What's Happening?
A quality improvement initiative at a level IV NICU has successfully increased the use of premedication and rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in very low birth weight infants undergoing non-emergent intubations.
The initiative involved forming a multidisciplinary team, education, and implementing an EHR-pathway with embedded orders. As a result, premedication use increased significantly, leading to a reduction in tracheal intubation adverse events and severe desaturations.
Why It's Important?
Standardizing premedication practices, including RSI, can significantly improve neonatal safety by reducing adverse events associated with tracheal intubation. This initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in enhancing procedural safety for vulnerable infants. The reduction in adverse events and desaturations can lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs associated with complications from intubation.
