Abstract
Objective
To identify key features in the NICU care delivery context that influence quality of care delivery.
Study design
Qualitative study using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 10 NICU quality experts with extensive experience conducting NICU site visits and evaluating quality of care. Analyses were performed using the method of constant comparison based on grounded theory.
Results
Qualitative analysis yielded three major themes: (1) the foundation for high quality care is a cohesive unit culture, characterized by open communication, teamwork, and engagement of families; (2) effective linkages between measurement and improvement action is necessary for continuous improvement; and (3) NICU capacity for improvement is sustained by active support, exchange of skills, and resources from the hospital.
Conclusions
Team cohesion, engagement of families, culture of improvement supported by measurement and institutional support from the hospital are some of the key contextual and managerial features critical to high-quality NICU care.
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Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the following individuals for contributing their time and expertise to this study: Lisa Bollman; David Braun; Doug Cunningham; Allen Fischer; David Perrott; Cecele Quaintance; Aida Simonian.
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Dhurjati, R., Wahid, N., Sigurdson, K. et al. Never judge a book by its cover: how NICU evaluators reach conclusions about quality of care. J Perinatol 38, 751–758 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-018-0092-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-018-0092-0