RESUMO
Background Accurate and comprehensive procedure documentation in Electronic Medical Records (EMR) is crucial for high-quality patient care, especially in high-acuity settings like Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Gaps in documentation at Corniche Hospital's NICU that were affecting patient safety and continuity of care were identified and addressed by following a pre and post-intervention design in the research. The process involved the initial audit, educational sessions with healthcare providers, and follow-up audits to measure improvements. Results post-intervention showed a significant increase in compliance with documentation standards, pointing out the effectiveness of educational interventions in improving EMR documentation practices. The local problem is demonstrated through the observation of incomplete and inconsistent procedure documentation in the NICU, hindering effective patient management and multi-disciplinary team communication. Methods A Quality Improvement Project (QIP) was implemented, including a baseline audit, educational interventions targeting healthcare providers, and subsequent re-audits to assess improvement. The project involved tailored educational sessions focused on correct EMR usage, adherence to documentation standards, and practical aspects of documenting procedures. Results Post-intervention, there was a significant increase in documentation compliance. The percentage of compliance in procedure encounter placement in EMR increased from 81% to 100%, and nursing documentation compliance improved from 11 (52.4%) to 18 (85.7%). However, a slight decrease in the completeness of physician documentation was noted. Conclusions The QIP effectively improved procedure documentation in the NICU. Continuous education and periodic review are essential for maintaining and further enhancing documentation standards. This initiative underscores the importance of targeted training and consistent audits in improving clinical documentation in healthcare settings.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Parental anxiety about the impact of puberty/menses, particularly in girls with severe disability leads to seeking therapeutic pubertal suppression. We aim to explore maternal attitudes and reasons for seeking pubertal suppression. METHODS: Mothers of girls receiving gonadotropin -releasing hormone analogue therapy in Mafraq hospital, Abu Dhabi were enrolled in the study. A semistructured interview was conducted to ascertain possible reasons for delaying puberty. The study group was divided into girls with a disability with central precocious puberty (CPP) or normal puberty and girls without a disability presenting with CPP. RESULTS: 42 mother-daughter pairs were enrolled and divided into two groups; group A: 15 girls with CPP with no disability; group B: 27 girls with disability (10 had CPP (group B1) and 17 had normal pubertal timing (group B2)). Mothers in group A aimed to delay puberty, while in group B, 13 (48%) mothers desired to halt puberty and 7 (26%) requested permanent surgical intervention. Fear of short stature (15, 100%), inability to cope psychologically (10, 67%) and fear of peer rejection (9, 60%) were the main concerns in group A. In group B, mothers were concerned about menstrual hygiene management (25, 92.5%), fear of child abuse or unwanted pregnancy (15, 55%) and fear of inability to express pain/discomfort with menstruation (8, 30%). CONCLUSION: Mothers of girls with a disability commonly seek medical help to delay/halt puberty due to concerns about menstrual hygiene. Short final height was the main concern for girls without a disability. Culture and religion play an important role in puberty management in girls with a disability.
