A checklist for trauma quality improvement meetings: A process improvement study

Area of Science:

• Trauma Care
• Quality Improvement Science
• Global Health

Background:

• Millions die annually from injuries, with trauma care systems reducing mortality.
• Trauma Quality Improvement Meetings (TQIMs) are crucial for enhancing trauma care but often lack structure globally.
• This study aimed to implement and evaluate a checklist for structured TQIMs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, implement, and evaluate a checklist for structured Trauma Quality Improvement Meetings (TQIMs).
• To assess the impact of a TQIM checklist on the quality of trauma care discussions and decision-making.

Main Methods:

• A prospective before-and-after study was conducted in four Indian trauma centers.
• A TQIM checklist, based on WHO resources, was introduced via a workshop.
• Data on case discussions, preventability, care improvement opportunities, and corrective actions were collected pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The proportion of trauma death cases with discussed preventability increased from 94% to 100%.
• Agreement on preventability of death rose significantly (7% to 19%).
• Discussion and agreement on 'closing the loop' plans increased from 2% to 18%.

Conclusions:

• The TQIM Checklist effectively structured TQIMs in Indian trauma centers.
• Implementation led to improved discussion and agreement on preventability and corrective actions.
• A TQIM Checklist is recommended for all trauma-managing centers to enhance patient care.