Chronic Lung Disease, also known as Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, is a lung disease of extreme prematurity. A preterm baby has very fragile and underdeveloped lungs. Unfortunately, the things done to keep a tiny baby alive can sometimes cause damage to lungs. There are, however, potentially better practices, that can be implemented that can decrease the risk of this happening. TIPQC has launched this project so that Tennessee’s Tiniest Babies can have the best chance possible in avoiding this problem.
The TIPQC Prevention of Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) Improvement Project is the second project under the Tennessee Tiniest Babies Bundle with the project aim of a 25% relative reduction (over last 3 years institutional baseline) in chronic lung disease and a 10% relative reduction in Grade 3 Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in infants less than or equal to 29.6 weeks gestational age in participating TN NICUs by June 2025. This project is open to all level 3 and 4 NICUs across the state who care for infants <32 weeks and a birth weight <1500g.
While advances in neonatal care have significantly improved ELBW survival, BPD rates have not improved. Multiple factors contribute to CLD including mechanical ventilation, oxygen toxicity, infection, inflammation, and preventing secondary lung injury. Collectively, improvements in these areas can reduce morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Quality improvement (QI) projects focused on the implementation of potentially better practices have demonstrated that single institutions and even collaborative efforts can decrease the incidence of CLD.
In 2020, 1,352 babies, or 1.7% of live births, were born very preterm in Tennessee and cared for at these facilities. Statistically, this group of infants represents approximately one-third of our state’s infant deaths which include disparities amongst racial and ethnic groups. To lower Tennessee’s infant mortality rate, meet the goal as put forth in the “2030 Healthy People” objectives, and improve equity by reducing disparities in care, a collaborative approach to the care along with the implementation of effective care strategies will be realized through this bundle.
TIPQC is proud to have teams of healthcare professionals and parents participate in this very important project. This project, like so many of the other TIPQC projects, is aimed at improving care for babies and families one project at a time.
