Quality of care in a paediatric emergency department

Abstract

Background: Measuring quality of care in a paediatric emergency department is challenging and there is lack of specific set measures to do so. The primary objective of this study was to determine the quality of care in our local paediatric emergency department by applying a set of quality indicators. The secondary objectives were to determine lacunae in quality of care and thus make suggestions for improvement.

Methods: A retrospective study was carried out using data collected from records of children presenting to the paediatric emergency department with a medical complaint between August and December 2019, during the first two weeks of each month. The Institute of Medicine Quality Domains were used to assess the quality indicators measured.

Results: Specific quality indicators require improvement including weight documentation, time to triage, and safety netting practices. A lack of quality indicators measuring patient-centeredness, staff experience, and equity was noted.

Conclusion: Suggestions, both for improving quality of care and its measurement, are made, in light of the new challenges faced by paediatric emergency departments.