Maximizing the Benefit of Quality Improvement Activities: A Spread of Innovations Model.

BACKGROUND: Many organizations struggle to efficiently and effectively spread improvement activities. This article presents findings from a model developed to standardize the sharing of innovative ideas within nursing at an academic medical center. PROBLEM: Quality improvement activities were occurring in many nursing units but often did not spread beyond the originating unit. Challenges included variability in operationalizing initiatives, inconsistent understanding of project goals, and the lack of a dissemination process. APPROACH: The Spread of Innovations Model was developed to ensure structure and resources are in place to spread successful initiatives. The model uses Lean problem-solving and engages frontline nurses with senior leadership when spreading internally developed best practices. OUTCOMES: The model was piloted by spreading a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention project throughout nursing. Using the model led to significantly decreased CAUTIs. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement efforts without a process for spreading can lead to inefficiencies and variable outcomes.

Creation and impact of containment units with high-risk zones during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) required swift preparation to protect healthcare personnel (HCP) and patients, especially considering shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). Due to the lack of a pre-existing biocontainment unit, we needed to develop a novel approach to placing patients in isolation cohorts while working with the pre-existing physical space. OBJECTIVES: To prevent disease transmission to non-COVID-19 patients and HCP caring for COVID-19 patients, to optimize PPE usage, and to provide a comfortable and safe working environment. METHODS: An interdisciplinary workgroup developed a combination of approaches to convert existing spaces into COVID-19 containment units with high-risk zones (HRZs). We developed standard workflow and visual management in conjunction with updated staff training and workflows. The infection prevention team created PPE standard practices for ease of use, conservation, and staff safety. RESULTS: The interventions resulted in 1 possible case of patient-to-HCP transmission and zero cases of patient-to-patient transmission. PPE usage decreased with the HRZ model while maintaining a safe environment of care. Staff on the COVID-19 units were extremely satisfied with PPE availability (76.7%) and efforts to protect them from COVID-19 (72.7%). Moreover, 54.8% of HCP working in the COVID-19 unit agreed that PPE monitors played an essential role in staff safety. CONCLUSIONS: The HRZ model of containment unit is an effective method to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with several benefits. It is easily implemented and scaled to accommodate census changes. Our experience suggests that other institutions do not need to modify existing physical structures to create similarly protective spaces.