This study assessed labor and delivery (L&D) unit space and design, and also considered correlations between physical space measurements and clinical outcomes. Design and human factors research has increased standardization in high-hazard industries, but is not fully utilized in medicine. Emergency department and intensive care unit space has been studied, but optimal L&D unit design is undefined. In this prospective, observational study, a multidisciplinary team assessed physical characteristics of ten L&D units. Design measurements were analyzed with California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC) data from 34,161 deliveries at these hospitals. The hospitals ranged in delivery volumes (<1000–>5000 annual deliveries) and cesarean section rates (19.6%-39.7%). Within and among units there was significant heterogeneity in labor room (LR) and operating room (OR) size, count, and number of configurations. There was significant homogeneity of room equipment. Delivery volumes correlated with unit size, room counts, and cesarean delivery rates. Relative risk of cesarean section was modestly increased when certain variables were above average (delivery volume, unit size, LR count, OR count, OR configuration count, LR to OR distance, unit utilization) or below average (LR size, OR size, LR configuration count). Existing variation suggests a gold standard design has yet to be adopted for L&D. A design-centered approach identified opportunities for standardization: 1) L&D unit size and 2) room counts based on current or projected delivery volume, and 3) LR and OR size and equipment. When combined with further human factors research, these guidelines could help design the L&D unit of the future.
Objective The objective of this study is to identify characteristics of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) practice that influence successful retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening. Study Design In this qualitative study, top, improved, and bottom performing NICUs in the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative were identified based on ROP screening rates and invited to participate. NICU personnel were interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire. Using thematic analysis, key factors that influence ROP screening were identified. Results Themes found in top performing hospitals include a commitment to quality improvement, a committed ophthalmologist, and a system of double checks. Improved NICUs had a common theme of utilizing telemedicine for exams and identification of eligible neonates on admission. The bottom performing hospital struggled with education and identification of eligible neonates and a lack of a dedicated ophthalmologist. Conclusion Structure, culture, education, and commitment all contribute to the success of ROP screening in the NICU.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There is widespread unwarranted antibiotic use and large individual provider variation in antibiotic use in NICUs. Vignette-based research methodology offers a unique method of studying variation in individual provider decisions. The objective with this study was to use a vignette-based survey to identify specific areas of provider antibiotic use variation in newborns being evaluated for early onset sepsis. METHODS This study was undertaken as part of a statewide multicenter neonatal antibiotic stewardship quality improvement project led by a perinatal quality improvement collaborative. A web-based vignette survey was administered to identify variation in decisions to start and discontinue antibiotics in cases of early onset sepsis. RESULTS The largest variation was noted in 3 of the 6 vignette cases. These cases highlighted variation in (1) decisions to start antibiotics in a case describing a well-appearing newborn with risk factors and an elevated C-reactive protein, (2) decisions to start antibiotics in the case of a newborn with risk factors plus mild respiratory signs at birth, and (3) decisions to stop antibiotics in the case of the newborn with a history of sepsis risk factors and mild clinical respiratory signs that resolved after 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS Clinical vignette assessment identified specific areas of variation in individual provider antibiotic use decisions in cases of suspected early onset sepsis. Vignettes are a valuable method of describing individual provider variation and highlighting antibiotic stewardship improvement opportunities in NICUs.
Despite studies validating the accuracy of TcB in preterm infants > 28 weeks, only 28% of California NICUs routinely use TcB devices. TcB screening in infants < 28 weeks gestation is not widely used and no recommendation can be made in this regard until there is more experience with its application using a standardized protocol in these infants and on a large scale.
Objective There is limited research exploring the relationship between design and patient safety outcomes, especially in maternal and neonatal care. We employed design thinking methodology to understand how the design of labor and delivery units impacts safety and identified spaces and systems where improvements are needed. Study Design Site visits were conducted at 10 labor and delivery units in California. A multidisciplinary team collected data through observations, measurements, and clinician interviews. In parallel, research was conducted regarding current standards and codes for building new hospitals. Results Designs of labor and delivery units are heterogeneous, lacking in consistency regarding environmental factors that may impact safety and outcomes. Building codes do not take into consideration workflow, human factors, and patient and clinician experience. Attitude of hospital staff may contribute to improving safety through design. Three areas in need of improvement and actionable through design emerged: (1) blood availability for hemorrhage management, (2) appropriate space for neonatal resuscitation, and (3) restocking and organization methods of equipment and supplies. Conclusion Design thinking could be implemented at various stages of health care facility building projects and during retrofits of existing units. Through this approach, we may be able to improve hospital systems and environmental factors.
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