ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is one of the most common pediatric surgical procedures in the United States. However, wide variation remains in antibiotic prescribing and pain management across and within institutions. We aimed to minimize variation in antibiotic usage and decrease opioid prescribing at discharge for children with complicated appendicitis by implementation of a quality improvement (QI) initiative. METHODS: On December 1st, 2021, a QI initiative standardizing postoperative care for complicated appendicitis was implemented across a tertiary pediatric healthcare system with two main surgical centers. QI initiative focused on antibiotic and pain management. An extensive literature search was performed and a total of 20 articles matching our patient population were critically appraised to determine the best evidence-based interventions to implement. Antibiotic regimen included: IV or PO ceftriaxone/metronidazole immediately post-operatively and transition to PO amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for completion of 7-day total course at discharge. Discharge pain control regimen included acetaminophen, ibuprofen, as needed gabapentin, and no opioid prescription. Guideline compliance were closely monitored for the first six months following implementation. RESULTS: In the first 6-months post-implementation, compliance with use of ceftriaxone/metronidazole as initial post-operative antibiotics was 75.6 %. Transition to PO amoxicillin-clavulanic acid prior to discharge increased from 13.7 % pre-implementation to 73.7 % 6-months post-implementation (p < 0.001). Compliance with a 7-day course of antibiotics within the first 6-months post-implementation was 60 % across both sites. After QI intervention, overall opioid prescribing remained at 0 % at one surgical site and decreased from 17.6 % to 0 % at the second surgical site over the study timeframe (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Antibiotic use can be standardized and opioid prescribing minimized in children with complicated appendicitis using QI principles. Continued monitoring of the complicated appendicitis guideline is needed to assess for further progress in the standardization of post-operative care. STUDY TYPE: Quality improvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.
