QI 152 To Improve Patient Safety for Those at Risk of Choking in an Inpatient Setting

Abstract

Aim: To Increase Awareness and Increase Referrals by 30% for Patients at Risk Of Choking Within Learning Disabilities & Autism & Mental Health Inpatient Services.

This project has been run jointly across MH and LD&A inpatient services. Across the services there were only small numbers of referrals being received, these were often following very severe choking events. Previous attempts to implement a referral process had been been unsuccessful. The processes, referral information, national guidance etc were reviewed to understand the current situation. Based on this a screening tool and referral process along with awareness training were developed and tested on one ward and gradually rolled out across other wards as the tool and process was adapted. Awareness training has been rolled out across the mental health wards and as part of staff induction in Learning Disabilities and Autism.

Tools Used: Driver Diagrams - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-driver-diagrams.pdf; SPC Charts - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-statistical-process-control.pdf; PDSA Cycles - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-pdsa-cycles-model-for-improvement.pdf.

Project Impact: Standardised screening tool for assessing risk and making referrals to Dysphagia Service. Monthly report to Dysphagia Service re: choking incidents. Increase in referral rate for dysphagia assessment. Increased staff awareness across inpatient services. Screening being embedded into MH & LD&A admission pathway. Screening being completed as standard within Health Action Plan in LD&A. Facilities awareness and food Modification training.