Citation

Ajdari A, Boyle LN, Kannan N, Rowhani-Rahbar A, Wang J, Mink R, Ries B, Wainwright M, Groner JI, Bell MJ, Giza C, Zatzick DF, Ellenbogen RG, Mitchell PH, Rivara FP, Vavilala MS. J. Healthc. Qual. 2017; 39(6): 334-344.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, National Association for Healthcare Quality, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1097/JHQ.0000000000000052

PMID

28166114

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), timely treatment of patients can affect the outcome. Our objectives were to examine the treatment process of acute pediatric TBI and the impact of non-value-added time (NVAT) on patient outcomes.

METHODS: Data for 136 pediatric trauma patients (age < 18 years) with severe TBI from 2 trauma centers in the United States were collected. A process flow and value stream map identified NVATs and their sources in the treatment process. Cluster and regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between NVAT, as a percentage of the patient's length of stay (LOS), and the patient outcome, measured by their corresponding Glasgow outcome scale.

RESULTS: There were 14 distinct sources of NVAT identified. A regression analysis showed that increased NVAT was associated with less favorable outcomes (relative ratio = 1.015, confidence interval = [1.002-1.029]). Specifically, 1% increase in the NVAT-to-LOS ratio was associated with a 1.5% increase in the chance of a less favorable outcome (i.e., death or vegetative state).

CONCLUSION: The NVAT has a significant impact on the outcome of pediatric TBI, and every minute spent on performing non-value-added processes can lead to an increase in the likelihood of less favorable outcomes.

Language: en