Right on Schedule: Improving the Rate of Clinic Appointments Scheduled Prior to Hospital Hospital Discharge. Issue 1 (21st January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rahim, Mahvish Q.; Griffin, Jordyn; Hege, Kerry; Mueller, Emily L.; Kauffman, Kristine; Corman, Stacey; Anderson, Kari; Woodburn, Stayce; Jackson, Meghan Drayton
• Is Part Of: Pediatric quality & safety. Volume 7:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: e507
• Publication Date: 2022-01-21
• Subjects: Pediatric nursing -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Patients -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; Children -- Hospital care -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000507
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2472-0054

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Children with cancer and blood disorders have many healthcare needs that often require inpatient and outpatient management. There is potential for a lapse in care when patients frequently transition between these settings. We aimed to improve the process and increase the rate of scheduled outpatient follow-up appointments at the time of inpatient discharge for all pediatric hematology-oncology patients from a baseline of 68–80%. Methods: A multidisciplinary team developed several Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to standardize and improve the process of scheduling follow-up appointments, communication to schedulers, and discussion of discharge planning. QI Macros for Excel Version 2019.06 was used for statistical analysis. Our primary outcome was displayed over time with a p-chart. Results: Plan-Do-Study-Act interventions had a statistically significant impact in increasing the percentage of patients with follow-up outpatient appointments scheduled at the time of inpatient discharge from a baseline of 68% to consistently over 80%. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that standardization of care processes and reminders and education of healthcare providers about the new approaches can improve the rates of outpatient follow-up appointments scheduled at the time of hospital discharge from inpatient care.