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Q Bulletin, Volume 1, No. 32 (Supplement 1), Jan - Dec 202412th National QA Convention, 8 %u2013 10 October 2024PP-34Improving the Percentage of Six-month Postoperative Follow-up Visits in theDepartment of Paediatric Dentistry, Kajang HospitalIzyan AR, Bavani Soovulamah S, Thaarani VDepartment of Paediatric Dentistry, Kajang Hospital, Selangor State Health DepartmentSELECTION OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT:Poor follow-up compliance after comprehensive dental treatment (CDT) under general anaesthesia (GA)increases the risks of recurrent caries and restorative failures, leading to increased costs, prolongedretreatment durations, and reduced treatment safety and efficacy. The verification study showed only a50% attendance of six-month postoperative follow-up visits from July - December 2021. This studyaimed to improve the attendance percentage of those sessions.KEY MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT:The indicator measured was the percentage of attendance of six-month postoperative follow-up visits. A%u226590% standard was targeted based on literature and consensus amongst specialists.PROCESS OF GATHERING INFORMATION:A quality improvement study was conducted from March 2022 %u2013 March 2024 using conveniencesampling. Following the verification study, three consecutive cycles of interventions and post-interventionevaluations were conducted. Data from medical records of patients who underwent CDT under GA wereorganised in a worksheet and retrospective analysis of secondary data was done. A self-administeredquestionnaire was distributed among staff to assess awareness and identify contributing factors.ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION:Reasons of non-attendance, such as incorrect scheduling (42.9%), lack of follow-up (28.6%), illness(14.3%), patient being unreachable (7.1%) or being out of town (7.1%), were categorised into healthcarepersonnel and patient factors.STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE:Targeted strategies were employed involving staff and patients. Staff were briefed on follow-up visittimelines, and prompts were added to patient notes. An Excel sheet was created to track appointments inreal-time. Guardians were reminded of appointments via follow-up calls. An infographic and a rewardcard program were introduced to enhance awareness and motivate patients and guardians.EFFECT OF CHANGE:The attendance percentage increased from 50% to 68.2% (cycle 1), 88.6% (cycle 2), and 91.9% (cycle 3).Achievable Benefit Not Achieved (ABNA) improved from 40% to 21.8% (cycle 1), 1.4% (cycle 2), and-1.9% (cycle 3).THE NEXT STEP:We aim to sustain implemented strategies and share our experiences with fellow colleagues in Selangor,addressing this universal issue in our field.87 | Page