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Long-term persistence of quality improvements for an intensive care unit communication initiative using the VALUE strategy.
- Source :
-
Journal of critical care [J Crit Care] 2014 Jun; Vol. 29 (3), pp. 450-4. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Dec 21. - Publication Year :
- 2014
-
Abstract
- Purpose: Communication in the intensive care unit (ICU) is an important component of quality ICU care. In this report, we evaluate the long-term effects of a quality improvement (QI) initiative, based on the VALUE communication strategy, designed to improve communication with family members of critically ill patients.<br />Materials and Methods: We implemented a multifaceted intervention to improve communication in the ICU and measured processes of care. Quality improvement components included posted VALUE placards, templated progress note inclusive of communication documentation, and a daily rounding checklist prompt. We evaluated care for all patients cared for by the intensivists during three separate 3 week periods, pre, post, and 3 years following the initial intervention.<br />Results: Care delivery was assessed in 38 patients and their families in the pre-intervention sample, 27 in the post-intervention period, and 41 in follow-up. Process measures of communication showed improvement across the evaluation periods, for example, daily updates increased from pre 62% to post 76% to current 84% of opportunities.<br />Conclusions: Our evaluation of this quality improvement project suggests persistence and continued improvements in the delivery of measured aspects of ICU family communication. Maintenance with point-of-care-tools may account for some of the persistence and continued improvements.<br /> (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1557-8615
- Volume :
- 29
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of critical care
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 24456811
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrc.2013.12.006