Eastern Region Neonatal Benchmarking
Group
Is made up of 18 hospitals covering the old East of England
Region.
To see the hospitals involved click
here
Why do we need to benchmark?
In the new era of working together in Networks it is important
that our practices are similar and include the use of the best
available evidence.
What does benchmarking do for us?
Benchmarking has led to partnership working and collaboration on
many levels as we all aim to improve the standard of care
delivered, to babies and families.
How do we achieve this?
- The topic for benchmarking is
chosen.
- Search evidence for best
practice
- Develop the benchmark by identifying factors to
provide a scoring system
- Benchmark is scored by each unit
- Scores are shared at the next
meeting.
The group then discuss:
- Whether there were any difficulties with the
scoring system
- Whether any further adjustments to the benchmark
are required
- Action plans to improve practice are
developed.
Benchmarking Format
We have followed
the 'Essence of Care' format for our benchmarks,
and initially addressed some of the topics from the 'essence'
list and applied them to the neonate e.g. mouth care = oral
hygiene.Guidelines
One of the factors on all benchmarks states that there should be
an evidence based guideline that guides practice. We noticed that
there was a lack of guidelines, so now after developing a benchmark
we may also develop regional evidence based guidelines, which
support best practice. Sharing with other groups
Not only is benchmarking about sharing practice within our own
group but we also aim to support other groups by sharing the work
that we have produced.
Membership of the Group
- One member from each unit who attends on a regular
basis
- Other staff who may have a specific interest in the
benchmarking
- All members commit themselves to some degree of
preparation work and group work at the
meetings.
For further information about Benchmarking please
contact:
Pauline Fellows
Bindy Price January 2006
For further information about Benchmarking please contact:
pauline.fellows@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
Tel. 01223 596176
bindy.price@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk
Tel. 01473 703669
Eastern Region Networks
To find out more about the Networks involved please see the
Benchmarking pages within Norfolk Suffolk &
Cambridgeshire Neonatal
Network.