Change Ideas for First Quality Improvement Project

Excerpt

Using evidence-based interventions while treating sick or preterm neonates is the cornerstone of high-quality clinical care. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is the modality of choice for respiratory support during initial management of respiratory distress in neonates. However, nasal trauma associated with the use of various nasal interfaces is a common complication. Proper fixation of the interface, use of a physical barrier between skin and interface, and good nursing care can reduce the incidence of nasal trauma. This is easier said than done and a system-based implementation of nasal trauma prevention strategy is needed. Mariam and Buddhavarapu in their study, published in this issue of the journal, successfully address this challenge with about 90% reduction in the prevalence of nasal injury [1]. The quality improvement strategy used by the authors are based on the change ideas which can be applied to any healthcare setting, especially those in the resource-constrained environment or those looking for low-hanging fruit at the beginning of improvement journey. …