Date of this Version

12-7-2022

Document Type

DNP Project

Abstract

Abstract

Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) centers are also known as medical daycare centers. These centers provide children with special health care needs (CSHCN) nursing care and developmental therapies. PPECs are non-residential facilities that serve children from birth to 21 years of age. During the last several decades’ technological advances have dramatically improved the survival rates of children with life-threatening diseases or injuries (Caicedo, 2013). Some children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) who survive life-threatening diseases or injuries tend to need in-home nursing care. One study has shown that CSHCN in PPEC settings had the highest healthcare quality of life (HRQL) compared to CSHCN cared for at home or in long-term care facilities, including physical and psychosocial functioning (Caicedo, 2013). This quality improvement project assessed Nicklaus Children's Hospital pediatric healthcare providers’ knowledge of PPEC services and the benefits associated with PPECs. Eighty-seven percent of the participants had a master's degree and an average of twenty years of pediatric experience. The providers participated in a pre-survey to assess their knowledge of the services and benefits associated with PPEC. Next, they participated in an educational PowerPoint presentation about PPECs, the referral process, and patient qualifications for admission. After the educational presentation, the participants completed a post-survey to assess if there was an increase in participants knowledge. Results showed a 37% increase in knowledge about the benefits of PPEC services. In conclusion, although there were advanced healthcare providers with an average of 20 years of experience working with children, they had little knowledge of the benefits and services provided by PPEC. Research has shown that PPECs provide children with special healthcare care needs a place that can serve their medical and psychosocial needs. PPEC providers can implement educational in-services to local pediatric healthcare providers through personal visits and collaborate with local children's hospitals to increase participation in community outreach programs. The quality improvement project has shown that educational intervention effectively increases pediatric healthcare providers’ knowledge about PPEC services and their benefits.

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