Understanding factors that contribute to variations in bronchiolitis management in acute care settings: a qualitative study in Australia and New Zealand using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Understanding the uptake and adaption of targeted implementation interventions for reducing bronchiolitis investigations and therapies

AIM

To understand and evaluate the uptake and local adaptations of proven targeted implementation interventions that have effectively reduced unnecessary investigations and therapies in infants with bronchiolitis within emergency departments.

METHODS

A multi-centred, mixed-methods quality improvement study in four Australian hospitals that provide paediatric emergency and inpatient care from May to December 2021. All hospitals were provided with the same implementation intervention package and training. Real-time tracking logs of adaptions were completed followed by semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and subsequently coded using FRAME-IS to further describe the adaptions made.

RESULTS

Tracking logs were summarised and data from 12 interviews were compared from participating sites. The intervention resulted in 116 education sessions and a total of 23 adaptations made to educational materials, both content and contextual. Shortening education presentations, addition of bronchiolitis definitions, formatting of materials and novel interventions were the most common modifications. Audit and feedback were completed across all sites with varying utilisation. Targeted teaching was noted to dictate adaptions prior to and during implementation.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of clinical 'real-world' adaptations to proven targeted implementation interventions allows invaluable insight for future de-implementation initiatives and national roll-out of implementation packages in the ED setting.

Reducing unwarranted chest x-rays in bronchiolitis: Importance of a robust analysis

AIM

Bronchiolitis is the commonest reason for hospitalisation amongst infants and is often a target for low-value care (LVC) reduction. We aimed to assess the impact of a multifaceted intervention (clinician education, parent engagement, audit-feedback) on rates of chest x-rays (CXR) in bronchiolitis.

METHODS

Longitudinal study of CXRs ordered in infants (1-12 months) diagnosed with bronchiolitis in the Emergency Department (ED) of an Australian paediatric hospital between May 2016 and February 2023. We used logistic regression to measure the impact of the intervention on unwarranted CXR orders, controlling for other potential impacting variables such as time, patient characteristics (age/sex), clinical variables (fever, hypoxia, tachypnoea), seasonal factors (month, day of the week, business hours) and time passed since intervention.

RESULTS

Ten thousand one hundred and nine infants were diagnosed with bronchiolitis in the ED over the study period, with 939 (9.3%) receiving a CXR, of which 69% (n = 651) were considered unwarranted. Rates of unwarranted CXRs reduced from 7.9% to 5.4% post-intervention (P < 0.0001). Logistic regression showed the intervention had no significant effect (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.65-1.23) once other variables and underlying time-based trends were accounted for.

CONCLUSIONS

Although pre-post rates appeared significantly improved, a robust analysis demonstrated that our multi-faceted intervention was not effective in reducing CXRs in bronchiolitis. The decision to order CXR was associated with clinical features that overlap with pneumonia suggesting ongoing misconceptions regarding the role of CXR for this indication. Our study highlights the value of large electronic medical record datasets and robust methodology to avoid falsely attributing underlying trends to the LVC intervention.

Parent and Clinician Views on Not Using Antibiotics for Mild Community-Acquired Pneumonia

OBJECTIVES

Preschool-aged children with mild community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) routinely receive antibiotics even though most infections are viral. We sought to identify barriers to the implementation of a "no antibiotic" strategy for mild CAP in young children.

METHODS

Qualitative study using semistructured interviews conducted in a large pediatric hospital in the United States from January 2021 to July 2021. Parents of young children diagnosed with mild CAP in the previous 3 years and clinicians practicing in outpatient settings (pediatric emergency department, community emergency department, general pediatrics offices) were included.

RESULTS

Interviews were conducted with 38 respondents (18 parents, 20 clinicians). No parent heard of the no antibiotic strategy, and parents varied in their support for the approach. Degree of support related to their desire to avoid unnecessary medications, trust in clinicians, the emotional difficulty of caring for a sick child, desire for relief of suffering, willingness to accept the risk of unnecessary antibiotics, and judgment about the child's illness severity. Eleven (55%) clinicians were familiar with guidelines specifying a no antibiotic strategy. They identified challenges in not using antibiotics, including diagnostic uncertainty, consequences of undertreatment, parental expectations, follow-up concerns, and acceptance of the risks of unnecessary antibiotic treatment of many children if it means avoiding adverse outcomes for some children.

CONCLUSIONS

Although both parents and clinicians expressed broad support for the judicious use of antibiotics, pneumonia presents stewardship challenges. Interventions will need to consider the emotional, social, and logistical aspects of managing pneumonia, in addition to developing techniques to improve diagnosis.

What works for and what hinders deimplementation of low-value care in emergency medicine practice? A scoping review

OBJECTIVES

Low-value care can harm patients and healthcare systems. Despite a decade of global endeavours, low value care has persisted. Identification of barriers and enablers is essential for effective deimplementation of low-value care. This scoping review is an evidence summary of barriers, enablers and features of effective interventions for deimplementation of low-value care in emergency medicine practice worldwide.

DESIGN

A mixed-methods scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, CINAHL, Embase, EMCare, Scopus and grey literature were searched from inception to 5 December 2022.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Primary studies which employed qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods approaches to explore deimplementation of low-value care in an EM setting and reported barriers, enablers or interventions were included. Reviews, protocols, perspectives, comments, opinions, editorials, letters to editors, news articles, books, chapters, policies, guidelines and animal studies were excluded. No language limits were applied.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Study selection, data collection and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. Barriers, enablers and interventions were mapped to the domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used for quality assessment.

RESULTS

The search yielded 167 studies. A majority were quantitative studies (90%, 150/167) that evaluated interventions (86%, 143/167). Limited provider abilities, diagnostic uncertainty, lack of provider insight, time constraints, fear of litigation, and patient expectations were the key barriers. Enablers included leadership commitment, provider engagement, provider training, performance feedback to providers and shared decision-making with patients. Interventions included one or more of the following facets: education, stakeholder engagement, audit and feedback, clinical decision support, nudge, clinical champions and training. Multifaceted interventions were more likely to be effective than single-faceted interventions. Effectiveness of multifaceted interventions was influenced by fidelity of the intervention facets. Use of behavioural change theories such as the Theoretical Domains Framework in the published studies appeared to enhance the effectiveness of interventions to deimplement low-value care.

CONCLUSION

High-fidelity, multifaceted interventions that incorporated education, stakeholder engagement, audit/feedback and clinical decision support, were administered daily and lasted longer than 1 year were most effective in achieving deimplementation of low-value care in emergency departments. This review contributes the best available evidence to date, but further rigorous, theory-informed, qualitative and mixed-methods studies are needed to supplement the growing body of evidence to effectively deimplement low-value care in emergency medicine practice.

Qualitative study of emergency clinicians to inform a national guideline on the management of children with mild-to-moderate head injuries

BACKGROUND

Head injury is a common reason children present to EDs. Guideline development to improve care for paediatric head injuries should target the information needs of ED clinicians and factors influencing its uptake.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews (November 2017-November 2018) with a stratified purposive sample of ED clinicians from across Australia and New Zealand. We identified clinician information needs, used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore factors influencing the use of head CT and clinical decision rules/guidelines in CT decision-making, and explored ways to improve guideline uptake. Two researchers coded the interview transcripts using thematic content analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 43 clinicians (28 doctors, 15 nurses), from 19 hospitals (5 tertiary, 8 suburban, 6 regional/rural) were interviewed. Clinicians sought guidance for scenarios including ED management of infants, children with underlying medical issues, delayed or representations and potential non-accidental injuries. Improvements to the quality and content of discharge communication and parental discussion materials were suggested. Known risks of radiation from head CTs has led to a culture of observation over use of CT in Australasia (TDF domain: beliefs about consequences). Formal and informal policies have resulted in senior clinicians making most head CT decisions in children (TDF domain: behavioural regulation). Senior clinicians consider their gestalt to be more accurate and outperform existing guidance (TDF domain: beliefs about capabilities), although they perceive guidelines as useful for training and supporting junior staff. Summaries, flow charts, publication in ED-specific journals and scripted training materials were suggestions to improve uptake.

CONCLUSION

Information needs of ED clinicians, factors influencing use of head CT in children with head injuries and the role of guidelines were identified. These findings informed the scope and implementation strategies for an Australasian guideline for mild-to-moderate head injuries in children.

Different Pediatric Acute Care Settings Influence Bronchiolitis Management: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

Bronchiolitis is the main cause of hospitalization in infants. Diagnosis is clinical, and treatment is based on hydration and oxygen therapy. Nevertheless, unnecessary diagnostic tests and pharmacological treatments are still very common. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate whether the setting of bronchiolitis care influences diagnostic and therapeutic choices. The management of 3201 infants, referred to our Italian Tertiary Care Center for bronchiolitis between 2010 and 2020, was analyzed by comparing children discharged from the pediatric emergency department (PEDd group) undergoing short-stay observation (SSO group) and hospitalization. Antibiotic use in PEDd, SSO, and ward was 59.3% vs. 51.6% vs. 49.7%, respectively (p < 0.001); inhaled salbutamol was mainly administered in PEDd and during SSO (76.1% and 82.2% vs. 38.3% in ward; p < 0.001); the use of corticosteroids was higher during SSO and hospitalization (59.6% and 49.1% vs. 39.0% in PEDd; p < 0.001); inhaled adrenaline was administered mostly in hospitalized infants (53.5% vs. 2.5% in SSO and 0.2% in PEDd; p < 0.001); chest X-ray use in PEDd, SSO, and ward was 30.3% vs. 49.0% vs. 70.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, undergoing SSO was found to be an independent risk factor for the use of systemic corticosteroid and salbutamol; being discharged at home was found to be a risk factor for antibiotic prescription; undergoing SSO and hospitalization resulted as independent risk factors for the use of CXR. Our study highlights that different pediatric acute care settings could influence the management of bronchiolitis. Factors influencing practice may include a high turnover of PED medical staff, personal reassurance, and parental pressure.

Factors influencing health professionals' use of high-flow nasal cannula therapy for infants with bronchiolitis - A qualitative study

Aim

To explore the factors influencing the use of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy for infants with bronchiolitis.

Design

Qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews.

Methods

The semi-structured interviews (face-to-face or virtual) were conducted between September 2020 and February 2021. Deductive content analysis was used to map key influencing factors for use of HFNC therapy to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Results

Nineteen interviews were undertaken before reaching thematic saturation (7 nurses, 12 doctors) in emergency departments and paediatric wards from four purposively selected hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. Influencing factors were mapped to eight domains in the TDF with 21 themes identified. Main findings included: (1) Health professionals' expectations of HFNC therapy on patient deterioration, work of breathing and oxygenation; (2) Staff emotions relating to concern and anxiety about deterioration and "need to do something"; (3) Social influences from other health professionals and parents and (4) Environmental factors relating to logistics of care and patient transfer considerations. These factors, combined with the ready availability of HFNC equipment and health professionals having the required skills to administer the therapy, contributed to its initiation.

Conclusion

Individual/personal and contextual/environmental factors contribute to the use of HFNC therapy for infants with bronchiolitis. It is evident these influences contribute substantially to increased use, despite evidence-based guidelines recommending a more nuanced approach to this therapy. These findings will inform a targeted implementation intervention to promote evidence-based use of HFNC therapy in infants with bronchiolitis.

International variation in evidence-based emergency department management of bronchiolitis: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the international variation in the use of evidence-based management (EBM) in bronchiolitis. We hypothesised that management consistent with full-EBM practices is associated with the research network of care, adjusted for patient-level characteristics. Secondary objectives were to determine the association between full-EBM and (1) hospitalisation and (2) emergency department (ED) revisits resulting in hospitalisation within 21 days.

DESIGN

A secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

38 paediatric EDs belonging to the Paediatric Emergency Research Network in Canada, USA, Australia/New Zealand UK/Ireland and Spain/Portugal.

PATIENTS

Otherwise healthy infants 2-11 months old diagnosed with bronchiolitis between 1 January 2013 and 31 December, 2013.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was management consistent with full-EBM, that is, no bronchodilators/corticosteroids/antibiotics, no chest radiography or laboratory testing. Secondary outcomes included hospitalisations during the index and subsequent ED visits.

RESULTS

1137/2356 (48.3%) infants received full-EBM (ranging from 13.2% in Spain/Portugal to 72.3% in UK/Ireland). Compared with the UK/Ireland, the adjusted ORs (aOR) of full-EBM receipt were lower in Spain/Portugal (aOR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.29), Canada (aOR 0.13 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.31) and USA (aOR 0.16 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.35). EBM was less likely in infants with dehydration (aOR 0.49 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.71)), chest retractions (aOR 0.69 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.91)) and nasal flaring (aOR 0.69 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.92)). EBM was associated with reduced odds of hospitalisation at the index visit (aOR 0.77 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.98)) but not at revisits (aOR 1.17 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.85)).

CONCLUSIONS

Infants with bronchiolitis frequently do not receive full-EBM ED management, particularly those outside of the UK/Ireland. Furthermore, there is marked variation in full-EBM between paediatric emergency networks, and full-EBM delivery is associated with lower likelihood of hospitalisation. Given the global bronchiolitis burden, international ED-focused deimplementation of non-indicated interventions to enhance EBM is needed.

Prevalence of high flow nasal cannula therapy use for management of infants with bronchiolitis in Australia and New Zealand

AIM

To determine the prevalence of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy in infants presenting to hospital in Australia and New Zealand with bronchiolitis over four bronchiolitis seasons. Secondary aims were to determine temporal trends in HFNC use, and associations between HFNC, hospital length of stay (LOS) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

METHODS

A planned sub-study of a multi-centre international cluster randomised controlled trial investigating knowledge translation strategies for a bi-national bronchiolitis guideline. Demographics, management and outcomes data were collected retrospectively for infants presenting with bronchiolitis to 26 hospitals between 1 May 2014 and 30 November 2017. Prevalence data are presented as absolute frequencies (95% confidence interval (CI)) with differences between groups for continuous and categorical variables analysed using linear and logistic regression, respectively.

RESULTS

11 715 infants were included with 3392 (29.0%, 95% CI (28.1-29.8%)) receiving oxygen therapy; of whom 1817 (53.6%, 95% CI (51.9-55.3%)) received HFNC. Use of oxygen therapy did not change over the four bronchiolitis seasons (P = 0.12), while the proportion receiving HFNC increased (2014, 336/2587 (43.2%); 2017, 609/3720 (57.8%); P ≤ 0.001). Infants who received HFNC therapy were not substantially different to infants who received oxygen therapy without HFNC. HFNC use was associated with increases in both hospital LOS (P < 0.001) and ICU admissions (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Use of HFNC therapy for infants with bronchiolitis increased over 4 years. Of those who received oxygen therapy, the majority received HFNC therapy without improvement in hospital LOS or ICU admissions. Strategies to guide appropriate HFNC use in infants with bronchiolitis are required.

Review article: A primer for clinical researchers in the emergency department: Part XII. Sustainability of improvements in care: An introduction

Despite an increased focus on ways to improve implementation of evidence and de-implementation of practices with no known benefit, there is limited guidance on how to sustain these improvements. This review provides an introduction to sustainability of improvements in care and sustainability research, discussing how to support sustainability in practice and detailing a sustainability research agenda for the emergency medicine setting.

Use of the Theoretical Domains Framework to explore factors influencing paediatric fever management practices and antipyretic use in New Zealand emergency departments

AIM

To explore factors influencing fever management practices and antipyretic use among New Zealand Emergency Department (ED) doctors and nurses using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey of doctors and nurses across 11 New Zealand EDs. The questionnaire examined eight of 12 TDF domains, based on a generic questionnaire validated to assess TDF-based determinants of health-care professional behaviour. Relevant domains were identified by the frequency of beliefs; the presence of conflicting beliefs within a domain; and the likely strength of impact of a belief on paediatric fever management in the ED.

RESULTS

About 602 participants (243 doctors, 353 nurses and 6 unknown) completed the survey (response rate 47.5%). Over half (351/591, 59.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 55.5-63.5%) knew the content of clinical practice guidelines regarding antipyretic use in febrile children (TDF Domain Knowledge), or had been trained to ensure antipyretics are given to febrile children only if they appear distressed (347/592, 58.6%, 95% CI 54.5-62.6%) (Skills). Over 40% (246/590, 95% CI 37.7-45.8%) aim to reduce the fever before discharge (Goals). Most (444/591, 75.1%, 95% CI 71.4-78.6%) participants felt capable of explaining appropriate antipyretic use to parents/care givers (Beliefs about Capabilities). Only a minority (155/584, 26.5%, 95% CI 23.0-30.3%) thought that they can ensure antipyretics are given to febrile children only if they appear distressed when the ED is busy (Environmental Context and Resources).

CONCLUSIONS

Using the TDF, we identified factors influencing fever management practices and antipyretic use in the ED. These factors can guide the design of targeted, theory-informed knowledge translation strategies.

Sustainability of evidence-based practices in the management of infants with bronchiolitis in hospital settings - a PREDICT study protocol

Background

Understanding how and why de-implementation of low-value practices is sustained remains unclear. The Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International CollaboraTive (PREDICT) Bronchiolitis Knowledge Translation (KT) Study was a cluster randomised controlled trial conducted in 26 Australian and New Zealand hospitals (May-November 2017). Results showed targeted, theory-informed interventions (clinical leads, stakeholder meetings, train-the-trainer workshop, targeted educational package, audit/feedback) were effective at reducing use of five low-value practices for bronchiolitis (salbutamol, glucocorticoids, antibiotics, adrenaline and chest x-ray) by 14.1% in acute care settings. The primary aim of this study is to determine the sustainability (continued receipt of benefits) of these outcomes at intervention hospitals two-years after the removal of study supports. Secondary aims are to determine sustainability at one-year after removal of study support at intervention hospitals; improvements one-and-two years at control hospitals; and explore factors that influence sustainability at intervention hospitals and contribute to improvements at control hospitals.

Methods

A mixed-methods study design. The quantitative component is a retrospective medical record audit of bronchiolitis management within 24 hours of emergency department (ED) presentations at 26 Australian (n = 20) and New Zealand (n = 6) hospitals, which participated in the PREDICT Bronchiolitis KT Study. Data for a total of 1800 infants from intervention and control sites (up to 150 per site) will be collected to determine if improvements (i.e., no use of all five low-value practices) were sustained two- years (2019) post-trial (primary outcome; composite score); and a further 1800 infants from intervention and control sites will be collected to determine sustained improvements one- year (2018) post-trial (secondary outcome). An a priori definition of sustainability will be used. The qualitative component will consist of semi-structured interviews with three to five key emergency department and paediatric inpatient medical and nursing staff per site (total n = 78-130). Factors that may have contributed to sustaining outcomes and/or interventions will be explored and mapped to an established sustainability framework.

Discussion

This study will improve our understanding of the sustainability of evidence-based bronchiolitis management in infants. Results will also advance implementation science research by informing future de-implementation strategies to reduce low-value practices and sustain practice change in paediatric acute care.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry No: ACTRN12621001287820.

Bronchiolitis

Viral bronchiolitis is the most common cause of admission to hospital for infants in high-income countries. Respiratory syncytial virus accounts for 60-80% of bronchiolitis presentations. Bronchiolitis is diagnosed clinically without the need for viral testing. Management recommendations, based predominantly on high-quality evidence, advise clinicians to support hydration and oxygenation only. Evidence suggests no benefit with use of glucocorticoids or bronchodilators, with further evidence required to support use of hypertonic saline in bronchiolitis. Evidence is scarce in the intensive care unit. Evidence suggests use of high-flow therapy in bronchiolitis is limited to rescue therapy after failure of standard subnasal oxygen only in infants who are hypoxic and does not decrease rates of intensive care unit admission or intubation. Despite systematic reviews and international clinical practice guidelines promoting supportive rather than interventional therapy, universal de-implementation of interventional care in bronchiolitis has not occurred and remains a major challenge.

Can targeted interventions change the factors influencing variation in management of infants with bronchiolitis? A survey of Australian and New Zealand clinicians: A paediatric research in emergency departments international collaborative (PREDICT) study

AIM

This study aimed to determine whether targeted interventions, proven to be effective at improving evidence-based bronchiolitis management, changed factors previously found to influence variation in bronchiolitis management.

METHODS

This survey assessed change in factors influencing clinicians' (nurses and doctors) bronchiolitis management at baseline and post-intervention in a cluster randomised controlled trial of targeted, theory-informed interventions aiming to de-implement non-evidence-based bronchiolitis management (no use of chest X-ray, salbutamol, antibiotics, glucocorticoids and adrenaline). Survey questions addressed previously identified factors influencing bronchiolitis management from six Theoretical Domains Framework domains (knowledge; skills; beliefs about consequences; social/professional role and identity; environmental context and resources; social influences). Data analysis was descriptive.

RESULTS

A total of 1958 surveys (baseline = 996; post-intervention = 962) were completed by clinicians from the emergency department and paediatric inpatient units from 26 hospitals (intervention = 13; control = 13). Targeted bronchiolitis interventions significantly increased knowledge of the Australasian Bronchiolitis Guideline (intervention clinicians = 74%, control = 39%, difference = 34.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 25.6-43.8%), improved skills in diagnosing (intervention doctors = 89%, control = 76%, difference = 12.6%, 95% CI = 6.2-19%) and managing bronchiolitis (intervention doctors = 87%, control = 76%, difference = 9.9%, 95% CI = 3.7-16.1%), positively influenced both beliefs about consequences regarding salbutamol use (intervention clinicians = 49%, control = 29%, difference = 20.3%, 95% CI = 13.2-27.4%) and nurses questioning non-evidence-based bronchiolitis management (chest X-ray: intervention = 71%, control = 51%, difference = 20.8%, 95% CI = 11.4-30.2%; glucocorticoids: intervention = 64%, control = 40%, difference = 21.9%, 95% CI = 10.4-33.5%) (social/professional role and identity). A 14% improvement in evidence-based bronchiolitis management favouring intervention hospitals was demonstrated in the cluster randomised controlled trial.

CONCLUSION

Targeted interventions positively changed factors influencing bronchiolitis management resulting in improved evidence-based bronchiolitis care. This study has important implications for improving bronchiolitis management and future development of interventions to de-implement low-value care.

Using theories and frameworks to understand how to reduce low-value healthcare: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

There is recognition that the overuse of procedures, testing, and medications constitutes low-value care which strains the healthcare system and, in some circumstances, can cause unnecessary stress and harm for patients. Initiatives across dozens of countries have raised awareness about the harms of low-value care but have had mixed success and the levels of reductions realized have been modest. Similar to the complex drivers of implementation processes, there is a limited understanding of the individual and social behavioral aspects of de-implementation. While researchers have begun to use theory to elucidate the dynamics of de-implementation, the research remains largely atheoretical. The use of theory supports the understanding of how and why interventions succeed or fail and what key factors predict success. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and characterize the use of theoretical approaches used to understand and/or explain what influences efforts to reduce low-value care.

METHODS

We conducted a review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Scopus databases from inception to June 2021. Building on previous research, 43 key terms were used to search the literature. The database searches identified 1998 unique articles for which titles and abstracts were screened for inclusion; 232 items were selected for full-text review.

RESULTS

Forty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Over half of the included articles were published in the last 2 years. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was the most commonly used determinant framework (n = 22). Of studies that used classic theories, the majority used the Theory of Planned Behavior (n = 6). For implementation theories, Normalization Process Theory and COM-B were used (n = 7). Theories or frameworks were used primarily to identify determinants (n = 37) and inform data analysis (n = 31). Eleven types of low-value care were examined in the included studies, with prescribing practices (e.g., overuse, polypharmacy, and appropriate prescribing) targeted most frequently.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review provides a rigorous, comprehensive, and extensive synthesis of theoretical approaches used to understand and/or explain what factors influence efforts to reduce low-value care. The results of this review can provide direction and insight for future primary research to support de-implementation and the reduction of low-value care.

Process evaluation of a cluster randomised controlled trial to improve bronchiolitis management - a PREDICT mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

Bronchiolitis is the most common reason for hospitalisation in infants. All international bronchiolitis guidelines recommend supportive care, yet considerable variation in practice continues with infants receiving non-evidence based therapies. We developed six targeted, theory-informed interventions; clinical leads, stakeholder meeting, train-the-trainer, education delivery, other educational materials, and audit and feedback. A cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) found the interventions to be effective in reducing use of five non-evidence based therapies in infants with bronchiolitis. This process evaluation paper aims to determine whether the interventions were implemented as planned (fidelity), explore end-users' perceptions of the interventions and evaluate cRCT outcome data with intervention fidelity data.

METHODS

A pre-specified mixed-methods process evaluation was conducted alongside the cRCT, guided by frameworks for process evaluation of cRCTs and complex interventions. Quantitative data on the fidelity, dose and reach of interventions were collected from the 13 intervention hospitals during the study and analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data identifying perception and acceptability of interventions were collected from 42 intervention hospital clinical leads on study completion and analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The cRCT found targeted, theory-informed interventions improved bronchiolitis management by 14.1%. The process evaluation data found variability in how the intervention was delivered at the cluster and individual level. Total fidelity scores ranged from 55 to 98% across intervention hospitals (mean = 78%; SD = 13%). Fidelity scores were highest for use of clinical leads (mean = 98%; SD = 7%), and lowest for use of other educational materials (mean = 65%; SD = 19%) and audit and feedback (mean = 65%; SD = 20%). Clinical leads reflected positively about the interventions, with time constraints being the greatest barrier to their use.

CONCLUSION

Our targeted, theory-informed interventions were delivered with moderate fidelity, and were well received by clinical leads. Despite clinical leads experiencing challenges of time constraints, the level of fidelity had a positive effect on successfully de-implementing non-evidence-based care in infants with bronchiolitis. These findings will inform widespread rollout of our bronchiolitis interventions, and guide future practice change in acute care settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12616001567415 .

Factors Associated With Bronchiolitis Guideline Nonadherence at US Children's Hospitals

BACKGROUND

The objective with this study was to explore factors associated with nonadherence to national bronchiolitis guidelines at 52 children's hospitals.

METHODS

We included patients 1 month to 2 years old with emergency department (ED) or admission encounters between January 2016 and December 2018 and bronchiolitis diagnoses in the Pediatric Health Information System database. We excluded patients with any intensive care, stay >7 days, encounters in the preceding 30 days, chronic medical conditions, croup, pneumonia, or asthma. Guideline nonadherence was defined as receiving any of 5 tests or treatments: bronchodilators, chest radiographs, systemic steroids, antibiotics, and viral testing. Nonadherence outcomes were modeled by using mixed effects logistic regression with random effects for providers and hospitals. Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) >1 indicates greater likelihood of nonadherence.

RESULTS

A total of 198 028 encounters were included (141 442 ED and 56 586 admission), and nonadherence was 46.1% (ED: 40.2%, admissions: 61.0%). Nonadherence increased with patient age, with both ED and hospital providers being more likely to order tests and treatments for children 12 to 24 months compared with infants 1 ot 2 months (ED: aOR, 3.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.20-3.60; admissions: aOR, 2.97; CI, 2.79-3.17]). Admitted non-Hispanic Black patients were more likely than non-Hispanic white patients to receive guideline nonadherent care (aOR, 1.16; CI, 1.10-1.23), a difference driven by higher use of steroids (aOR, 1.29; CI, 1.17-1.41) and bronchodilators (aOR, 1.39; CI, 1.31-1.48). Hospital effects were prominent for viral testing in ED and admission encounters (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.35 and 0.32, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple factors are associated with national bronchiolitis guideline nonadherence.

Development of targeted, theory-informed interventions to improve bronchiolitis management

BACKGROUND

Despite international guidelines providing evidence-based recommendations on appropriate management of infants with bronchiolitis, wide variation in practice occurs. This results in infants receiving care of no benefit, with associated cost and is potentially harmful. Theoretical frameworks are increasingly used to develop interventions, utilising behaviour change techniques specifically chosen to target factors contributing to practice variation, with de-implementation often viewed as harder than implementing. This paper describes the stepped process using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to develop targeted, theory-informed interventions which subsequently successfully improved management of infants with bronchiolitis by de-implementing ineffective therapies. Explicit description of the process and rationale used in developing de-implementation interventions is critical to dissemination of these practices into real world clinical practice.

METHODS

A stepped approach was used: (1) Identify evidence-based recommendations and practice variation as targets for change, (2) Identify factors influencing practice change (barriers and enablers) to be addressed, and (3) Identification and development of interventions (behaviour change techniques and methods of delivery) addressing influencing factors, considering evidence of effectiveness, feasibility, local relevance and acceptability. The mode of delivery for the intervention components was informed by evidence from implementation science systematic reviews, and setting specific feasibility and practicality.

RESULTS

Five robust evidence-based management recommendations, targeting the main variation in bronchiolitis management were identified: namely, no use of chest x-ray, salbutamol, glucocorticoids, antibiotics, and adrenaline. Interventions developed to target recommendations addressed seven TDF domains (identified following qualitative clinician interviews (n = 20)) with 23 behaviour change techniques chosen to address these domains. Final interventions included: (1) Local stakeholder meetings, (2) Identification of medical and nursing clinical leads, (3) Train-the-trainer workshop for all clinical leads, (4) Local educational materials for delivery by clinical leads, (5) Provision of tools and materials targeting influencing factors, and prompting recommended behaviours, and (6) Audit and feedback.

CONCLUSION

A stepped approach based on theory, evidence and issues of feasibility, local relevance and acceptability, was successfully used to develop interventions to improve management of infants with bronchiolitis. The rationale and content of interventions has been explicitly described allowing others to de-implement unnecessary bronchiolitis management, thereby improving care.

Effectiveness of Targeted Interventions on Treatment of Infants With Bronchiolitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

In developed countries, bronchiolitis is the most common reason for infants to be admitted to the hospital, and all international bronchiolitis guidelines recommend supportive care; however, significant variation in practice continues with infants receiving non-evidence-based therapies. Deimplementation research aims to reduce the use of low-value care, and advancing science in this area is critical to delivering evidence-based care.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of targeted interventions vs passive dissemination of an evidence-based bronchiolitis guideline in improving treatment of infants with bronchiolitis.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This international, multicenter cluster randomized clinical trial included 26 hospitals (clusters) in Australia and New Zealand providing tertiary or secondary pediatric care (13 randomized to intervention, 13 to control) during the 2017 bronchiolitis season. Data were collected on 8003 infants for the 3 bronchiolitis seasons (2014-2016) before the implementation period and 3727 infants for the implementation period (2017 bronchiolitis season, May 1-November 30). Data were analyzed from November 16, 2018, to December 9, 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Interventions were developed using theories of behavior change to target key factors that influence bronchiolitis management. These interventions included site-based clinical leads, stakeholder meetings, a train-the-trainer workshop, targeted educational delivery, other educational and promotional materials, and audit and feedback.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was compliance during the first 24 hours of care with no use of chest radiography, albuterol, glucocorticoids, antibiotics, and epinephrine, measured retrospectively from medical records of randomly selected infants with bronchiolitis who presented to the hospital. There were no patient-level exclusions.

RESULTS

A total of 26 hospitals were randomized without dropouts. Analysis was by intention to treat. Baseline data collected on 8003 infants for 3 bronchiolitis seasons (2014-2016) before the implementation period were similar between intervention and control hospitals. Implementation period data were collected on 3727 infants, including 2328 boys (62%) and 1399 girls (38%), with a mean (SD) age of 6.0 (3.2) months. A total of 459 (12%) were Māori (New Zealand), and 295 (8%) were Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander (Australia). Compliance with recommendations was 85.1% (95% CI, 82.6%-89.7%) in intervention hospitals vs 73.0% (95% CI, 65.3%-78.8%) in control hospitals (adjusted risk difference, 14.1%; 95% CI, 6.5%-21.7%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Targeted interventions led to improved treatment of infants with bronchiolitis. This study has important implications for bronchiolitis management and the development of effective interventions to deimplement low-value care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12616001567415.

The Pediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN): A decade of global research cooperation in paediatric emergency care

OBJECTIVES

The Pediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN) was launched in 2009 with the intent for existing national and regional research networks in paediatric emergency care to organise globally for the conduct of collaborative research across networks.

METHODS

PERN has grown from five to eight member networks over the past decade. With an executive committee comprising representatives from all member networks, PERN plays a supportive and collaborative rather than governing role. The full impact of PERN's facilitation of international collaborative research, although somewhat difficult to quantify empirically, can be measured indirectly by the observed growth of the field, the nature of the increasingly challenging research questions now being addressed and the collective capacity to generate and implement new knowledge in treating acutely ill and injured children.

RESULTS

Beginning as a pandemic response studying H1N1 influenza risk factors in children, PERN research has progressed to multiple observational studies and ongoing global randomised controlled trials (RCTs). As a recent example, PERN has developed sufficient network infrastructure to enable the rapid initiation of a prospective observational study in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

Following its success with developing global research, the PERN goal now is to promote the implementation of scientific advances into everyday clinical practice by: (i) expanding the capacity for global RCTs; (ii) deepening the focus on implementation science; (iii) increasing attention to healthcare disparities; and (iv) expanding PERN's reach into resource-restricted regions. Through these actions, PERN aims to meet the needs of acutely ill and injured children throughout the world.

The Pediatric Emergency Research Network: A Decade of Global Research Cooperation in Pediatric Emergency Care

OBJECTIVES

The Pediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN) was launched in 2009 with the intent for existing national and regional research networks in pediatric emergency care to organize globally for the conduct of collaborative research across networks.

METHODS

The Pediatric Emergency Research Network has grown from 5- to 8-member networks over the past decade. With an executive committee comprising representatives from all member networks, PERN plays a supportive and collaborative rather than governing role. The full impact of PERN's facilitation of international collaborative research, although somewhat difficult to quantify empirically, can be measured indirectly by the observed growth of the field, the nature of the increasingly challenging research questions now being addressed, and the collective capacity to generate and implement new knowledge in treating acutely ill and injured children.

RESULTS

Beginning as a pandemic response with a high-quality retrospective case-controlled study of H1N1 influenza risk factors, PERN research has progressed to multiple observational studies and ongoing global randomized controlled trials. As a recent example, PERN has developed sufficient network infrastructure to enable the rapid initiation of a prospective observational study in response to the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. In light of the ongoing need for translation of research knowledge into equitable clinical practice and to promote health equity, PERN is committed to a coordinated international effort to increase the uptake of evidence-based management of common and treatable acute conditions in all emergency department settings.

CONCLUSIONS

The Pediatric Emergency Research Network's successes with global research, measured by prospective observational and interventional studies, mean that the network can now move to improve its ability to promote the implementation of scientific advances into everyday clinical practice. Achieving this goal will involve focus in 4 areas: (1) expanding the capacity for global randomized controlled trials; (2) deepening the focus on implementation science; (3) increasing attention to healthcare disparities and their origins, with growing momentum toward equity; and (4) expanding PERN's global reach through addition of sites and networks from resource-restricted regions. Through these actions, PERN will be able to build on successes to face the challenges ahead and meet the needs of acutely ill and injured children throughout the world.

Paediatric nurses', children's and parents' adherence to infection prevention and control and knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Infection prevention and control precautions help to decrease microbial transmission, and through the appropriate use of antibiotics, Antimicrobial Stewardship programs aim to decrease the prevalence and emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance.

METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken to critically appraise and synthesise evidence for nurses', children's and parents' knowledge and understanding of antimicrobial stewardship, and of infection prevention and control in acute paediatric care settings. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guided the review. Studies were included if they examined the factors that contributed to nurses' adherence to, or consumers' practice in relation to, antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control.

RESULTS

Of the 16,957 papers identified, 50 studies conducted in acute paediatric settings met the eligibility criteria, and were included. Most studies were of low methodological quality. Fourteen studies evaluated nurses' knowledge and self-reported adherence to Infection Prevention and Control principles and identified consistent practice gaps by nurses. Six studies evaluating the effectiveness of education programs reported modest improvements in nurses' knowledge and adherence to infection prevention and control. There were 15 studies, that investigated consumers' involvement in infection prevention and control that identified the following themes: Consumer knowledge and attitudes to infection prevention and control and transmission-based precautions, and parents' willingness to take an active role in infection prevention. Six studies focused on paediatric nurses' role in antimicrobial stewardship, exploring the following themes: (1) nurses' understanding and beliefs of antimicrobial stewardship roles, and (2) barriers to nurses taking a greater role in antimicrobial stewardship. Nine studies explored the role of consumers in antimicrobial stewardship and identified consumers' misconceptions about the benefits and downplayed concerns regarding antibiotic use.

DISCUSSION

Although consumers articulated a willingness to be actively involved in infection prevention, observed practice remained lower than that required to consistently prevent infection transmission.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight a critically important gap in current practice. In relation to optimal use of antimicrobials, although paediatric nurses were involved in supporting antimicrobial stewardship processes and educating consumers, they identified limited antimicrobial stewardship knowledge. Consumers appeared to lack understanding about the benefits of antibiotics and negated concerns regarding antibiotic use.