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Horbar JD, Greenberg LT, Buzas JS, Ehret DEY, Soll RF, Edwards EM. Trends in Mortality and Morbidities for Infants Born 24 to 28 Weeks in the US: 1997-2021. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023064153. [PMID: 38053449 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-064153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mortality and morbidity for very preterm infants in the United States decreased for years. The current study describes recent changes to assess whether the pace of improvement has changed. METHODS Vermont Oxford Network members contributed data on infants born at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation from 1997 to 2021. We modeled mortality, late-onset sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, chronic lung disease, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, severe retinopathy of prematurity, and death or morbidity by year of birth using segmented relative risk regression, reporting risk-adjusted annual percentage changes with 95% confidence intervals overall and by gestational age week. RESULTS Analyses of data for 447 396 infants at 888 hospitals identified 3 time point segments for mortality, late onset sepsis, chronic lung disease, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, severe retinopathy of prematurity, and death or morbidity, and 4 for necrotizing enterocolitis. Mortality decreased from 2005 to 2021, but more slowly since 2012. Late-onset sepsis decreased from 1997 to 2021, but more slowly since 2012. Severe retinopathy of prematurity decreased from 2002 to 2021, but more slowly since 2011. Necrotizing enterocolitis, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, and death or morbidity were stable since 2015. Chronic lung disease has increased since 2012. Trends by gestational age generally mirror those for the overall cohort. CONCLUSIONS Improvements in mortality and morbidity have slowed, stalled, or reversed in recent years. We propose a 3-part strategy to regain the pace of improvement: research; quality improvement; and follow through, practicing social as well as technical medicine to improve the health and well-being of infants and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Horbar
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont
- Department of Pediatrics, Robert Larner, Maryland College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Lucy T Greenberg
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Jeffrey S Buzas
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Danielle E Y Ehret
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont
- Department of Pediatrics, Robert Larner, Maryland College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Roger F Soll
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont
- Department of Pediatrics, Robert Larner, Maryland College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Erika M Edwards
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont
- Department of Pediatrics, Robert Larner, Maryland College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
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Weigl M, Heinrich M, Rivas J, Bergmann F, Kurz M, Silbereisen C, Dieterich HJ, Kleine B, Riek S, Olivieri M, Hoffmann F, Lieftüchter V. Teamwork and mental workload in postsurgical pediatric patient handovers: Prospective effect evaluation of an improvement intervention for OR-PICU patient transitions. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:5637-5647. [PMID: 37819421 PMCID: PMC10746584 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05241-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Postsurgical handover of pediatric patients from operating rooms (OR) to pediatric intensive care units (PICU) is a critical step. This transition is susceptible to errors and inefficiencies particularly if poor multidisciplinary teamwork occurs. Despite wide adoption of standardized handover interventions, comprehensive investigations into joint effects for patient care and provider outcomes are scarce. We aimed to improve OR-PICU handovers quality and sought to evaluate the intervention with particular attention to patient care effects and provider outcomes. A prospective, before-after-study design with an interrupted-series and a multi-source, mixed-methods evaluation approach was established. Drawing upon a participative plan-do-study-act approach, a standardized, checklist-based handover process was designed and implemented. For effect assessments, we observed OR-PICU handovers on site (pre implementation: n = 31, post: n = 30), respectively, with standardized expert observation and provider self-report tools (n = 111, n = 110). Setting was a tertiary Pediatric University Hospital. Supplementary qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and a general inductive content analysis approach was used to identify key facilitators and barriers on implementation. Improvement efforts focused on stepwise implementation of (1) standardized handover process and (2) a checklist for multi-professional OR-PICU handover communication. We observed significant increases in team and patient setup (pre: 79.3%, post: 98.6%, p < .01), enhanced team engagement (pre: 50%, post: 81.7%, p < .01), and comprehensive information transfer by the anesthesia sub-team (pre: 78.6%, post: 87.3%, p < .01). Expert-rated teamwork outcomes were consistently higher, yet self-reported teamwork did not change over time. Provider perceived stress and disruptions did not change, mental workload tended to decrease over time (pre: M = 3.2, post: 2.9, p = .08). Comprehensiveness of post-operative patient information reported by PICU physician increased significantly: pre: 65.9%, post: 76.2%, p < .05. After implementation, providers acknowledged the importance of standardized handover practices and associated benefits for facilitation of information transfer and comprehensiveness. Among reported barriers were obstacles during implementation as well as insufficient consideration of professionals' individual workflow after surgery. CONCLUSION A multidisciplinary intervention for postsurgical pediatric patient handovers was associated with improved expert-rated teamwork and fewer omissions of key patient information over time. Inconsistent results were obtained for provider-rated mental workload and teamwork outcomes. The findings contribute to a better understanding concerning the interplay of teamwork and provider cognitions in the course of establishing safe patient transitions in pediatric care. WHAT IS KNOWN • Transfer of critically ill children conveys significant challenges for interprofessional communication and teamwork. Prospective research into interventions for safe and efficient handover practices of OR PICU patient transitions is necessary. • Checklists are assumed to facilitate cognitive load among providers in acute clinical environments. WHAT IS NEW • A standardized, checklist-based handover intervention was associated with improvements in team set-up and information transfer. Provider outcomes such as mental workload and stress did not change over time. • The combination of teamwork and provider assessments allows a more nuanced understanding of implementation barriers and sustainable effects in course of OR-PICU handover interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Weigl
- Institute for Patient Safety, University Hospital, Bonn, 53127, Germany.
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Martina Heinrich
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Rivas
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Bergmann
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Kurz
- Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Clemens Silbereisen
- Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans-Juergen Dieterich
- Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Beate Kleine
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Riek
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Olivieri
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Hoffmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Victoria Lieftüchter
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Gallois JB, Zagory JA, Barkemeyer B, Knecht M, Richard L, Vincent K, Sciacca D, Maise-Dykes C, Mumphrey C. Handoff Tool Improves Transitions from the Operating Room to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Pediatr Qual Saf 2023; 8:e695. [PMID: 37818200 PMCID: PMC10561795 DOI: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Standardized handoffs reduce medical errors and prevent adverse events or near misses. This article describes a quality improvement initiative implementing a unique standardized handoff tool and process to transition from the operating room to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a level-four regional center with many inpatients requiring surgical intervention. Before this project, there was no standardized handoff tool or process for postsurgical transitions. The primary aim was to achieve 80% compliance with completing a structured postoperative OR to NICU handoff tool within 12 months of implementation. Methods An interdisciplinary team developed and implemented a standardized NICU postoperative handoff tool and process that requires face-to-face communication, defines team members who should be present, and highlights communication with the family. In addition, the handoff tool compliance and process measures were monitored, evaluated, and audited. Results Although not consistent, we achieved eighty percent compliance with the outcome measures using the handoff tool. We did not sustain 80% of appropriate providers present at handoff. In addition, insufficient data assess overall parental satisfaction with the surgical experience. Although improved, the process measure of immediate postoperative family updates did not reach the targeted goal. However, the balancing measure of staff experience and satisfaction did improve. Conclusion Implementing a standardized handoff tool and process with an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental collaboration improves critical patient transitions from the operating room to the NICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie B. Gallois
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Jessica A. Zagory
- Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Brian Barkemeyer
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Michelle Knecht
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Lauren Richard
- Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | | | - David Sciacca
- Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | | | - Christy Mumphrey
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Rojas CR, Coffin A, Taylor A, Ortiz P, Jenicek G, Hart J, Callahan JM, Shaw KN. Resident Communication With Patients and Families Preferring Languages Other Than English. Hosp Pediatr 2023:191228. [PMID: 37125495 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2022-007003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients and families preferring languages other than English (LOE) often experience inequitable communication with their health care providers, including the underutilization of professional interpretation. This study had 2 aims: to characterize resident-perceived communication with families preferring LOE and to evaluate the impact of language preference on frequency of resident interactions with hospitalized patients and families. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study at a quaternary care children's hospital. We developed a questionnaire for residents regarding their interactions with patients preferring LOE. We concurrently developed a communication tracking tool to measure the frequency of resident communication events with hospitalized patients. Data were analyzed with logistic and Poisson regression models. RESULTS Questionnaire results demonstrated a high level of resident comfort with interpretation, though more than 30% of residents reported "sometimes" or "usually" communicating with families preferring LOE without appropriate interpretation (response rate, 47%). The communication tracking tool was completed by 36 unique residents regarding 151 patients, with a 95% completion rate. Results demonstrated that patients and families preferring LOE were less likely to be present on rounds compared with their counterparts preferring English (adjusted odds ratio, 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-0.39). Similarly, patients and families preferring LOE were less likely to receive a resident update after rounds (adjusted odds ratio, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.13-0.62) and received fewer resident updates overall (incidence rate ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.30-0.69). CONCLUSIONS Hospitalized patients and families preferring LOE experience significant communication-related inequities. Ongoing efforts are needed to promote equitable communication with this population and should consider the unique role of residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina R Rojas
- Department of Pediatrics
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia; and
| | | | | | | | | | - Jessica Hart
- Department of Pediatrics
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - James M Callahan
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kathy N Shaw
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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