Improving Adherence to Safe Sleep Guidelines for Hospitalized Infants at a Children's Hospital. Issue 1 (21st January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Molina, Adolfo L.; Harrison, Meghan; Dye, Candice; Stoops, Christine; Schmit, Erinn O.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric quality & safety. Volume 7:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: e508
• Publication Date: 2022-01-21
• Subjects: Pediatric nursing -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Patients -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; Children -- Hospital care -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000508
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2472-0054

Abstract

Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Abstract : Introduction: Sudden unexpected infant deaths are a major problem nationally. We had poor adherence to safe sleep recommendations locally at our institution. Given the significance of this problem, hospital administration at a tertiary children's hospital tasked a multidisciplinary group of faculty and staff with improving sleep environments for hospitalized infants. Methods: Our safe sleep task force implemented targeted interventions using the American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement as the gold standard and based on hospital data to address areas of greatest nonadherence to recommendations. We aimed to improve weekly average adherence to 95% over 12 months. A proportions process control chart (p-chart) tracked average weekly adherence over a 52-week time frame. In addition, we performed Student's t-testing to evaluate differences in adherence over time. Results: There was a significant improvement in overall adherence to safe sleep recommendations from baseline (M = 70.8%, SD 21.6) to end of study period (M = 94.7%, SD 10.0) [t(427) = −15.1, P ≤ 0.001]. Crib audits with 100% adherence increased from a baseline (M = 0%, SD 0) to the end of the study period M = 70.4%, SD = 46) [t(381)= −21.4, P ≤ 0.001]. This resulted in two trend shifts on the p-chart using Institute for Healthcare Improvement control chart rules. Conclusions: Targeted interventions using QI methodology led to significant increases in adherence to safe sleep guidelines. Notable improvements in behavior indicated significant changes in safe sleep culture. We also noted continued adherence in follow-up audits reflecting sustainability.