Pediatric Surgical Care Toolkit
The toolkit below includes sample performance reports, action plans, worksheets, recommended readings and more.
Quality Initiative Summary
View the initiative summary to learn why SCW started this initiative, what we are trying to change in practice, and how we will implement the changes.
Events & Resources
Check here for upcoming events related to the pediatric initiative, resources that we think would be beneficial for our members, and more.
The Problem
- In Wisconsin, pediatric umbilical hernias are often performed at younger ages than evidence-based best practices recommend, and earlier on average than in other states.
- When pediatric appendicitis is diagnosed and treated using techniques developed for adults, children may be subject to unnecessary radiation and open surgical procedures.
- Many common pediatric surgical procedures require little or no opioid pain medication when evidence-based pain management strategies are successfully deployed. However, Wisconsin children receive high rates of postoperative opioid prescriptions.
How can SCW help?
- Offer teleconferences to engage surgeons in collaborative learning opportunities focused on current guidelines and best practices. Suggested new topics and guidance from SCW members are welcome at any time.
- Work with pediatric surgeons from Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and American Family Children’s Hospital to communicate changes in national practice guidelines and best practices.
- Provide pediatric specialist support for general surgeons
- Initial topics will include:
- Umbilical Hernia Repair: We will discuss timing of repair, surgical techniques including contraindications to using mesh, and appropriate postoperative opioid prescribing.
- Appendicitis: We will discuss the utilization of ultrasound as the primary modality for diagnosis, use of perioperative antibiotics and appropriate opioid prescribing, and surgical techniques to maximize the success of laparoscopic approaches while reducing costs.
Interested in Participating?
- Click here to learn how you can join.
- We welcome participation by surgeons, nurses quality improvement specialists, and others involved in the surgical care of children.
Click below to watch the recording of our connected learning session (without CME).
Click below to watch the recording of our connected learning session and receive free CME.
Why Pediatric Surgical Care?
Location
Many surgical procedures on Wisconsin children are performed in community hospitals by general surgeons, with umbilical hernia and appendectomy being the most commonly performed.
Evidence-based guidelines have impact
There is evidence that best practices for performing these procedures in pediatric populations are not consistently followed in Wisconsin.
Ensure equal access to high-quality surgical care
Collaborative learning will provide general surgeons with access to pediatric surgery specialists from Wisconsin’s children’s hospitals, creating a forum for discussion of best practices and technical tips and tricks.