CHOC has been nationally recognized for its effective treatment of newborns with jaundice, following its participation in an 18-month initiative led by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) aimed at enhancing care quality for infants with elevated bilirubin levels.
Jaundice, a common condition in newborns, results from their immature livers struggling to process bilirubin efficiently. Excess bilirubin can potentially cause brain damage and seizures if untreated. One of the primary treatments for jaundice involves phototherapy, where infants are placed under specialized blue-spectrum lights to reduce bilirubin levels.
CHOC was among over 90 pediatric healthcare systems involved in the Value in Inpatient Pediatrics (VIP) Quality Network LIGHT project, initiated by the AAP in fall 2022 alongside updated guidelines for neonatal jaundice treatment. The hospital was notably recognized as one of 19 institutions showing significant improvement in minimizing subthreshold phototherapy.
SEE ALSO: What Are the Four Types of Neonatal Jaundice?
“We are grateful for this recognition,” stated Dr. Kris Chang, co-leader of CHOC’s LIGHT quality improvement team alongside Dr. Amanda Schafenacker.
The project’s goals included reducing unnecessary treatments like subthreshold phototherapy, ensuring direct antiglobulin testing for infants with blood type O mothers, minimizing early rebound bilirubin checks for low-risk infants, and decreasing unnecessary IV fluid usage during phototherapy.
Overall, the LIGHT project aimed to align clinical practices with AAP guidelines and enhance the quality of care for newborns affected by jaundice. Dr. Schafenacker emphasized their focus on education and guideline adherence throughout the initiative.
Commencing on September 19, 2022, and concluding on March 31, 2024, the project underscored CHOC’s commitment to improving neonatal care standards nationwide.
