Increasing Provider Utilization of a Seizure Action Plan in the Outpatient Setting

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Seizure Action Plans (SAPs) are crucial for caregiver guidance during seizures.
• Individualized SAPs are recommended by guidelines.
• Implementation of SAPs in pediatric tertiary centers requires focused quality improvement efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To increase the implementation rate of standardized Seizure Action Plans (SAPs) within a pediatric tertiary care center.
• To expand SAP utilization from epilepsy specialists to all neurology providers.
• To evaluate the impact of improved SAP utilization on emergency department (ED) visits.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles for process improvement.
• Monitored SAP utilization rates monthly using control charts.
• Implemented electronic medical record reminders and standardized clinic workflows.
• Conducted secondary analysis of emergency department (ED) visit trends.

Main Results:

• SAP utilization among epilepsy providers increased from 39% to over 92%.
• SAP utilization among general neurology providers rose from 43% to over 93%.
• Emergency department visits for established epilepsy patients decreased from 10.2 to 7.5 per 1000.

Conclusions:

• Quality improvement initiatives successfully enhanced standardized SAP utilization in neurology outpatient settings.
• Standardized SAPs simplify patient and provider navigation of the healthcare system.
• Increased SAP use may contribute to reducing unnecessary emergency department visits.