Percutaneous Nephrostomy Audit: Evaluating Quality and Technical Proficiency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51985/Keywords:
Clinical Audit, Hydronephrosis, Nephrostomy, Percutaneous, Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Ultrasonography, InterventionalAbstract
Objective: The objective of this clinical audit was to assess the quality and technique of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) procedures in accordance with international standards in order to identify deficiencies in existing practices, adopt standardized quality improvement protocols, and evaluate their effects by a re-audit to optimize procedural outcomes and minimize problems.
Study design and setting: This retrospective cross-sectional clinical audit conducted in the Urology Department of Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Study included 50 patients who underwent PCN and was carried out in two phases: an initial audit (January–February 2023) to assess baseline compliance with international PCN guidelines, followed by the implementation of quality improvement interventions and a re-audit (May–June 2023) to evaluate improvements in procedural quality and technique.
Methodology: Procedures were assessed via an audit proforma based on European Association of Urology (EAU), Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), and Smith and Tanagho’s guidelines, grading outcomes as Good, Moderate, or Poor. After identifying common errors, quality improvement measures were implemented. A re-audit of another 50 patients was conducted.
Results: The preliminary audit revealed suboptimal PCN quality and technique. Following the implementation of quality improvement measures, the re-audit demonstrated substantial enhancements in all grades, with a significant increase in good quality protocols.
Conclusion: This clinical audit and quality improvement initiative significantly enhanced the quality and technique of PCN. Regular training sessions, dissemination of guidelines and ongoing evaluations are recommended to reduced complications and improved patient experienc
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