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Published on: June 12, 2021
Effects of a Systematic Quality Improvement Process to Decrease Complications in Trauma Patients With Prehospital
Angie Garrett1, Stacy A Drake, John B Holcomb
1Red Duke Trauma Institute, Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, Houston (Ms Garrett); The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing (Dr Drake); Center for Translational Injury Research, and McGovern School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Dr Holcomb).
Insights
Implementing targeted interventions significantly reduced peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheter complications in trauma patients. This performance improvement project demonstrates a successful strategy for enhancing patient safety and care quality in emergency settings.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Nursing Practice
Background:
- Peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheterization is a frequent procedure with potential for serious, costly complications.
- A cluster of 7 severe PIV complications from prehospital insertions prompted an investigation at a Level I trauma center.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the root causes of PIV complications.
- To review and improve current nursing practices related to PIV insertions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the FOCUS-Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) methodology for performance improvement.
- Monitored interventions and outcomes rigorously.
Main Results:
- Following intervention implementation, zero PIV complications were reported for 39 consecutive months.
- The project successfully mitigated limb-threatening infectious and noninfectious complications.
Conclusions:
- Performance improvement initiatives can effectively reduce PIV complications in trauma centers.
- Findings support further controlled studies to establish best practices nationally.
Abstract:
Peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheterization is commonly performed, and its complications are costly, may result in serious health issues, and may adversely affect patient satisfaction. At our large urban Level I trauma center, we identified a cluster of 7 PIV complications from prehospital insertions in a 5-month period. Several of the patients developed noninfectious as well as infectious, limb-threatening complications requiring aggressive operative intervention. A performance improvement project was chartered to identify the cause of PIV complications and review current nursing practice. The FOCUS-Plan Do Check Act methodology was used to measure and improve practice. With implementation of interventions and outcomes monitoring, no PIV complications were reported for the subsequent 39 consecutive months. Our findings have implications for more controlled studies to establish best practice at other Level I trauma centers across the country.
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