Improving the neonatal team handoff process in a level IV NICU: reducing interruptions and handoff duration.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients are at increased risk for handoff communication failures due to complexity and prolonged length of stay. We report a quality initiative aimed at reducing avoidable interruptions during neonatal handoffs while monitoring handoff duration and provider satisfaction. METHODS: Observational time series between August 2015 and March 2018 in an academic level IV NICU. NICU I-PASS and process changes were implemented using plan-do-study-act cycle, and statistical process control charts were used in the analysis. Unmatched preintervention and postintervention satisfaction surveys were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: There was special cause variation in the mean number of avoidable interruptions per handoff from 4 to 0.3 (92% reduction). The mean duration of handoff was reduced ~1 min/patient. Provider satisfaction with the quality of handoffs also improved from a mean of 3.36 to 3.75 on a 1-5 Likert scale (p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Standardisation of NICU handoff with NICU I-PASS and process changes led to the sustained reduction in avoidable interruptions with the added benefit of reduced handoff length and improved provider satisfaction.

Introduction of triggers for palliative care consultation improves utilization and satisfaction within a level four NICU.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to explore the beliefs regarding palliative care team utilization, as well as increase consultation and awareness of the palliative care team's role in the NICU. STUDY DESIGN: The study design in this Level 4 NICU included observational time series with multiple planned sequential interventions. Medical chart review was conducted to determine eligibility, and statistical process control charts were used to show performance over time. RESULTS: Prior to implementation of the triggers, 26% received consultation, which increased to 46% after implementation. There was an increase in level of understanding, knowledge of team's role, and improved utilization. The time until initial consultation decreased from ~1.5 months to 1 week. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a 20% increase in consultations. Key interventions included continual education, reminders, and clear postage of the trigger list. Written guidelines increase awareness of a palliative care team's role within a NICU, and provider satisfaction.