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ELECTRONIC ARTICLE |
* New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, North Carolina
Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Children’s Hospital of Illinois at OSF St Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois
|| Lutheran General Children’s Hospital, Park Ridge, Illinois
¶ Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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ABSTRACT |
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 TOP ABSTRACT KEY POINTS OF ARTICLEAPPLYING LESSONS LEARNED TO...METHODSRESULTSDISCUSSION |
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Methods. Implementation approaches for some but not all of the practices at the various centers are discussed. The practices reviewed include optimal peripartum management, such as resuscitation, avoidance of hypothermia, optimal surfactant delivery, early neonatal management by the most experienced providers, and measures to minimize pain and stress. Additional practices include maintenance of neutral head positioning, fluid volume therapy for hypotension, indomethacin prophylaxis, ventilator management, avoidance of routine suctioning, and limiting the use of sodium bicarbonate and postnatal dexamethasone.
Results. Approaches to implementation were center specific, and results vary. Although some practices were easier to implement than others, communication, education, and leadership were critical to the process.
Conclusions. The quality improvement multidisciplinary approach is a useful tool for finding ways to reduce the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia.
Key Words: intraventricular hemorrhage • periventricular leukomalacia • potentially better practice • very low birth weight • cranial ultrasonography • collaborative quality improvement • NIC/Q 2000 • NHRMC, New Hanover Regional Medical Center • HFOV, high-frequency oscillating ventilation
Abbreviations: PBPs, potentially better practices • NICU, neonatal intensive care unit • IVH, intraventricular hemorrhage • PVL, periventricular leukomalacia • VLBW, very low birth weight • NIC/Q 2000, Neonatal Intensive Care Quality Improvement Collaborative Year 2000 • CHOI, Children’s Hospital of Illinois at OSF St Francis Medical Center • LGCH, Lutheran General Children’s Hospital • PCO2, partial pressure of carbon dioxide • MBP, mean blood pressure • HFOV, high-frequency oscillating ventilation
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KEY POINTS OF ARTICLE |
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TOPABSTRACTKEY POINTS OF ARTICLEAPPLYING LESSONS LEARNED TO...METHODSRESULTSDISCUSSION |
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APPLYING LESSONS LEARNED TO PRACTICE |
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TOPABSTRACTKEY POINTS OF ARTICLEAPPLYING LESSONS LEARNED TO...METHODSRESULTSDISCUSSION |
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The negative impact of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) on long-term outcomes for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is well documented. Multidisciplinary teams from 5 NICUs that participated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Quality Improvement Collaborative Year 2000 (NIC/Q 2000) formed a group with a common goal of decreasing the incidence of IVH and PVL among neonates 
1500 g. Hospitals in the group were Baylor University Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Illinois at OSF St Francis Medical Center (CHOI), Lutheran General Children’s Hospital (LGCH), New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) and Parkview Hospital. With the use of an evidence-based quality improvement approach, PBPs were developed collaboratively by the group. The PBPs were the basis for a matrix that each of the 5 hospitals used for implementation (Table 1). The Model for Improvement was used, incorporating plan-do-study-act cycles in the process. The methods differed, but all teams addressed issues such as buy-in for change (getting staff to accept and adopt the changes), barriers, and lessons learned. Examples of implementation are given below, with specific process changes and measures implemented at each site.
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METHODS |
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TOPABSTRACTKEY POINTS OF ARTICLEAPPLYING LESSONS LEARNED TO...METHODSRESULTSDISCUSSION |
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At NHRMC, the resuscitation process was changed to have a neonatologist attend all deliveries 32 weeks’ gestation. Attendance by a neonatologist is monitored over time as a process measure.
At Parkview Hospital, the most experienced personnel had always attended high-risk deliveries. Greater emphasis, however, is now placed on this practice, and the policy has been formalized. Attendance by the neonatologist is considered key.
Baylor established a resuscitation team from experienced staff and educated them about the importance of minimizing risks for IVH in the delivery room. A flowchart was designed and placed in the resuscitation area. Physiologic stability (heart rate >100, O2 saturation >90%, and adequate perfusion) was stipulated before administration of surfactant. The infant is placed on a Drager ventilator to establish settings and tidal volume and transferred to the NICU. Outcome measurements collected on admission include initial PCO2, temperature, and tidal volume (Fig 1).
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From initial data collected, Parkview saw a correlation between low admission temperatures and severe IVH in a large proportion of infants. A short data collection project was done in which the resuscitation team took temperatures just before leaving the delivery room and on admission to the NICU. Data analysis showed that the infant’s temperature frequently fell during transport. It was speculated that open portholes for hand bagging resulted in cooling of the interior of the transport isolette. Measures taken to prevent heat loss included using a warming mattress and placing the infant on a transport ventilator so that portholes remain closed. The importance of temperature stabilization was reemphasized to resuscitation team members.
Practice 2f: Maintain Cardiorespiratory Stability While Administering Surfactant
NHRMC began implementation by forming a multidisciplinary surfactant team who defined stability as a heart rate 120, saturation 90%, perfusion 3 seconds, and a mean arterial pressure greater than or equal to the infant’s gestational age. The goal was to have surfactant administered within 20 minutes of birth. Baseline data showed that only 5.6% of patients could be considered stable when all 4 parameters were taken into account. Average administration time was 63 minutes. The surfactant administration protocol was revised, posters and one-on-one in-service training for the NICU team were completed, and the protocol was implemented and became part of the standards for nursing and respiratory care.
Implementation went smoothly, but staff had a problem documenting all 4 parameters. Follow-up data revealed that perfusion was not always being documented. Of the 3 parameters charted, all met the stable range. The percentage of infants considered stable rose to 38.5% (using the 4 parameters as indicators), and administration time came down to 34 minutes. The protocol was revised so that staff documents blood pressure or perfusion but not necessarily both. Protocol revisions were approved, and staff received in-service training. Measurements now include heart rate, saturation, and perfusion or mean arterial pressure immediately before administration of surfactant, as well as the time from birth to administration of the initial dose.
LGCH also formed a multidisciplinary committee to examine current practices of surfactant administration and areas for improvement. In the past, surfactant was given immediately after birth in the delivery room, where monitoring was not available. After reviewing the research literature and other level 3 NICU practices, the Surfactant Committee revised the protocol to administer surfactant after admission to the NICU once stability (heart rate 100 and O2 saturation 90%) is achieved. The goal is to provide surfactant to eligible infants within 20 minutes of birth. Using posters and lectures, the staff received extensive in-service training on the timing of surfactant and the method of administration. A training cart was made available on the unit 24 hours a day to provide hands-on teaching. Reinforcement of the change was provided through the first annual NICU Skills Fair. Literature and research supporting the change were made available to the staff. The Management of Change committee assisted with communication. Currently, steps in the admission process cause delays in achieving administration within 20 minutes of birth. These barriers are now being addressed. Measurement includes heart rate, O2 saturation, and time from birth to administration of the initial dose of surfactant.
Practice 3: Clinical Management by Neonatologists/Neonatal Nurse Practitioners
CHOI decided that for the first 72 hours of life, infants <1500 g would be managed by a neonatologist or neonatal nurse practitioner. Direct management would include placement of umbilical lines and chest tubes, reintubations, and other procedures, as well as all medical decision making. This concerned the residents because of a fear that clinical experience and procedural skills would be sacrificed. The concerns continued despite an explanation that this practice was only for the first 72 hours, when the majority of IVH occurs. After that period, residents could participate in managing these infants. A tally was required to prove that there were many more neonates in the NICU from whom to gain experience in both procedures and clinical management skills.
Practice 4: Measures to Minimize Pain and Stress
CHOI already had a multidisciplinary task force, the "Ouchless" Children’s Hospital Movement. This task force concentrated on pain prevention and alleviation. The first step in implementation of measures to minimize pain was education to correct misconceptions about pain felt in neonates and outline physiologic parameters that can be altered by pain, possibly resulting in harm to infants. The task force defined the problem and explored possible solutions using input from NICU staff, benchmarking, and the literature on pain assessment tools.
The Neonatal Pain Assessment Scale was chosen for use, based on the Attia Scale developed by Susan Givens Bell. This scale incorporates both physiologic and behavioral parameters. Documentation forms were reformatted to include pain assessment. Definitions for the pain scale are now available in each room along with laminated pocket scales for nurses to carry. The task force provided a season-long education project. This included posting pain posters that focus on the harmful effects of unrelieved pain on an organ system. At the end of the season, there was a contest with a posttest on pain, and prizes were awarded for participation.
The focus now is on education of families, using signs in the family waiting room to inform parents that pain management for their infant is a priority. The parent handbook has been adapted to include information on how their infant’s comfort is evaluated using a team approach. The task force has monitored compliance in the use of the pain score and has achieved increased documentation of pain scores (Fig 3).
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Practice 4b: Minimize Pain and Stress by Decreasing Noise
CHOI had identified noise as a problem in their unit before the formation of the NIC/Q 2000 collaborative group. A task force on noise had searched the literature and established 65 decibels as the peak acceptable noise level for the NICU. Decibel levels were measured in the unit for a 24-hour period. Peak levels corresponded to report times, admissions, rounds, and crisis situations. Unfortunately, the staff believed that conversations were being recorded and resisted the monitoring. The task force became frustrated and suspended the efforts.
Once the collaborative began, the group reformed with new leadership, members, and a name: the Quiet Infant Group. They reviewed literature and problems and established a measurable goal. A noise reduction poster was presented. Staff were assured that conversations were not being recorded and that data would be used only for noise reduction. The Quiet Infant Group implemented a number of new practices: 1) posters around the nursery; 2) buttons with the Quiet Infant logo worn by staff; 3) rounds conducted away from the infant’s space; 4) adjustment of the paging system to a lower decibel level; 5) pagers for the resource nurse, transport nurse, and patient care technicians; and 6) encouragement to staff to use the neonatologist, neonatal nurse practitioner, and resident pagers when needed.
Most important, the group installed a visible monitoring system in each nursery to alert staff to noise levels above acceptable limits. Once the system was in place, sinks in each nursery triggered it and the sinks were adjusted, resulting in improved decibel levels (Fig 4). The fire alarm system measured >80 decibels but could not be changed because of codes. Ceiling tiles were also a source of noise and were replaced with sound-absorbent tiles. The results were effective in lowering background noise, especially from the heating, ventilation, and cooling system. The staff have been very favorable, commenting that the stress from noise is much less. With continued success in consistently meeting a goal of 65 decibels, the plan is to gradually lower the trigger level on the signs and further decrease the noise level in the NICU.
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Results of initial data collection were shared with staff, and an educational poster was placed in the unit. One-on-one in-service training was done with all NICU team members who perform direct, hands-on care. An education station was set up in the unit using a developmental doll. Staff were taught how to position the infant, as well as how to maintain neutral head positioning when changing positions (side, supine). Staff had the opportunity to practice with the doll for a month. In-service training was delayed by the December holidays, but finally the practice was incorporated into the standards of care. Team members made direct daily observations to reinforce the practice for staff. Currently, there is 100% compliance with neutral head positioning and 93% compliance with head of the bed elevated 30 degrees. Measurements include positioning of the head and elevation of the head of the bed.
Practice 6: Fluid Volume Therapy for Hypotension
The lack of uniformity in Baylor’s approach to blood pressure management and the hope of reducing unnecessary volume and inotrope use prompted a review of the literature on acceptable blood pressure ranges for VLBW infants. A modified version of Watkin’s criterion (Table 2) was selected for new acceptable blood pressure ranges (previously hypotension had been defined in their unit as a mean blood pressure (MBP) <30 mm Hg no matter what the infant’s gestational age). A standardized protocol for the treatment of hypotension was developed. Staff received in-service training on the new blood pressure range and treatment options. Measurement of outcomes (IVH incidence and severity, inotrope use, and volume use) were compared by retrospective and prospective chart reviews (Fig 5).
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Practice 8a: Manage Infants on the Ventilator Using Synchronized Intermittent Measured Volume/High-Frequency Oscillating Ventilation (HFOV)
LGCH developed and implemented a HFOV guideline to achieve optimal lung recruitment in infants <1000 g at birth to decrease the incidence of chronic lung disease and IVH. A multidisciplinary neonatal respiratory task force was organized, followed by a review of the literature and the practices of other tertiary care NICUs. A measurement tool was developed, and current practice was analyzed. Next, a guideline on HFOV use was drafted and an 
trial was conducted to assess feasibility of the guideline.
Once the guideline was completed, the educational committee provided in-service sessions to staff, constructed an educational board with pretest and posttest analysis, printed information in the staff newsletter, and posted guideline flow diagrams on each high-frequency ventilator. Data were collected on 10 patients, including guideline compliance, and areas of the guideline needing clarification and improvement were identified. The guideline compliance goal was met, and optimal lung recruitment was achieved. However, the HFOV guideline was then expanded to include optimal arterial oxygen pressure and PCO2 ranges, the frequency of blood gas analysis, and the ventilator weaning process while on HFOV.
As a result, the guideline has become highly detailed and difficult to follow unless one is very familiar it. Compliance has fallen dramatically. The task force is currently looking at ways to simplify the guideline and improve compliance. Emphasis on optimal lung recruitment and optimal PCO2 range will be the major focus. Staff will need to be reeducated before implementation of the new guideline.
Practice 8d: Avoid Routine Suctioning
NHRMC implemented "no routine suctioning" as part of a minimal handling protocol. Baseline data were collected to determine the rate of routine suctioning before implementation of the new protocol. "No routine suctioning" was then adopted as a standard of care, with the expectation that staff would suction only when there were physiologic signs that the patient needed it and document the reason for suctioning. Assessment parameters included heart rate, breath sounds, activity level, O2 saturation, and chest movement. Routine suctioning was not to be done in 1500-g infants unless there was a written order.
A poster in-service session was conducted, followed by one-on-one in-service sessions for staff. A high degree of resistance was recognized. The team still moved forward with implementation, but follow-up data revealed poor compliance. The percentage of infants who received routine suctioning had gone from 32% to 34%, probably as a result of resistance and new, inexperienced staff hired since the initial inservice sessions. New one-on-one in-service sessions were conducted using an evidenced-based approach, and the standard was reinforced. Routine suctioning decreased to 9%. Measurements include how the patient is suctioned (as needed or routinely), documentation of the reason for suction, the results of suctioning and patient tolerance of the procedure, and the shift (day or night).
Practice 9: Limit Sodium Bicarbonate Use/Give Over 30 Minutes
LGCH’s nursing staff identified the use of sodium bicarbonate for the treatment of metabolic acidosis as a quality improvement project because there was considerable variation in physician practice. Variations in indications, dosage, and duration of infusion were targeted. A literature review did not reveal evidence to support the use of sodium bicarbonate for the treatment of metabolic acidosis in preterm infants. Current sodium bicarbonate guidelines were obtained from a participating collaborative hospital. These guidelines were reviewed and modified by attending neonatologists. Agreement was reached, and an outline was created with specific standards for the use of sodium bicarbonate, as well as acceptable lower limits of blood pH, blood base deficit, medication dosage, and duration of infusion. Before guideline implementation, the nursing and medical staff were educated on the guideline through in-service sessions and newsletters. For ensuring guideline compliance, retrospective chart reviews are performed. At present, the sodium bicarbonate guideline has become the standard of practice in the NICU with nearly 100% compliance.
Practice 10: Avoidance of Early Use and Prolonged Course of Postnatal Dexamethasone
Baylor discussed the avoidance of early use and prolonged course of postnatal dexamethasone not for IVH prevention but because of recently published reports on the neurotoxic effects of dexamethasone. The short-term benefits of dexamethasone use (earlier extubation and decreased chronic lung disease) were weighed against the increased risk of poor long-term neurologic outcomes. A protocol restricting postnatal Decadron use was developed and implemented.
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RESULTS |
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TOPABSTRACTKEY POINTS OF ARTICLEAPPLYING LESSONS LEARNED TO...METHODSRESULTSDISCUSSION |
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A dedicated implementation leader is key to keeping the group organized and moving forward. On-shift resources who are familiar with the new practice and can answer questions posed by staff and oversee the change are helpful. Educational posters in bathrooms are another excellent means to reach the staff. Visual aids such as graphs, flow charts, laminated pocket-sized cards for quick reference, written guidelines, and protocols help to disseminate information to a large group and improve understanding. Providing accessible resource tools (eg, a web site) is also helpful in improving compliance.
Other important lessons learned about implementation include the importance of encouraging active participation of multiple disciplines and other departments from the very beginning of the change process. Collaboration such as this enables better ownership of the work. It is important to distribute the work among group members, thereby making the change process more manageable. Collaboration not only within a hospital but also among hospitals is beneficial. It helps to prevent a need to start at the beginning when a practice has been successfully implemented elsewhere.
Data should be shared among the group on an ongoing basis to keep everyone well informed of progress. When things go well, it is helpful to thank the staff to encourage continued participation. Ideas to update staff on the status of projects include newsletters, monthly meetings with pizza, and unit web sites. Because data collection can be cumbersome and boring, it should be kept as simple as possible.
Barriers
Implementation did not go smoothly all the time. Barriers included having multiple personnel responsible for implementation, not enough staff to help, and a large number of new or inexperienced staff. Old habits can be hard to break, and when changes occur, feelings can get hurt. Other barriers included the amount of time needed to educate staff, budget issues related to obtaining new equipment, and documentation inconsistencies that impeded data collection. Confusion can result when many new practices are put in place in a short period. Implementing new practices around holidays can extend the implementation time frame. Finally, the culture in a busy NICU is often difficult to change.
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DISCUSSION |
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TOPABSTRACTKEY POINTS OF ARTICLEAPPLYING LESSONS LEARNED TO...METHODSRESULTSDISCUSSION |
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FOOTNOTES |
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Reprint requests to (D.M.) New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Box 9000, 2131 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28402. E-mail: debra_mclendon{at}yahoo.com
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