Journal Club Summary

Methodology Score: 4/5                  
Usefulness Score: 4/5

Stagg A, et al. BMJ Qual Saf. 2018 Feb;27(2):140-147. 

Question and Methods: This QI time-series analysis assessed the efficacy, safety and costs of a 2-step urine culture (UC) collection system.

Findings: There was a decrease in UC processing (5.9%-4.6%), positive UCs callbacks (1.8%-1.1%), and urinary antibiotic prescribing in admitted patients (20%-10%) without detrimental effects on balancing measures.

Limitations: Limitations include the lack of reported antibiotic-related adverse events, the preservative system used, and the small absolute magnitude in change of UC-processing.

Interpretation: QI work must be compared to one’s context and after reviewing our hospital’s current state and process the findings of this study are generalizable.

By: Dr. Miguel Cortel

 

Epi Lesson

Quality Improvement Papers

Quality improvement interventions are designed to improve quality of care within an institutional context and are often complex, multi-component, and tailored to the local setting. These systematic, data-guided activities are designed to bring about immediate improvements in health care delivery at particular settings. Often QI initiatives set out to implement best practices that have previously been evaluated for effectiveness.

By: Dr. Ian Stiell

Author

  • Hans Rosenberg

    Dr. Rosenberg is an emergency physician at the Ottawa Hospital, assistant professor at the University of Ottawa, and Director of the Digital Scholarship and Knowledge Dissemination Program.