Reducing Readmissions Post-tonsillectomy: A Quality Improvement Study on Intravenous Hydration.

Introduction: Dehydration is a potentially preventable complication post-tonsillectomy and can result in an Emergency Department visit and/or readmission. Our objectives were to identify risk factors for dehydration readmissions and develop interventions to prevent them.

Methods: We used retrospective chart reviews to determine if increased intravenous (IV) hydration post-tonsillectomy prevented hospital readmissions for dehydration.

Enhanced central venous catheter bundle for pediatric parenteral-dependent intestinal failure.

Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) cause substantial morbidity and increase antimicrobial use and length of stay among hospitalized children in the United States. CLABSI occurs more frequently among high-risk pediatric patients, such as those with intestinal failure (IF) who are parenteral nutrition (PN) dependent. Following an increase in CLABSI rates, a quality improvement (QI) initiative was implemented.

Reducing Pediatric Readmissions: Using a Discharge Bundle Combined With Teach-back Methodology.

The authors describe a quality improvement initiative aimed at decreasing unplanned 7- and 30-day readmission rates in an urban, pediatric, tertiary care hospital. A stepwise approach was used to disseminate the pilot initiative across 16 inpatient units. Use of a teach-back methodology combined with a discharge bundle resulted in an 8% reduction in 7-day readmission and 10% reduction in 30-day readmission over 16 months.

Capnographic Monitoring of Moderate Sedation During Low-Risk Screening Colonoscopy Does Not Improve Safety or Patient Satisfaction: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: Appropriate monitoring during sedation has been recognized as vital to patient safety in procedures outside of the operating room. Capnography can identify hypoventilation prior to hypoxemia; however, it is not clear whether the addition of capnography improves safety or is cost effective during routine colonoscopy, a high volume, low-risk procedure. Our aim was to evaluate the value of EtCO2 monitoring during colonoscopy with moderate sedation.

Charting the Course for a Nursing Online Journal Club: Part II.

In a pediatric inpatient setting, an interdisciplinary team designed and implemented an online journal club to discuss current nursing trends and research, as well as to foster evidence-based practice. This article is Part II of a two-part series in which the implementation process is described.