Implementation of a nurse-led eating disorder pathway in a paediatric emergency department.
Tracks
Concurrent Stream 1
| Friday, October 18, 2024 |
| 11:20 AM - 11:40 AM |
| Ionic Room |
Overview
Jo Duddy
Speaker
Ms Joanna Duddy
Clinical Nurse
Queensland Children's Hospital
Implementation of a nurse-led eating disorder pathway in a paediatric emergency department.
11:20 AM - 11:40 AMAbstract
In 2023, eating disorders (ED) affected approximately 1.1 million Australians with an estimated cost of $65 billion to the economy. ED are multifaceted mental disorders requiring care from a multidisciplinary team to treat the physical and mental health complexities involved. The average age of onset of an ED is between the ages of 12 and 25 with only approximately 73% of patients recovering and reporting a good quality of life.
A nurse-led pathway was implemented to improve the care and outcomes of patients with an ED within a paediatric emergency department. The pathway utilises a statewide-designed integrated electronic PowerPlan that supports clinicians in initiating evidence-based assessments, interventions, referrals and treatments. Key components of the nurse-led pathway include specialised training for emergency nurses in understanding ED, admission criteria, utilising the PowerPlan and establishing clear escalation pathways for medically unstable patients. Additionally, the pathway incorporates education for patients and their families to promote awareness and understanding of ED. Applying a systematic approach to management and care of this cohort of patients aims to improve recognition of ED signs and symptoms, expedite interventions, care and improve outcomes for patients and their families.
The implementation of the pathway is still relatively new, the positive impacts for ED patients have been observed, and most importantly since the introduction of the pathway, all medically unstable patients have been appropriately admitted. Time to be seen by a senior emergency doctor has improved by 31% and referral to admitting teams has improved by 16%. The average length of stay for ED patients remains above average at approximately 400 minutes, providing further opportunities for enhancement. By improving understanding, fostering a culture of early intervention and collaboration, the nurse-led pathway aims to optimise the management of ED in emergency departments, ultimately improving patient care, experience and outcomes.
A nurse-led pathway was implemented to improve the care and outcomes of patients with an ED within a paediatric emergency department. The pathway utilises a statewide-designed integrated electronic PowerPlan that supports clinicians in initiating evidence-based assessments, interventions, referrals and treatments. Key components of the nurse-led pathway include specialised training for emergency nurses in understanding ED, admission criteria, utilising the PowerPlan and establishing clear escalation pathways for medically unstable patients. Additionally, the pathway incorporates education for patients and their families to promote awareness and understanding of ED. Applying a systematic approach to management and care of this cohort of patients aims to improve recognition of ED signs and symptoms, expedite interventions, care and improve outcomes for patients and their families.
The implementation of the pathway is still relatively new, the positive impacts for ED patients have been observed, and most importantly since the introduction of the pathway, all medically unstable patients have been appropriately admitted. Time to be seen by a senior emergency doctor has improved by 31% and referral to admitting teams has improved by 16%. The average length of stay for ED patients remains above average at approximately 400 minutes, providing further opportunities for enhancement. By improving understanding, fostering a culture of early intervention and collaboration, the nurse-led pathway aims to optimise the management of ED in emergency departments, ultimately improving patient care, experience and outcomes.
Biography
Jo Duddy is a highly motivated, skilled Emergency Nurse with an exceptional level of clinical knowledge, proficiency and experience having worked in both adult and paediatric tertiary hospitals. Leading numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing nursing practices and scope, she's instrumental in improving patient care experience. Her transformational leadership style encourages the emergency nursing team to work together to realise organisational goals. Jo embodies the ethos of patient-centred care, advocating for collaborative decision-making and fostering a holistic approach to healthcare. Her commitment to the plane-tree philosophy ensures that every patient receives personalised care, supported by a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of compassion and excellence in emergency nursing.
