Enhancing Safe Sleep Counseling by Pediatricians through a Quality Improvement Learning Collaborative

BACKGROUND: Approximately, 3,500 infants die annually from sleep-related infant deaths in the United States. We sought to improve pediatricians’ counseling on safe sleep from birth through 6 months of age through a virtual quality improvement learning collaborative (QILC). Our aim was appropriate screening, counseling, and documentation of safe sleep advice in 75% of eligible patient encounters after the QILC. METHODS: We formed a 9-month QILC for inpatient and outpatient pediatricians. Pediatricians collected data on safe sleep documentation in a newborn discharge or well-child visit note. Data were submitted at baseline and in 9 subsequent phases. Participants met monthly via a webinar, which included a QI presentation, data review, and facilitated discussion among participants. Practices were contacted 12 months after the conclusion of the QILC to assess sustainment. RESULTS: Thirty-four pediatricians from 4 inpatient and 9 outpatient practices participated in the QILC. At baseline, documentation of safe sleep practices varied greatly (0%–98%). However, by the end of the QILC, all participating practices were documenting safe sleep guidance in over 75% of patient encounters. Aggregate practice data show a significant, sustained improvement. The 12-month follow-up data were submitted from 62% of practices, with sustainment of improvement in 75% of practices. CONCLUSION: A facilitated, virtual QILC is an effective methodology to improve safe sleep counseling among a diverse group of pediatric practices. It is one step in improving consistent messaging around safe sleep by healthcare providers as pediatricians work to decrease sleep-related infant deaths.