A Standardized Implementation of Multicenter Quality Improvement Program of Very Low Birth Weight Newborns Could Significantly Reduce Admission Hypothermia and Improve Outcomes Within a Certain Region in China

Abstract

Background: Admission hypothermia (AH, <36.5℃) remains a major challenge for global neonate survival, especially in China. Due to high incidence of reginal AH, we developed a prospective multicenter quality improvement (QI) initiative to reduce regional AH and evaluate the impact on outcome among VLBW neonates.Methods: The study used sequential Plan - Do - Study - Act (PDSA) approach. Clinical data were collected prospectively with 5 NICUs from Sino-Northern Neonatal Network (SNN) in China. Bundle come into practice since January 1, 2019. The clinical data in pre-QI phase (January 1, 2018– December 31, 2018) were compared with post-QI phase (January 1, 2019–December 31, 2020). Clinical characteristics and outcomes data were analysed.Results: A total of 750 in-born VLBW infants were enrolled in the study, 270 in pre-QI period and 480 in post- QI period, respectively. There had no significant differences in clinical characteristics in two phases. Compared with pre-QI period, the percentage of AH decreased in the QI period (95.9 %vs 71.3%, P < 0.01). Admission mod-severe hypothermia (AMSH) was improved significantly, reduced by 38.5% after QI (68.5 %vs 30%, P < 0.01). Average admission temperature improved after QI [36.0 ˚C（35.8˚C，36.5˚C）vs 35.5 ˚C（35.2 ˚C，36.0 ˚C）, P < 0.01 ]. No significant increase in AH rate and thermal burns (0.4%VS 0%). Risks of mortality and late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS) were significantly lower in post-QI period as compared to pre-QI period (aRR 0.19, 95% CI 0.09–0.39; aRR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41–0.80) whether adjusting for birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA)，small for gestational age (SGA), Apgar score at 5 min < 7.Conclusion：Implementation of multicenter thermoregulatory QI help in significant reduction of AH and AMSH of VLBW neonates within a certain area, which in turn can help to improve reginal neonatal outcomes. We gained a lot from QI, learned and explored a suitable method to continuous QI, this may provide reference for similar developing countries.