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Necrotizing

Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants, with Tennessee’s NEC rate ranging from 3% to 10% annually. This project aims to reduce the NEC incidence by 25% and mortality by 10% by 2026 among preterm infants born at 29.6 or less weeks gestation. By implementing evidence-based practices and leveraging quality improvement methodologies, this initiative will standardize care across NICUs, optimize clinical outcomes, and enhance neonatal care statewide.

Intro
PROJECT APPLICATION
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Teams
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Intro

The third project in the Tennessee Tiniest Baby Bundle is the treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).  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. The primary aim of the NEC project is to demonstrate a 25% relative reduction (compared to 2021-2023 institutional baseline data) in necrotizing enterocolitis in infants less than or equal to 29.6 weeks gestational age in participating TN NICUs by Q2 2026, with final data collection Q3 2026. The secondary aim of the project is to demonstrate a 10% relative reduction in mortality of targeted infants prior to 28 days of life (compared to 2021-2023 institutional baseline data) by Q2 2026, with final data collection Q3 2026.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis Data Dashboard

USING THIS INTERACTIVE DASHBOARD, CLICK ON THE FIELDS BELOW TO REVIEW THIS PROJECT’S PROGRESS ON KEY PROCESS, STRUCTURE, AND OUTCOME MEASURES.

QI Project

Guidance & Resources

Resources

Resources for Teams

Access
QI Project Guidance

Toolkit

Download
QI Project Guidance

Key Driver Diagram

Download
QI Project Guidance

TTB- NEC Protocol

Download
Resources

Quarterly Data Capture- Structure Measures

Download
QI Project Guidance

Clinical Care Checklist

Download
Baseline Data Collection Form

QI Tools

Read more

Video

Resources

Dr. Josef Neu at TIPQC Annual Meeting 2025

Join us as Dr. Neu discusses the identification and prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis. 

Teams

*Denotes pilot hospital

State Project Leaders

Mary Catherine Burke is offering her expertise and leadership as the project State Patient and Family Partner.

Mary Eva Dye, DNP is a nurse practitioner and quality improvement specialist for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Jack Owens, MD, MPH, CPE is a neonatologist, the NICU Medical Director at Niswonger Children’s Hospital, and a Professor of Pediatrics, Quillen College of Medicine.

Previous State Infant Medical Director, Scott Guthrie, MD, is a neonatologist for Vanderbilt University Medical Center working at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Vanderbilt School of Medicine.

Get

Involved.

TIPQC is actively recruiting devoted health care professionals, community leaders and patient and family partners to further our mission of improving health outcomes for mothers and babies in Tennessee.

Learn How