Mrs. Biny Mathews1
1Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Australia
Biography:
Biny Mathews is an Infection Control Clinical Nurse Consultant at a major tertiary hospital in NSW. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Midwifery, a Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Education. Besides her expertise in Infection Prevention and Control, she has extensive experience in Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, as well as Renal and Pancreas Transplant. The QIP being presented today was part of the Applied Safety and Quality course Biny completed in January 2024. She is also an experienced clinical nurse educator and clinical nurse with over 22 years of experience.
Abstract:
Background
Renal transplant recipients are particularly vulnerable to infections or colonisations caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MROs), posing significant challenges to patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Effective and timely screening for MROs is critical to mitigate risks and ensure optimal care.
Aim
Improve MRO screening compliance in Ward 7B to 90% by 31 December 2023.
Objectives
Primary goals were to establish a standardised process for MRO screening, increase staff knowledge on rationale for screening and screening processes and to establish a process for ongoing monitoring of compliance.
Methods
A comprehensive review of the existing MRO screening process in the unit identified key areas for improvement which was categorised in to primary and secondary drivers and plotted on a driver diagram. Interventions included targeting staff education, admission checklists, safety huddles, induction handbooks and patient education.
Results
Statistically significant improvement on admission screening compliance over a 7-month period following the implementation of change strategies.
Baseline compliance rate of 69.5% to 84% at the end of Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) cycle 1 and up to 90% at the end of PDSA cycle 2.
Weekly screening data improved from a baseline compliance rate of 82% to 85% at the end of PDSA cycle 2.
Conclusion
The implementation of targeted quality improvement strategies significantly enhanced MRO screening processes in the renal transplant unit. These improvements have the potential to reduce infection rates, improve patient outcomes, and decrease healthcare costs. Ongoing monitoring is essential to sustain these gains and further optimise care for renal transplant patients.