December 2024 Newsletter
As we reach the final month of the Pediatric Readiness Quality Collaborative (PRQC), we are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments made by our participating sites. Your dedication and hard work have truly made a difference, and we are excited to share some of the successes achieved through your efforts.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your dedication and hard work. Your contributions have been invaluable, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of your efforts.
Celebrating Accomplishments
Over the past 18 months, sites have implemented various change strategies that have led to significant improvements. Here are highlights from some of our participating EDs:
- Standardized Patient Weighing: Transitioned to weighing all patients in kilograms and updated electronic medical records (EMRs) to display weights in kilograms only.
- Innovative Tools for Patient Safety: Developed "badge buddies" displaying age-expected weights to support clinical decision-making.
- Enhanced Pain Management: Achieved significant progress in pain documentation and reassessment practices.
- Creative Resource Development: Introduced tools such as laminated pain scales, comfort menus, and coping kits to improve patient care.
- Improved Vital Sign Practices: Instituted consistent vital sign monitoring for patients under three years old.
- Data-Driven Excellence: Leveraged evidence from NPRQI data to refine patient quality and screening processes.
- Targeted Education Efforts: Provided one-on-one education and training for accurately taking and documenting vital signs.
These achievements are a testament to the power of collaboration and the commitment of each site to improving patient care. We are incredibly proud of the progress and positive impact on our communities.
- Enhanced Credibility: Being part of a quality improvement (QI) collaborative adds credibility when advocating for new initiatives to hospital leadership, emphasizing the strength of collective efforts.
- Peer Learning and Networking: Opportunities to share experiences, exchange insights, and collaborate with other sites, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
- Broadened Perspectives: Exposure to a diverse range of hospitals and the challenges they face, coupled with the shared passion for advancing pediatric care.
- Expanded QI Knowledge: Access to robust resources and methodologies that enhance understanding and implementation of QI principles.
- Tailored Interventions and Resources: Flexible intervention bundles, tools for gap identification (e.g., environmental scans), and a wealth of valuable insights and resources described as "fantastic information."
Next Steps
As we move forward, it is essential to continue our efforts in data entry and ongoing improvement. Here are the next steps for all participating sites:
- Continued Data Entry: To maximize the benefits of the NPRQI platform, patient charts should be entered at regular intervals, based on the ED team's bandwidth and patient volume. Each ED has sole discretion when deciding which patients should be selected for data entry and which metrics should be targeted for improvement efforts. It is recommended that ED's consider pulling every 5th, 10th, 20th or other scheduled frequency for patient chart selection.
- Ongoing Improvement Efforts: Keep implementing and refining change strategies at your site to sustain and build upon the successes achieved. Regularly review data and outcomes to guide these efforts.
- Community of Practice: Collaboration is key to our collective success. Join us for quarterly Community of Practice sessions in 2025 to share best practices, lessons learned, and innovative QI ideas with fellow PRQC sites and subject matter experts.