Implementation of a Quality Improvement Bundle Improves Echocardiographic Imaging after Congenital Heart Surgery in Children.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2016

Identifier

DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2016.09.002

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Postoperative echocardiography after congenital heart disease surgery is of prognostic importance, but variable image quality is problematic. We implemented a quality improvement bundle comprising of focused imaging protocols, procedural sedation, and sonographer education to improve the rate of optimal imaging (OI).

METHODS: Predischarge echocardiograms were evaluated in 116 children (median age, 0.51 years; range, 0.01-5.6 years) from two centers after tetralogy of Fallot repair, arterial switch operation, and bidirectional Glenn and Fontan procedures. OI rates were compared between the centers before and after the implementation of a quality improvement bundle at center 1, with center 2 serving as the comparator. Echocardiographic images were independently scored by a single reader from each center, blinded to center and time period. For each echocardiographic variable, quality score was assigned as 0 (not imaged or suboptimally imaged) or 1 (optimally imaged); structures were classified as intra- or extracardiac. The rate of OI was calculated for each variable as the percentage of patients assigned a score of 1.

RESULTS: Intracardiac structures had higher OI than extracardiac structures (81% vs 57%; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.47; P < .01). Center 1 improved overall OI from 48% to 73% (OR, 4.44; P < .01), intracardiac OI from 69% to 85% (OR, 3.53; P = .01), and extracardiac OI from 35% to 67% (OR, 5.16; P < .01). There was no temporal difference for center 2.

CONCLUSIONS: After congenital heart disease surgery in children, intracardiac structures are imaged more optimally than extracardiac structures. Focused imaging protocols, patient sedation, and sonographer education can improve OI rates.

Journal Title

Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography

Volume

29

Issue

12

First Page

1163

Last Page

1170

MeSH Keywords

Boston; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Child, Preschool; Echocardiography; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Image Enhancement; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Missouri; Observer Variation; Patient Care Bundles; Postoperative Care; Quality Improvement; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Treatment Outcome

Keywords

Congenital heart disease; Echocardiography; Image quality; Pediatric; Postoperative; Quality improvement

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