Trauma Center Transition From Paper to Electronic Quality Improvement: Enhancing Trauma Performance Efficiency

Abstract

Background: The American College of Surgeons requires continuous process improvement review to maintain trauma center verification. Paper-based systems to monitor and track performance improvement are commonly used but can be inadequate to monitor concurrent ongoing improvement effectively. Objective: To describe the implementation of an electronic process to capture and monitor performance improvement in near real time. Methods: In 2020, a Midwestern U.S. Level I adult trauma center and a Level II pediatric trauma center's trauma programs transitioned from a paper to an electronic file-sharing system for performance improvement. We converted our primary, secondary, and tertiary review documentation into a single electronic performance improvement file stored on the institution's virtual hard drive, accessible to designated staff, allowing continuous real-time updates. Results: The electronic file-sharing and monitoring process reinvigorated the team and enhanced performance improvement efforts, leading to increased efficiency through documentation and effective loop closure. Real-time monitoring allowed the trauma program to identify opportunities for improvement and enact timely action plans, including targeted performance improvement projects, department education, and ongoing training. Conclusion: We found that implementing an electronic file-sharing system enhanced the trauma team's ability to monitor and trend performance improvement in real time.