HEADSS-Up: To improve the % of HEADSS assessment compliance for Paediatric Inpatient Wards
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
SingHealth
31 December 2024
Improve compliance for HEADSS assessment performed by doctors on all eligible paediatric inpatients upon positive screening. Both tangible and intangible saving were observed in the improvement, as the cycle times have reduced significantly, staff do not.
Year Submitted: 2024
Published Date: 31 December 2024
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Access To Care, Referral Rate
About this Content
Aims
Improve compliance for HEADSS assessment performed by doctors on all eligible paediatric inpatients upon positive screening by nurses, from 40% to 70% within 6 months at KKH.
Background
One in three adolescents in Singapore suffers from mental health symptoms, with suicide being a leading cause of death. HEADSS screening has been used since 2017, but hospital-wide assessments in 2021 revealed inconsistent administration.
Methods
A multidisciplinary workgroup co-created new screening workflows, clarified screening questions, streamlined assessment processes, and improved communication between nurses and doctors. Training was provided for better adherence.
Results
HEADSS compliance improved from 37% to 85%. Of those screened positive, 64% were referred to mental health providers. Early intervention was necessary to improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
Both tangible and intangible saving were observed in the improvement, as the cycle times have reduced significantly, staff do not require to constantly attend to the patients to provide updates, doctors do not need to travel far to review patient and consent taking, beds utilization has improved and more importantly, enhanced the staff and patient experience which provide good reputation and align with KKH mission “To lead in excellent, holistic and compassionate care for Women & Children.”
Lessons Learnt
Structured workflow redesign and better communication improved compliance and referral efficiency.
Keywords
Mental Health, HEADSS Screening, Paediatric, Medical Social Workers, Psychology, Psychiatry
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | KK Women and Children Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Paediatrics, Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Juliet Tan Sher Kit |
Project Member(s) | Chu Shan Elaine Chew |
Connect with this contributor!
Jeslyn Neo - Jeslyn.neo.ht@kkh.com.sg
Project Attachment
1007_KKH_NHIP_2024_HEADSS_Up_Improving_HEADSS_Screening_Compliance_for_Hospitalised_Adolescents.pdf