Partnership with Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES) | Optimizing EP Lab Efficiency: Identifying and Addressing Common Gaps

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Melissa Olin from the Pediatric Arrhythmia and Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES) presented a quality improvement project aimed at enhancing cath lab efficiency for pediatric patients undergoing electrophysiology (EP) studies. The project focused on reducing non-procedural delays, particularly targeting young patients with common arrhythmias, by assessing time barriers from patient arrival to discharge. Surveys and data tracking revealed variability in practice, especially concerning vascular access bed rest ("flat") times, which ranged from 1 to 4+ hours. Analysis showed that shorter flat times didn't always improve discharge efficiency. Interventions included delayed second case arrival times, reducing flat times to four hours or less, standardized discharge checklists, and targeted patient and family education. Key to success was stakeholder engagement across teams like pre-op and anesthesia. The project is ongoing, with follow-up data collection planned to assess impact on throughput and patient outcomes. This model offers a framework for improving EP lab efficiency applicable to both pediatric and adult care settings.

Keywords

Society of Vascular Surgery

smoking cessation

Can-Do initiative

vascular patients

tobacco abstinence

Pediatric Arrhythmia

Electrophysiology Studies

Cath Lab Efficiency

Quality Improvement

Patient Discharge Process