Increasing the follow-up rate of preterm infants after discharge: a quality improvement project in a Chinese neonatal clinic

Abstract

Abstract Objective Adopting the methodology of quality improvement (QI) to explore the multiple interventions to increasing the follow-up rate of preterm infants and evaluate the effect of these QI interventions. Methods The quality improvement method based on statistical process control was used in this project. The baseline was measured per week from March to May 2017 according to the follow-up rate of preterm infants before the interventions, further, the specific aim of improvement was determined. The Pareto analysis of follow-up failure and the key driving diagram was constructed. The intervention measures were synchronized to monitor the change of weekly follow-up rate through the control chart until the QI goal was achieved. Results The baseline of follow-up rate was 57.92%, and the aim of the QI project was to increase the follow-up rate to 80% within 12 months. Major interventions included optimizing follow-up platform, strengthening family follow-up education and improving follow-up clinic service ability. The control chart showed that the follow-up rate increased to 74.09% in July 2017 and to 83.09% in December 2017 with a series of interventions and achieved the aim of QI. This improvement had been sustained for 6 months. Conclusion Our QI project increased the follow-up rate of preterm infants significantly. Interventions according to analysis of follow-up failure, such as strengthening family follow-up education and improving follow-up clinic service ability, could improve follow-up of preterm infants.