Quality and Safety Data

All kids deserve a safe place to seek care and some come with their own challenges of not always being able to share how they’re feeling. So it’s up to us as caregivers and parents to step in and help. Safety and quality are our top priorities at Riley Children’s Health. Reducing harm is paramount to our patient safety and recovery.

Below are just four of the types of safety concerns that we measure: HAPI, CLABSI, SSI and hand hygiene. In addition to explaining the four types of safety concerns, we describe how patients and families can help us identify a safety concern and what we can all do to help keep our patients safe.

Quality and Safety Dashboard

Below is a dashboard with a separate box representing each type of safety concern. Each box shows the benchmark for that safety concern, along with our current measurement noted above. This tracking allows us to better serve our patients and implement more rigorous safety measures when needed.

Hospital Acquired Pressure Injury (HAPI)

Hospital Acquired Pressure Injury (HAPI) refers to skin or underlying tissue damage caused by prolonged pressure during a hospital stay. Patients with limited mobility, poor nutrition, compromised circulation, or chronic illnesses are at higher risk of pressure injuries. If a pressure injury is suspected or identified, prompt reporting and intervention are crucial for optimal healing and preventing further complications.

How can patients and families help?

  • Open communication between families and healthcare providers about any discomfort or concerns related to skin integrity is integral for pressure injury prevention.
  • Families can actively participate by assisting with repositioning, promoting mobility, and collaborating with healthcare professionals on prevention strategies.
  • Regular repositioning, proper support surfaces (mattresses, cushions), skincare, adequate nutrition, and hydration are key in preventing pressure injuries.
  • Regularly check for redness, warmth, or changes in skin texture. Report any concerns promptly to the healthcare team.
  • Keep the skin clean and dry to prevent excess moisture, which can contribute to skin breakdown.
  • Encourage appropriate levels of activity based on the patient's condition. Regular movement helps reduce the risk of pressure injuries.

Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI)

CLABSI is an infection that occurs when bacteria or other pathogens enter the bloodstream through a central line, a catheter placed in a large vein. These catheters are important for drawing blood or administering fluids & medications. Factors such as prolonged central line use, poor hygiene, and compromised immune systems increase the risk of infection.

How can patients and families help?

  • Proper hand hygiene for healthcare providers, family members, and visitors is crucial to infection prevention.
  • Open communication between families and healthcare providers is key in addressing any questions or concerns related to the central line and infection prevention.
  • Families should look for signs of infection, including fever, chills, and redness or tenderness at the catheter site. Promptly report any concerns to healthcare providers. Early intervention is crucial in managing CLABSI.
  • Keeping the central line site clean and dry is key in preventing infection. Notify the healthcare team if the central line dressing appears dirty, wet, or falling off.
  • Families should speak up if any lapses in infection control practices occur or they have concerns about the care of the central line.

Surgical Site Infections (SSI)

A surgical site infection is an infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place. Patients with certain medical conditions, compromised immune systems, or those undergoing lengthy or complex surgeries are at a higher risk of SSIs.

Maintaining good personal hygiene before and after surgery is crucial to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria to the surgical site. Proper hand hygiene for healthcare providers, family members, and visitors is crucial to infection prevention. Open communication between families and healthcare providers is key in addressing any questions or concerns related to the surgical site and infection prevention.

How can patients and families help?

  • Families should look for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth, or discharge at the surgical site. Fever may also be a sign of an infection. Promptly report any abnormalities to healthcare providers. Early intervention is crucial in managing SSIs.
  • The surgical site should be regularly checked and any changes or concerns should immediately be conveyed to the healthcare team.
  • Families should ask questions about the surgical process, including infection prevention measures, and communicate openly with healthcare providers about any concerns.

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene refers to cleaning hands to prevent the spreading of infections and illnesses. Handwashing plays a crucial role in preventing the transmission of germs, including bacteria and viruses.

How do we maintain hand hygiene?

  • Hands should be washed using soap and water, rubbing hands together for at least 20 seconds, ensuring thorough coverage of all surfaces, and drying hands completely.
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be used when soap and water are not readily available.
  • Hand washing should be done before entering the patient's room, after body fluid exposure, after touching the patient, and after leaving the patient's room.

How can patients and families help?

  • Family members can also be role models for good hand hygiene, especially for children, by consistently practicing proper handwashing.
  • Hand hygiene is everyone's collective responsibility to maintain good practices to protect themselves and others from infections.