Improving Influenza Testing and Treatment in Hospitalized Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• National guidelines advocate for influenza testing and treatment in hospitalized children presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) during peak season.
• Adherence to these guidelines can be suboptimal, necessitating targeted interventions to improve patient care outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a quality improvement project aimed at increasing influenza testing and treatment rates for hospitalized children with ILI.
• The goal was to raise the rate from a baseline of 65% to 90% during the 2014-2015 influenza season.

Main Methods:

• Utilized plan-do-study-act cycles to drive interventions, including awareness modules, regular informational flyers, and failure tracking.
• Weekly reviews of ILI admissions were conducted during periods of elevated influenza activity.
• Appropriate testing and treatment were defined as occurring within 24 hours of admission unless an alternative diagnosis was established. Statistical process control charts monitored progress.

Main Results:

• Appropriate influenza testing and treatment rates increased from a baseline mean of 65% to 91% within three months of intervention during the 2014-2015 season.
• These improved rates were sustained, with a mean of 80% observed throughout the 2016-2017 influenza season, indicating lasting impact.

Conclusions:

• The quality improvement initiative effectively increased influenza testing and treatment in hospitalized children with ILI to meet the 90% target.
• The observed improvements demonstrated sustainability in a subsequent influenza season, highlighting the initiative's long-term benefits.
• Further efforts should focus on broader implementation and minimizing practice variations to maximize impact.