G86 Improving discharge summary quality in a greenfield single room quaternary neonatal intensive care unit. (25th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anbu Chakkarapani, A; Chicoine, L; Soni, R; A Alla, E Elfaki; Powell, J; George, B; Greig, L; Lee, B
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 105(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A27
• Page End: A28
• Publication Date: 2020-10-25
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-rcpch.67
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Discharge Summary (DS) provides continuity of care and ensures safe patient transition between hospital and community. Inadequate NICU DS documentation contributes to medical errors and loss of follow up. Our goal is to improve the DS quality through use of a standard template to decrease identified deficiencies. Aims: Increase use of a standardized template for DS to >90% in 6 months Improve quality of DS to >85% in 6 months Achieve the state of no deficiencies in the DS to >80% in 6 months. Methods: Study Design : Prospective PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) cycle-based Quality Improvement Project. Study Setting : 54 bedded quaternary level NICU, Doha, Qatar. Study Period: January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. Phase 1: January to May 2019: Pre-intervention phase: Conducted an anonymous DS survey and audit and provided education on improving DS qualities in several team group meetings Phase 2: June to August 2019: Intervention phase: Designed new DS template and implemented in daily care along with other interventions bundle Phase 3: September to December 2019: Post-intervention phase: Regular monthly audit or quality check and feedback Definitions: Template: A structured DS processes and framework. Quality: The standard of the DS measured with apriori outcome measures. Deficiencies: Missing or inaccurate required information on DS documentation. Results: Conclusion: The NICU DS quality improvement project initiative achieved the goals of improved DS quality, increased use of a standardized template for DS, and decreased the deficiencies in DS. Going forward, we plan to continue with regular audits to maintain DS quality.