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Clinical audits
Ref Number: APCP-PP-112

Improving Timeliness of Nebulisation Therapy in Paediatric Inpatients: A Before-and-After Clinical Audit of a Bedside Nebulisation Schedule Display Board

Fathima Rifdha Mohamed Rhysa¹, Naduni Peththanayake ¹, Miss. G W K S Thrivadini ², Gihan Samarasekara ², Sharmy Hassan ¹, Kasun Jayasundara ¹
1- Faculty of Medicine, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka 2- Teaching Hospital Kalutara, Sri Lanka
Corresponding Author: Fathima Rifdha Mohamed Rhysa (rifdha1625@gmail.com)
Abstract Body
Introduction: Timely administration of nebulised therapy is essential for the effective management of paediatric respiratory conditions associated with bronchospasm, such as asthma; however, delays are common in high-workload ward settings. This audit aimed to address gaps in nebulisation timeliness through a simple bedside visual intervention. Objective: To evaluate whether introducing a bedside nebulisation schedule display board improves adherence to prescribed nebulisation schedules among paediatric inpatients. Methods: A before-and-after quality improvement audit using Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) methodology was conducted in professorial paediatric wards at the Maternity and Children Hospital, Kalutara, Sri Lanka. Children receiving regular nebulisation therapy were included; Pro- Ra-Nata (PRN) prescriptions and intensive care patients were excluded. Timely administration was defined as delivery within ±10 minutes of the scheduled time. Baseline data were collected over 7 days (114 nebulisation events). A laminated bedside nebulisation schedule board displaying medication details and the next scheduled dose was implemented with staff briefing and caregiver education. Post-intervention data were collected over a further 7 days(97 events). Results: On-time nebulisation improved from 57 .8% pre-intervention to 80% post-intervention. Mean delay decreased from 40 to 20 minutes. The intervention enhanced staff awareness, accountability , and caregiver engagement, reducing reliance on verbal reminders. Conclusion: A low-cost bedside visual reminder significantly improved nebulisation timeliness and workflow efficiency . This sustainable, scalable strategy has potential for wider implementation in resource-limited paediatric settings and for other timesensitive therapies.
Keywords: Improving timeliness; Timeliness of nebulisation; Bedside nebulisation
Presentation Type: Clinical audits
Disclaimer: The Views and opinions expressed in the articles are of the authors and not of the journal.
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