system. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study was conducted using data extracted from electronic medical records at Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) health care system. Participants included all women who gave birth at KPSC hospitals and their newborns from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2018. Data extraction was limited to data entry fields whose contents were either numbers or fixed categorical choices. Rates of NICU admission, NICU patient-days, readmission rates, and mortality rates were measured in the total population, in newborns with GA 35 weeks or greater and BW 2000 g or more (high GA and BW group), and in the remaining newborns (low GA and BW group). Admissions to the NICU and NICU patient-days were risk adjusted with a machine learning model based on demographic and clinical characteristics before NICU admission. Changes in the trends were assessed with 2-sided correlated seasonal Mann-Kendall test. Data analysis was performed in August 2019. EXPOSURES Admission to the NICU and NICU patient-days among the birth cohort. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcomes were NICU admission and NICU patient-days in the total neonatal population and GA and BW subgroups. The secondary outcomes were readmission and mortality rates. RESULTS Over the study period there were 320 340 births (mean [SD] age of mothers, 30.1 [5.7] years; mean [SD] gestational age, 38.6 [1.97] weeks; mean [SD] birth weight, 3302 [573] g). The risk-adjusted NICU admission rate decreased from a mean of 14.5% (95% CI, 14.2%-14.7%) to 10.9% (95% CI, 10.7%-11.7%) (P for trend = .002); 92% of the change was associated with changes in the care of newborns in the high GA and BW group. The number of risk-adjusted NICU patient-days per birth decreased from a mean of 1.50 patient-days (95% CI, 1.43-1.54 patient-days) to 1.40 patient-days (95% CI, 1.36-1.48 patient-days) (P for trend = .03); 70% of the change was associated with newborns in the high GA and BW group. The unadjusted 30-day readmission rates and mortality rates did not change. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Admission rates to the NICU and numbers of NICU patient-days decreased over the study period without an increase in readmissions or mortality. The observed decrease was associated with the high GA and BW newborn population. How much of this decrease is attributable to intercurrent health care systemwide quality improvement initiatives would require further investigation. The remaining unexplained variation suggests that further changes are also possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Braun
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
- Women’s and Children’s Health Care Leadership Team, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Panorama City, California
| | - Eric Braun
- Department of Consulting and Implementation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Vicki Chiu
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Anthony E. Burgos
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center, Downey, California
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California
| | - Mandhir Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center, Downey, California
| | - Marianna Volodarskiy
- Women’s and Children’s Health Care Leadership Team, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
- Department of Patient Care Services, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Darios Getahun
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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23
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Kaempf JW, Morris M, Austin J, Steffen E, Wang L, Dunn M. Sustained quality improvement collaboration and composite morbidity reduction in extremely low gestational age newborns. Acta Paediatr 2019; 108:2199-2207. [PMID: 31194257 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM Continuous quality improvement has failed to consistently reduce morbidities in extremely low gestational age newborns 23-27 weeks. 10 Vermont Oxford Network NICUs describe a novel, sustained collaboration for progress. METHODS We emphasised a) commitment to inter-NICU trust with face-to-face meetings, site visits, teleconferences, scrutiny of quality improvement methodology, b) transparent process and outcomes sharing, c) evidence-based formulation of an orchestrated testing matrix to select potentially better practices, d) family integration, e) benchmarking with a composite mortality-morbidity score (Benefit Metric). RESULTS A total of 4709 infants, mean (SD) gestational age 25.8 (1.4) weeks, admitted to 10 NICUs 1.01.2010 to 12.31.2016. The orchestrated matrix offered 45 potentially better practices; NICUs implemented mean 29 (range 19-40). There was widespread adoption of delivery room, respiratory care and infection prevention practices, but no uniform pattern. Our Benefit Metric was significantly greater than the Vermont Oxford Network all seven years (p < 0.001). Six major morbidities decreased, two significantly (p < 0.05), mortality unchanged (14%). 34% of survivors had no morbidities, 35% just one. CONCLUSION Cultivating trust, transparent outcomes sharing, and tailored, potentially better practice selection is associated with encouraging improvement in 23- to 27-week survival without morbidity. Our outcomes are objective but the optimal implementation pathway to sustain progress remains murky, reflective of NICUs as complex adaptive networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. Kaempf
- Providence St. Joseph Health, Women and Children’s Services Medical Data and Research Center Portland OR USA
| | | | - June Austin
- June Austin Consulting Sherwood Park Alberta Canada
| | | | - Lian Wang
- Providence St. Joseph Health, Women and Children’s Services Medical Data and Research Center Portland OR USA
| | - Michael Dunn
- Department of Newborn and Developmental Paediatrics Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Toronto Ontario Canada
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24
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Dukhovny D, Buus-Frank ME, Edwards EM, Ho T, Morrow KA, Srinivasan A, Pollock DA, Zupancic JAF, Pursley DM, Goldmann D, Puopolo KM, Soll RF, Horbar JD. A Collaborative Multicenter QI Initiative to Improve Antibiotic Stewardship in Newborns. Pediatrics 2019; 144:peds.2019-0589. [PMID: 31676682 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine if NICU teams participating in a multicenter quality improvement (QI) collaborative achieve increased compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) core elements for antibiotic stewardship and demonstrate reductions in antibiotic use (AU) among newborns. METHODS From January 2016 to December 2017, multidisciplinary teams from 146 NICUs participated in Choosing Antibiotics Wisely, an Internet-based national QI collaborative conducted by the Vermont Oxford Network consisting of interactive Web sessions, a series of 4 point-prevalence audits, and expert coaching designed to help teams test and implement the CDC core elements of antibiotic stewardship. The audits assessed unit-level adherence to the CDC core elements and collected patient-level data about AU. The AU rate was defined as the percentage of infants in the NICU receiving 1 or more antibiotics on the day of the audit. RESULTS The percentage of NICUs implementing the CDC core elements increased in each of the 7 domains (leadership: 15.4%-68.8%; accountability: 54.5%-95%; drug expertise: 61.5%-85.1%; actions: 21.7%-72.3%; tracking: 14.7%-78%; reporting: 6.3%-17.7%; education: 32.9%-87.2%; P < .005 for all measures). The median AU rate decreased from 16.7% to 12.1% (P for trend < .0013), a 34% relative risk reduction. CONCLUSIONS NICU teams participating in this QI collaborative increased adherence to the CDC core elements of antibiotic stewardship and achieved significant reductions in AU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Dukhovny
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon;
| | - Madge E Buus-Frank
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont.,Children's Hospital at Darmouth-Hitchcock and Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Erika M Edwards
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont.,Department of Pediatrics, The Robert Larner, MD, College of Medicine, and.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Timmy Ho
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - John A F Zupancic
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - DeWayne M Pursley
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Karen M Puopolo
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and.,Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Roger F Soll
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont.,Department of Pediatrics, The Robert Larner, MD, College of Medicine, and
| | - Jeffrey D Horbar
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont.,Department of Pediatrics, The Robert Larner, MD, College of Medicine, and
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25
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Abstract
Value in medicine is defined as the ratio of quality and service and health care outcomes to the costs and inefficiencies of providing care. Creating patient-centered value in radiology reporting requires radiologists to provide accurate diagnostic interpretations in an accessible format with useful advice on further imaging, as well as report-embedded reference materials desired by the referring provider. The value- and service-centered radiologist provides urgent communications when appropriate and is readily available for report consultations. Indirect costs or inefficiencies embedded in report style can erode value. Value is preserved when radiologists strive for concise, clear, and timely reporting. ©RSNA, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C Eberhardt
- From the Department of Radiology, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC 10.5530, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 (S.C.E.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University Healthcare, Atlanta, Ga (M.E.H.)
| | - Marta E Heilbrun
- From the Department of Radiology, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC 10.5530, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 (S.C.E.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University Healthcare, Atlanta, Ga (M.E.H.)
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26
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Manja V, Guyatt G, Lakshminrusimha S, Jack S, Kirpalani H, Zupancic JAF, Dukhovny D, You JJ, Monteiro S. Factors influencing decision making in neonatology: inhaled nitric oxide in preterm infants. J Perinatol 2019; 39:86-94. [PMID: 30353082 PMCID: PMC6298829 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-018-0258-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We studied decision making regarding inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in preterm infants with Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). STUDY DESIGN We asked members of the AAP-Society of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and Division-Chiefs to select from three management options- initiate iNO, engage parents in shared decision making or not consider iNO in an extremely preterm with PH followed by rating of factors influencing their decision. RESULTS Three hundred and four respondents (9%) completed the survey; 36.5% chose to initiate iNO, 42% to engage parents, and 21.5% did not consider iNO. Provider's prior experience, safety, and patient-centered care were rated higher by those who initiated or offered iNO; lack of effectiveness and cost considerations by participants who did not chose iNO. CONCLUSIONS Most neonatologists offer or initiate iNO therapy based on their individual experience. The minority who chose not to consider iNO placed higher value on lack of effectiveness and cost. These results demonstrate a tension between evidence and pathophysiology-based-therapy/personal experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena Manja
- Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Gordon Guyatt
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Satyan Lakshminrusimha
- Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis Medical Center, 2516 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Susan Jack
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Haresh Kirpalani
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine,, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John A F Zupancic
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dmitry Dukhovny
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - John J You
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sandra Monteiro
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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27
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Kaempf JW, Wang L, Dunn M. Using a composite morbidity score and cultural survey to explore characteristics of high proficiency neonatal intensive care units. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2019; 104:F13-F17. [PMID: 29298857 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-313715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuous quality improvement (CQI) collaboration has not eliminated the morbidity variability seen among neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Factors other than inconstant application of potentially better practices (PBPs) might explain divergent proficiency. OBJECTIVE Measure a composite morbidity score and determine whether cultural, environmental and cognitive factors distinguish high proficiency from lower proficiency NICUs. DESIGN/METHODS Retrospective analysis using a risk-adjusted composite morbidity score (Benefit Metric) and cultural survey focusing on very low birth weight (VLBW) infants from 39 NICUs, years 2000-2014. The Benefit Metric and yearly variance from the group mean was rank-ordered by NICU. A comprehensive survey was completed by each NICU exploring whether morbidity variance correlated with CQI methodology, cultural, environmental and/or cognitive characteristics. RESULTS 58 272 VLBW infants were included, mean (SD) age 28.2 (3.0) weeks, birth weight 1031 (301) g. The 39 NICU groups' Benefit Metric improved 40%, from 80 in 2000 to 112 in 2014 (P<0.001). 14 NICUs had composite morbidity scores significantly better than the group, 16 did not differ and 9 scored below the group mean. The 14 highest performing NICUs were characterised by more effective team work, superior morale, greater problem-solving expectations of providers, enhanced learning opportunities, knowledge of CQI fundamentals and more generous staffing. CONCLUSION Cultural, environmental and cognitive characteristics vary among NICUs perhaps more than traditional CQI methodology and PBPs, possibly explaining the inconstancy of VLBW infant morbidity reduction efforts. High proficiency NICUs foster spirited team work and camaraderie, sustained learning opportunities and support of favourable staffing that allows problem solving and widespread involvement in CQI activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W Kaempf
- Women and Children's Services, Department of Neonatology, Providence Health System, St. Vincent Medical Center, Medical Data and Research Center, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Lian Wang
- Women and Children's Services, Department of Neonatology, Providence Health System, St. Vincent Medical Center, Medical Data and Research Center, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Michael Dunn
- Department of Newborn and Developmental Paediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a common morbidity of prematurity, affects 5-10% of premature infants with a birthweight <1500 g. The added cost remains unclear. Multiple studies report the cost of care for an infant with NEC as higher than that of well premature infants, but these studies are fraught with limitations. Surgical intervention and type of surgery appear to impact overall costs. Health care resource utilization extends beyond the birth hospitalization, particularly in those infants requiring surgery, and persists to at least three years of age. This narrative review of the literature reveals a paucity of studies and significant methodological deficiencies in most included studies. Further studies of the cost of NEC need to address the issues of significant confounding in this complex population.
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Edwards EM, Horbar JD. Variation in Use by NICU Types in the United States. Pediatrics 2018; 142:peds.2018-0457. [PMID: 30282782 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-0457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED : media-1vid110.1542/5828370139001PEDS-VA_2018-0457Video Abstract BACKGROUND: Increased admissions of higher birth weight and less acutely ill infants to NICUs suggests that intensive care may be used inappropriately in these populations. We describe variation in use of NICU services by gestational age and NICU type. METHODS Using the Vermont Oxford Network database of all NICU admissions, we assessed variation within predefined gestational age categories in the following proportions: admissions, initial NICU hospitalization days, high-acuity cases ≥34 weeks' gestation, and short-stay cases ≥34 weeks' gestation. High acuity was defined as follows: death, intubated assisted ventilation for ≥4 hours, early bacterial sepsis, major surgery requiring anesthesia, acute transport to another center, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or a 5-minute Apgar score ≤3, or therapeutic hypothermia. Short stay was defined as an inborn infant staying 1 to 3 days with discharge from the hospital. RESULTS From 2014 to 2016, 486 741 infants were hospitalized 9 657 508 days at 381 NICUs in the United States. The median proportions of admissions, initial hospitalized days, high-acuity cases, and short stays varied significantly by NICU types in almost all gestational age categories. Fifteen percent of the infants ≥34 weeks were high acuity, and 10% had short stays. CONCLUSIONS There is substantial variation in use among NICUs. A campaign to focus neonatal care teams on using the NICU wisely that addresses the appropriate use of intensive care for newborn infants and accounts for local context and the needs of families is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika M Edwards
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont; and .,Department of Pediatrics, The Robert Larner, MD College of Medicine, and.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Jeffrey D Horbar
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont; and.,Department of Pediatrics, The Robert Larner, MD College of Medicine, and
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Shah PS, Dunn M, Aziz K, Shah V, Deshpandey A, Mukerji A, Ng E, Mohammad K, Ulrich C, Amaral N, Lemyre B, Synnes A, Piedboeuf B, Yee WH, Ye XY, Lee SK. Sustained quality improvement in outcomes of preterm neonates with a gestational age less than 29 weeks: results from the Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality Phase 3 1. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 97:213-221. [PMID: 30273497 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Quality improvement initiatives in neonatology have yielded positive results; however, few programs have demonstrated sustainability. We evaluated an ongoing, national quality improvement initiative (Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality Phase 3 (EPIQ-3)) on outcomes of preterm neonates with a gestational age (GA) of 220-286 weeks (i.e., from 22 weeks and 0 days of gestation to 28 weeks and 6 days of gestation). Data from 7459 neonates admitted to 25 Canadian centers between 2013 and 2017 were studied. Trends in mortality and major morbidities were evaluated. The number of neonates with a GA of 220-236 weeks increased from 90 in 2013 to 139 in 2017 without a significant change in any other GA categories. In the entire cohort, the odds of composite outcome of mortality or any major morbidity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61-0.84) and of necrotizing enterocolitis (AOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49-0.89) were lower in 2017 than in 2013. When calculated per year, the odds of composite outcome (AOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.97) and odds of necrotizing enterocolitis (AOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.96) decreased significantly. Among the subgroup of neonates with a GA of 260-286 weeks, the odds of composite outcome (AOR 0.63, 95% CI 0.51-0.79), necrotizing enterocolitis (AOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.73), and nosocomial infection (AOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49-0.84) were reduced. The collaborative, multidisciplinary, nationwide EPIQ-3 program improved outcomes of preterm neonates, and the improvement was sustainable over 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakesh S Shah
- a Department of Paediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada.,b Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.,c Maternal-Infant Care Research Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Michael Dunn
- b Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.,d Department of Newborn and Developmental Paediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Khalid Aziz
- e Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Vibhuti Shah
- a Department of Paediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada.,b Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.,c Maternal-Infant Care Research Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Akhil Deshpandey
- f Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Amit Mukerji
- g Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Eugene Ng
- b Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.,d Department of Newborn and Developmental Paediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Khorshid Mohammad
- h Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - Cindy Ulrich
- i Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Care Program, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Nely Amaral
- a Department of Paediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Brigitte Lemyre
- j Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada.,k Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada.,l Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Anne Synnes
- m Division of Neonatology, British Columbia's Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Bruno Piedboeuf
- n Department of Pediatrics, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Wendy H Yee
- o Department of Pediatrics, Foothills Medical Centre, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9, Canada
| | - Xiang Y Ye
- c Maternal-Infant Care Research Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Shoo K Lee
- a Department of Paediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada.,b Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.,c Maternal-Infant Care Research Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada.,p Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
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Gwam CU, Urquico KB, Etcheson JI, George NE, Higuera Rueda CA, Delanois RE. Use of new interactive patient-provider software improves patient satisfaction and outcomes-a retrospective single-center study. Arthroplast Today 2018; 5:73-77. [PMID: 31020027 PMCID: PMC6470365 DOI: 10.1016/j.artd.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While a number of studies have explored patient- and provider-related factors contributing to quality of care, few studies have explored the role of technology in improving quality and optimizing patient-provider communication. This study explores the use of an interactive patient-provider software platform (IPSP) at a single institution. Specifically, we compared: (1) patient satisfaction scores, (2) complication rates, and (3) readmission rates before and after the use of an IPSP on patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Material and Methods A retrospective review was performed on all total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty patients who completed a Press Ganey survey at a single institution between the years 2014 and 2017. Primary outcomes included Press Ganey patient satisfaction scores and 90-day complication and readmission rates. Mann-Whitney U testing and chi-squared analyses were conducted to assess continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results Analysis revealed an improvement in median Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (89 vs 97) and Hospital for Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems scores (9 vs 10; P < .001) between pre-IPSP and post-IPSP. There was a decrease in 90-day complication rates (17.3 vs 11.2%; P = .035) but no decrease in readmission rates (0.30 vs 0.18%, P = .322) between the 2 time points. Conclusions The use of an IPSP proved instrumental in improving patient satisfaction and lowering 90-day complication rates at a single institution. The implementation of an IPSP may prove beneficial to arthroplasty surgeons and health-care institutions alike seeking to optimize the quality of care. Larger multicenter studies are necessary to validate the results of the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuweike U Gwam
- Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathleen B Urquico
- Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer I Etcheson
- Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicole E George
- Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Ronald E Delanois
- Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Pavlek LR, Slaughter JL, Berman DP, Backes CH. Catheter-based closure of the patent ductus arteriosus in lower weight infants. Semin Perinatol 2018; 42:262-268. [PMID: 29909074 DOI: 10.1053/j.semperi.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Risks associated with drug therapy and surgical ligation have led health care providers to consider alternative strategies for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure. Catheter-based PDA closure is the procedure of choice for ductal closure in adults, children, and infants ≥6kg. Given evidence among older counterparts, interest in catheter-based closure of the PDA in lower weight (<6kg) infants is growing. Among these smaller infants, the goals of this review are to: (1) provide an overview of the procedure; (2) review the types of PDA closure devices; (3) review the technical success (feasibility); (4) review the risks (safety profile); (5) discuss the quality of evidence on procedural efficacy; (6) consider areas for future research. The review provided herein suggests that catheter-based PDA closure is technically feasible, but the lack of comparative trials precludes determination of the optimal strategy for ductal closure in this subgroup of infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeann R Pavlek
- Center for Perinatal Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Jonathan L Slaughter
- Center for Perinatal Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Darren P Berman
- Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH; Center for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Carl H Backes
- Center for Perinatal Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH; The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.
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Abstract
Work within the US health care system has sought to improve outcomes, decrease costs, and improve the patient experience. Combining those three elements leads to value-added care. Quality improvement within neonatology has focused primarily on the improvement of clinical outcomes without explicit consideration of cost. Future improvement efforts in neonatology should consider opportunities to decrease or eliminate waste, and improve outcomes. Consideration of how a change affects all stakeholders reveals potential cost-saving opportunities, and developing aims with value in mind facilitates understanding and goal-setting with senior administrative leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timmy Ho
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - John A F Zupancic
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - DeWayne M Pursley
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Dmitry Dukhovny
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Mail Code CRDC-P, 707 Southwest Gaines Street, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Kaempf JW, Schmidt NM, Rogers S, Novack C, Friant M, Wang L, Tipping N. The quest for sustained multiple morbidity reduction in very low-birth-weight infants: the Antifragility project. J Perinatol 2017; 37:740-746. [PMID: 28206996 PMCID: PMC5451666 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2017.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Can a comprehensive, explicitly directive evidence-based guideline for all therapies that might affect the major morbidities of very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants help a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) further improve generally favorable morbidity rates? Can Antifragility principles of provider adaptive growth from stressors, enhanced infant risk assessment and adherence to effective therapies minimize unproven treatments and reduce all morbidities? STUDY DESIGN Prospectively planned observational trial in VLBW infants: control group born October 2011 to September 2013 and study group October 2013 to September 2015. Multi-disciplinary evidence-based review assigned all NICU treatments into one of four distinct categories: (1) always employ this therapy for VLBW infants, (2) never use this therapy, (3) employ this questionable therapy thoughtfully, only in certain circumstances and (4) this therapy has insufficient evidence of efficacy and safety. Extensive staff education emphasized evidence-based potentially better practice (PBP) selection with compliance checks, appreciation of intertwined co-morbidities and prioritizing infant risk reduction strategies. RESULTS Control included 221 infants, mean (s.d.) age 29 (2.6) weeks, birth weight 1129 (257) g and Study included 197 infants, 29 (2.7) weeks, 1093 (292) g. One hundred and four distinct therapies were placed into categories 1 to 4, with 32 specific compliance checks. Overall mean compliance with the process checks during the second era was 70%, high: 100% (exclusive breast milk use), low: 24% (correct pulse oximetry alarm settings). Morbidity and mortality rates did not significantly change during the second era. CONCLUSIONS In our NICU with favorable morbidity rates, an expanded effort using a comprehensive therapy guideline for VLBW infants did not further improve outcomes. We need deeper understanding of continuous quality improvement (CQI) fundamentals, therapy compliance, co-morbidity relationships and enhanced sensitivity of risk assessment. Our innovative Antifragility PBP guideline could be useful to other NICUs seeking improvement in VLBW infant morbidities, as we offer a reasoned and concise template of a broad array of therapies categorized efficiently for transparency and review, designed to enhance responsible CQI decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Kaempf
- Women and Children's Program, Department of Neonatology, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - N M Schmidt
- Women and Children's Program, Department of Neonatology, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - S Rogers
- Women and Children's Program, Department of Neonatology, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - C Novack
- Women and Children's Program, Department of Neonatology, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - M Friant
- Women and Children's Program, Department of Neonatology, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - L Wang
- Women and Children's Program, Department of Neonatology, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - N Tipping
- Women and Children's Program, Department of Neonatology, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
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Allen H, Burton WN, Fabius R. Value-Driven Population Health: An Emerging Focus for Improving Stakeholder Role Performance. Popul Health Manag 2017; 20:465-474. [PMID: 28384087 DOI: 10.1089/pop.2016.0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Health and health care in the United States are being jeopardized by top-end spending whose share of the gross domestic product continues to increase even as aggregate health outcomes remain mediocre. This paper focuses on a new approach for improving stakeholder role performance in the marketplace, value-driven population health (VDPHSM). Devoted to maximizing the value of every dollar spent on population health, VDPH holds much promise for ameliorating this dilemma and exerting a constructive influence on the reshaping of the Affordable Care Act. This paper introduces VDPH and differentiates the science underlying it from the management that serves to make good on its potential. To highlight what VDPH brings to the table, comparisons are made with 3 like-minded approaches to health reform. Next, 2 areas are highlighted, workplace wellness and the quality and cost of health care, where without necessarily being recognized as such, VDPH has gained real traction among 2 groups: leading employers and, more recently, leading providers. Key findings with respect to workplace wellness are assessed in terms of psychometric performance to evaluate workplace wellness and to point out how VDPH can help direct future employer initiatives toward firmer scientific footing. Then, insights gleaned from the employer experience are applied to illustrate how VDPH can help guide future provider efforts to build on the model developed. This paper concludes with a framework for the use of VDPH by each of 5 stakeholder groups. The discussion centers on how VDPH transcends and differentiates these groups. Implications for health reform in the recently altered political landscape are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wayne N Burton
- 2 Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University , Chicago, Illinois
| | - Raymond Fabius
- 3 Population Health Academy, Thomas Jefferson University and HealthNext , Unionville, Pennsylvania
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36
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Swanson JR, Pearlman SA. Roadmap to a successful quality improvement project. J Perinatol 2017; 37:112-115. [PMID: 27906193 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2016.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although the benefits of quality improvement initiatives are largely understood by practicing neonatologists and perinatologists, the vast majority have not received any formal training in quality improvement methodology. Even as reporting requirements of quality metrics has increased from a number of outside agencies and public reporting entities, education for physicians regarding how to carry out quality improvement projects has largely remained the individual's responsibility. The first in a series of quality improvement education papers, we focus on the reasons why quality improvement matters and how to develop a team of stakeholders that will be functional and productive in addressing specific quality and safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Swanson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia Children's Hospital, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - S A Pearlman
- Department of Pediatrics, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE, USA
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37
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Children with Complex Medical Conditions: an Under-Recognized Driver of the Pediatric Cost Crisis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40746-016-0071-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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38
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Kirpalani H, Truog WE, D'Angio CT, Cotten M. Recent controversies on comparative effectiveness research investigations: Challenges, opportunities, and pitfalls. Semin Perinatol 2016; 40:341-347. [PMID: 27423511 PMCID: PMC5222533 DOI: 10.1053/j.semperi.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of comparative effectiveness research (CER) is to improve health outcomes by developing and disseminating evidence-based information about which currently available interventions and practices are most effective for patients. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) are the hallmark of scientific proof, and have been used to compare interventions used in variable ways by different clinicians (comparative effectiveness RCTs, CER-RCTs). But such CER-RCTs have at times generated controversy. Usually the background for the CER-RCT is a range of "standard therapy" or "standard of care." This may have been adopted on observational data alone, or pilot data. At times, such prior data may derive from populations that differ from the population in which the widely variable standard approach is being applied. We believe that controversies related to these CER-RCTs result from confusing "accepted" therapies and "rigorously evaluated therapies." We first define evidence-based medicine and consider how well neonatology conforms to that definition. We then contrast the approach of testing new therapies and those already existing and widely adopted, as in CER-RCTs. We next examine a central challenge in incorporating the control arm within CER-RCTs and aspects of the "titrated" trial. We finally briefly consider some ethical issues that have arisen, and discuss the wide range of neonatology practices that could be tested by CER-RCTs or alternative CER-based strategies that might inform practice. Throughout, we emphasize the lack of awareness of the lay community, and indeed many researchers or commentators, in appreciating the wide variation of standard of care. There is a corresponding need to identify the best uses of available resources that will lead to the best outcomes for our patients. We conclude that CER-RCTs are an essential methodology in modern neonatology to address many unanswered questions and test unproven therapies in newborn care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haresh Kirpalani
- Professor Pediatrics Division Neonatology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia at University Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA ; and Emeritus Professor Clinical Epidemiology McMaster University Ontario
| | | | - Carl T. D'Angio
- Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Humanities & Bioethics, Division of Neonatology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
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Shah SI, Brumberg HL, Bearer CF. Toward development of evidenced-based quality parameters: What gets counted and who gets paid? Pediatr Res 2016; 80:170-1. [PMID: 27112666 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shetal I Shah
- Division of Neonatology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | | | - Cynthia F Bearer
- Division of Neonatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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