Core Indicator Set for Measuring Quality of Care in Necrotising Enterocolitis: A European Delphi Study

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

• Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) care is hampered by inconsistent guidelines and practice variations across Europe.
• A standardized quality indicator set is crucial for improving NEC patient care and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a universally accepted core set of quality indicators for necrotising enterocolitis (NEC).
• To involve patients and experts in developing a standardized approach to NEC care.

Main Methods:

• A Delphi survey involving 113 participants from 19 European countries, including patient representatives, clinicians, and researchers.
• Evaluation of 27 patient characteristics and 41 quality indicators using a nine-point Likert scale over three rounds.
• A consensus meeting with 49 experts and two patient representatives to finalize the core set.

Main Results:

• Consensus was reached on eight baseline patient characteristics.
• Nine core quality indicators were established: one healthcare structure, three care process, and five outcome indicators.
• Five of the top 10 indicators were mutually prioritized by patients and experts.

Conclusions:

• A core set of nine quality indicators for NEC treatment has been established through multi-stakeholder consensus.
• Implementation in European clinical audits can facilitate benchmarking and enhance care for infants with NEC.