QI 1285 Neonatal Occupational Therapy to Improve Positioning Practices

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of introducing Neonatal therapeutic input and collaborative working in George Eliot Hospital (GEH).

The ‘Theory of Moral Injury’ (led by Čartolovni et al) was established during the pandemic following observations around inflicting human suffering during life saving treatment. This research is increasingly being applied to Neonatal care, acknowledging the pain caused to save tiny babies lives, the quality of life that child may be left with and effect of the families long term. A new role was created in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), where there was previously no therapeutic input for neonatal patients. Gorge Eliot Hospital (GEH), recognised and funded the role, with the scope of the full service open to improvement.

Tools Used: PDSA - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-pdsa-cycles-model-for-improvement.pdf; Stakeholder Analysis - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-stakeholder-analysis.pdf; Fishbone Diagram - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-cause-and-effect-fishbone.pdf; PESTL Framework.

Project Impact: A reduction from 100% to 0% of Neonatal babies needing major repositioning following Neonatal therapy input.