Abstract | March 2, 2021
Quality Improvement Analyst in the Burn Unit
Learning Objectives
- The learner will be able to describe one of the benefits of the QIA in the burn unit;
- The learner will be able to express understanding of who a QIA is.
Background: The role of the Quality Improvement Analyst (QIA) is a role that is not widely known and unique to one organization. The role began out of a desire to increase frontline knowledge of quality improvement, serve as unit quality and safety champion, disseminate best practices, and lead quality improvement initiatives on the unit. The QIA serves as the bridge between leadership and clinical staffing to connect quality focus and improvement.
The QIA role was developed in 2016 at the adult hospital and started with a small group of nurses who were willing to trial the role.
Methods: A QIA is an experienced bedside nurse who works three days a week at the bedside. One day a week they are out of staffing to work on quality improvement projects on the unit and attend organizational meetings.
Results: Since the QIA has been in place on the burn unit the following has been accomplished:
- Hospital acquired pressure injury reduction, currently half of what it has been previously. Historically the burn unit averaged 1.6 hospital acquired pressure injuries and are down to 0.4 on average.
- CLABSI days since last infection > 1year and approaching two years as a result of heightened awareness, ongoing education, CHG bathing and a vascular access deimplementation project.
- Cdiff days since last infection > 1yr as a result of ongoing education and heightened awareness.
- Falls with injury decreased and overall falls decreased as a result of ongoing education, heightened awareness, and making chair alarms available in every room.
- Changes made to the electronic medical record to support work flow which increased compliance in charting and increased charges being input.
- Infection prevention with the development of reassigning patient rooms and cutting down on colonization in patients with long lengths of stay.
- Education of bedside nurses with journal club, formal education in classrooms and at staff meetings, and bedside education with pro tips.
Conclusion: The role of the QIA has proven to be successful on the burn unit.
The benefits of having an experienced nurse to share their knowledge with bedside staff through in the moment and hands on education while supporting organizational initiatives has been invaluable and evidenced by improvements in quality metrics. The QIA is truly a champion for quality and safety.
