P.068 Quality improvement in Infantile Spasms through standardization: a tertiary-care centre retrospective chart review implementation study

Abstract

Background: Infantile Spasms (IS) is a rare epilepsy syndrome with characteristic features, and a strong consensus regarding treatment strategies. Clinical care pathways provide standardized and evidence-based patient care, support care quality and improve patient outcomes. Standardized electronic notes may support data collection and quality. After the concurrent implementation of an IS pathway and standardized electronic note at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in 2015, improvements in patient outcomes and quality of care were anticipated. Methods: A single-centre, retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with Infantile spasms in Alberta, Canada from 2011-2019 was completed. Patient characteristics and outcomes were analyzed by pre-pathway and post-pathway implementation status. Results: Rates of 3-month spasm remission, and of remission without relapse did not significantly differ between pre- and post-pathway cohorts. Rates of 2-week spasm remission were not obtainable from a significant proportion of pre-pathway patient records when compared to the post-pathway group, indicating patient record quality improved following the electronic note implementation. A significant proportion of patients received Prednisolone as their first treatment for IS post-pathway implementation compared to pre-pathway (p<0.001). Conclusions: A single-centre experience with concurrent implementation of an IS pathway and standardized electronic note demonstrated no significant changes in patient outcomes. Potential improvements for patient care are identified.