P034: Pediatric emergency department return visits: a proactive approach to quality improvement. (15th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ostrow, O.; Shim, A.; Azmat, S.; Chartier, L.B.
• Is Part Of: CJEM. Volume 19(2017:May)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S89
• Page End: S89
• Publication Date: 2017-05-15
• Subjects: return visits, -- quality improvement, -- pediatrics; Emergency Treatment -- Periodicals; Emergency Medicine -- Periodicals; Emergency medical services -- Canada -- Periodicals; Medical emergencies -- Canada -- Periodicals; Emergency medical services; Medical emergencies; Canada; Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1017/cem.2017.236
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1481-8035

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Emergency Department (ED) return visits leading to admission (RVs) are a well-recognized quality metric that can potentially signal gaps in patient care. Routine capture, investigation and monitoring of monthly ED RVs provides a better understanding of patient and visit- level factors associated with a return, which can then inform system-level quality improvement (QI) opportunities. The objective of this study is to develop a sustainable database that routinely tracks and analyzes pediatric ED RVs in a large Canadian children's hospital to understand recurring themes and inform QI initiatives.Methods: Using a computerized record system, all 72-hour RVs are collected and reviewed for patient and visit-level variables. Clinicians receive monthly notification of their RVs and assist with completing root cause analyses. Ongoing cumulative analyses using descriptive statistics and t-test analysis are reviewed to identity trends and predictors of RVs. Targeted solutions are sought to address system-level themes through educational, quality, safety and administrative avenues.Results: The RV database contains almost three years of data analyzing approximately 1, 500 cases, equaling 0.75% of our annual ED patient volumes. RVs have higher acuity scores on both their index and return visit (P=0.001) and children under 12 months of age have significantly higher rates of return (24% vs 16%, P<0.001). A consultation service was involved during 31% of the index ED visits, with the top three consultants being Hematology/Oncology (23%), General Surgery (12%), and Neurology (8%). The root cause of the majority of RVs were related to disease progression (65%), while 8% were call-backs for positive blood cultures or discrepant results, and 6% were categorized as a misdiagnoses. Completed quality improvement initiatives to date include the ED Sickle Cell Optimization Program, the Culture Follow-up and Escalation Algorithm, and the Young Infant Fever Pathway and Order Set.Conclusion: Routine monitoring and investigation of ED RVs provides a proactive approach to seeking improvement opportunities. With a better understanding of specific patient and visit-level factors associated with RVs, future system-level quality improvement initiatives can be targeted.