Defining Excellence: The First Core Set of Quality Indicators for the European Paediatric Surgical Audit on Hirschsprung's Disease Care.
Aim
This study aimed to develop a universally applicable core set of quality indicators for Hirschsprung's disease care through a consensus-driven process, to standardise and improve care quality across Europe.
Methods
A modified Delphi method was used to achieve consensus among healthcare professionals (HPs) and patient representatives (PRs) across Europe. Participants completed three rounds of anonymous surveys, rating quality indicators for Hirschsprung's disease care. A systematic literature review informed the initial item list. Results were analysed using predefined criteria, and a final consensus meeting established the core set of indicators.
Results
An international panel of 8 PRs and 96 multidisciplinary health care professionals representing 59 European hospitals completed all questionnaires, eventually including 12 baseline characteristics and 39 indicators. Six of the top 10 indicators were commonly prioritised by both groups. The remaining items were refined through debate and finalised during a consensus meeting.
Conclusion
This study established a core set of 12 baseline characteristics and 14 quality indicators for evaluating Hirschsprung's disease care. These indicators will support benchmarking and continuous quality improvement within the European Paediatric Surgical Audit framework, ultimately enhancing outcomes and care for children with Hirschsprung's disease.
© 2025 The Author(s). Acta Paediatrica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Foundation Acta Paediatrica.
Overview publication
| Title | Defining Excellence: The First Core Set of Quality Indicators for the European Paediatric Surgical Audit on Hirschsprung's Disease Care. |
| Date | 2025-01-25 |
| Issue name | Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) |
| Issue number | pubmed:39865350 |
| DOI | 10.1111/apa.17594 |
| PubMed | 39865350 |
| Authors | |
| Info | EPSA|ERNICA Registry Group and collaborative authors, Tambucci RR, Vercauteren CC, Bagolan PP, Hubertus JJ, Sarnacki SS, Neirinck AA, Gailiene JJ, Maerzheuser SS, Stenström PP, Bellver PPP, Amerstorfer EE, Czauderna PP, Vanderlinden KK, Till HH, Giuliani SS, Matthyssens LEL, Catania VDVD, Versteegh HH, Crétolle CC, Fartacek RR, Oddsberg JJ, Cheli MM, Ciardini EE, Hagelsteen KK, Sfeir RR, Dariel AA, Vervloessem DD, Montalva LL, Migliazza LL, Noviello CC, Mutanen AA, Allin BB, Dotlačil VV, Riccipetitoni GG, Duci MM, Faticato MGMG, Malota MM, Toczewski KK, Qvist NN, Paradiso FVFV, Avanzini SS, Palleri EE, Brendel JJ, Guanà RR, Ifaoui II, F J Feitz WW, Eaton SS, Gunnarsdóttir AA, Midrio PP, Valfre LL, Macchini FF, Tarrado XX, Bakx RR, Lindert JJ, Coletta RR, Bjørn NN, Derikx JJ, Martinez LL, Heydweiller ACA, Dagilyte RRV, Öztorun CCİ, Erculiani MM, Van Cauwenberge SS, Conforti AA, Ludwiczek JJ, Stockinger MSMS, Miserez MM, Durakbasa CCU, Soyer TT, Di Cesare AA, Capito CC, Domenichelli VV, Bardaji CCM, Gosemann JHJ, Scheers II, Ruiterkamp JJ, Thorup JJM, Witvliet MMJ, Meeussen CCJHM, Juelsgaard MM, Gallo GG, Tolekova NN, Reinshagen KK |
| Keywords | Hirschsprung's disease, auditing, quality improvement, quality indicators |
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