16 May 2022
Getting kids hands on for their heart is a Q Exchange Finalist for SHSCT
Parents/ and caregivers of children with intellectual disability know that ECG is essential for the initiation and monitoring of prescribed medication for their children but the procedure can be hard for some children to tolerate. The SHSCT Q Exchange Project ‘Getting kids hands on for their heart’ is looking to improve patient safety utilising digital technology hand held ECG monitors, in initiation and monitoring of prescribed medication in children with intellectual disability.
As finalist in the Health Foundation’s Q Exchange programme, the project is hoping to be awarded £40,000 to continue to develop the work. HSCQI is a country partner of the Q Community and there are over 250 Q Members across HSCNI who are eligible to vote.
The team consisting of ID CAMHS co-ordinating with paediatric services, cardiac investigations and QI experts, is using a quality improvement approach to work closely with parents/caregivers and children to refine the project and is also taking advice from other professionals interested in the learning. ID CAMHS promote the principles of STOMP/STAMP and adhere to prescribing and monitoring guidance. Unfortunately some children have difficulties with clinical monitoring procedures. Use of the hand held ECG technology would improve patient safety by providing clinical indicator of heart health reducing potential adverse effects of the medication and early intervention.
As a parent, Zoe Parks has experienced the difficulties of ECG monitoring on her son and is very positive about the new technology.
“I think this is an excellent proposal. I have experience of taking my son for numerous clinical procedures including ECGs. It is wonderful to see this team coming up with innovative and creative alternatives to ensure all children can benefit. I love the child centred approach.”
The ‘Getting Kids Hands On For Their Heart Team’ is hoping that Q Members in the HSCQI Network and other Q Members outside Northern Ireland will get behind the project by voting for it when voting opens on the Q website on 17 May.
Speaking about the work, Jacqueline Morton, Head of Quality, SHSCT commented:
“Engaging with Health and Social Care staff can be challenging for young people with intellectual disability and their families. This project will reduce inequalities and have a real impact on patient safety and quality of care by improving access to services that we all take for granted and that young people with Intellectual Disability struggle with. The team have a great QI background and a can-do attitude and we are very proud of all they have achieved.”
For Q Exchange in 2022, funding of £800,000 has been allocated for the programme. Delivered by Q and jointly funded by the Health Foundation and the NHS, in partnership for digital health and care. 30 projects have now been shortlisted and will go forward to the Q community vote where Q members vote on which projects receive funding. The winners will be announced in June 2022. and Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s two further shortlisted projects are the finalists representing HSCNI. This is a tremendous achievement for Southern and Social Care Trust in having the three projects shortlisted as finalists.
To find out more about Getting kids hands on for their heart see Getting kids hands on for their heart. | Q Community (health.org.uk) .
or watch the video Getting kids hands on for their heart – YouTube
Q Members can find out more about how to vote during 17-31 May on the Q website link above.