부산대학교 도서관

Abstract Background Given the impact of psychological factors on rheumatic disease, pediatric psychologists serve a vital role in promoting quality of life and managing common problems among youth with rheumatic disease. The aim of this project was to increase access to psychological services among youth with rheumatic disease at a children’s hospital. Methods A quality improvement (QI) team identified key drivers and interventions aimed to increase access to psychological services for youth with rheumatic disease. Data was collected for a 6-month baseline period and 4-year intervention period. We applied the Plan-Do-Study Act method of QI and the American Society for Quality criteria to adjust the center line and control limits. Results There were two statistically significant center line shifts in the number of patients seen by psychology and one statistically significant shift in referrals to psychology over time with applied stepwise interventions. Patients seen by a psychologist increased by 3,173% from a baseline average of 1.8 to 59.9 patients seen per month (p