The Impact of Quality Improvement Initiatives on Outcomes of Preterm Neonates

This report examines the effect of applying structured Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives on the clinical outcomes of preterm neonates admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The study focused on infants born at less than 32 weeks of gestation, comparing outcomes before and after the implementation of QI protocols. The QI bundle included standardized respiratory management, early enteral feeding with breast milk, infection prevention measures, controlled oxygen saturation monitoring, and neuroprotective care practices. Data were collected from two cohorts: pre-QI group (n = 120) and post-QI group (n = 130). Key variables included rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and mortality. Regression analysis confirmed QI implementation as an independent protective factor (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.29–0.79, p = 0.004). Furthermore, a strong inverse correlation was observed between adherence level and complication rates (Spearman r = –0.81, p = 0.002). In conclusion, the application of comprehensive QI strategies was associated with marked improvement in clinical outcomes among preterm infants. The degree of adherence to these protocols was directly linked to the level of benefit achieved. These results support the continued investment in and monitoring of QI implementation in NICU settings to enhance survival and reduce morbidities in this vulnerable population.

Keywords: Quality Improvement; Preterm Infants; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).