Lessons learned in establishing a quality improvement project to reduce hospital acquired infections in the neonatology ward at a referral hospital in Rwanda
Abstract
Purpose
Improving healthcare quality has become a worldwide effort. Strategic problem solving (SPS) is one approach to improve quality in healthcare settings. This case study aims to illustrate the process of applying the SPS approach in implementing a quality improvement project in a referral hospital.
Design/methodology/approach
A project team was formed to reduce the hospital-acquired infection (HAI) rate in the neonatology unit. A new injection policy was implemented according to the root cause identified.
Findings
The HAI rate decreased from 6.4 per cent pre-intervention to 4.2 per cent post-intervention. The compliance of performing the aseptic injection technique significantly improved by 60 per cent.
Practical implications
This case study illustrated the detailed application of the SPS approach in establishing a quality improvement project to address HAI and injection technique compliance, cost-effectively. Other departments or hospitals can apply the same approach to improve quality of care.
Originality/value
This study helps inform other hospitals in similar settings, the steps to create a quality improvement project using the SPS approach.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Health, CHUB and all the staff for their support.
Citation
Gafirimbi, N., Wong, R., Adomako, E. and Kagwiza, J. (2016), "Lessons learned in establishing a quality improvement project to reduce hospital acquired infections in the neonatology ward at a referral hospital in Rwanda", On the Horizon, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 341-348. https://doi.org/10.1108/OTH-07-2016-0037
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited