Quality Improvement in Time to Treatment of Status Epilepticus

The overall study design is a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial. A stepped-wedge is a unidirectional crossover design in which clusters switch treatments at different time points, enabling statistically rigorous assessment of interventions while reducing ethical and resource limitations for quality improvement studies.[1] Seven centers will be randomly assigned to implement the QI bundle at staggered 1-month intervals after a baseline period. Only the timing of the dissemination visit will be randomized; all sites will receive the same materials and perform the same activities (e.g. focus group, process map development, simulations).

This study is an effectiveness-implementation hybrid study. The effectiveness-implementation hybrid design is ideal for assessing both clinical interventions and implementation.17 Importantly, our interventions have strong face-validity, are evidence-based, low-risk and low-cost. For instance, the price to change BZD formulations is nominal (~$1 per dose), and other QI bundle interventions are primarily focused on frontline staff process changes. While testing the effect of the QI bundle on time to BZD treatment, we will utilize this framework and mixed methods analysis to measure implementation and identify barriers and facilitators. Thus, this proposal is of high-value, as it will provide randomized multicenter efficacy data while providing understanding for broad implementation following study end.

For the effectiveness component, we will utilize a stepped-wedge cluster randomized design. Based on our preliminary data, the intraclass correlation coefficient is estimated around 0.5, an overall sample size of 60 episodes will be adequate to achieve powers greater than 90%. A potential pitfall of the stepped wedge design is the potential confounding effects of temporal trends. We will mitigate this by tracking data at the primary site, which will be in the sustain phase throughout the study entirety. We reduce temporal effects of site enrollment (e.g., staffing changes, temporal trends in hospital admissions) by enrolling sites at different times throughout the calendar year.

The implementation component was designed utilizing the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM).[2] PRISM provides a scientifically rigorous and structured approach to implementation strategy development through domains focusing on (1) program, (2) external environment, (3) implementation and sustainability infrastructure and (4) recipients.[2] These elements are addressed as follows:

Program. Organizational readiness across the study sites will be critical for success. Our proposal is based on evidence derived from a successful single-center study. The QI bundle is low-cost and all interventions are currently FDA-approved. Our innovative de-implementation of time-consuming, low-value workflows (e.g. IV medication administration) will decrease care complexity in the initial stages of SE treatment. The QI bundle components are trialable, adaptable and reversible. Treatment results are immediately observable by stakeholders through individual outcomes (SE cessation) and shared measure and feedback data reports. We highlight improved outcomes and safety as organizational, caregiver, and patient priorities to achieve broad buy-in.