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. 2025 Jun;114(6):1464-1477.
doi: 10.1111/apa.17594. Epub 2025 Jan 25.

Defining Excellence: The First Core Set of Quality Indicators for the European Paediatric Surgical Audit on Hirschsprung's Disease Care

Collaborators, Affiliations

Defining Excellence: The First Core Set of Quality Indicators for the European Paediatric Surgical Audit on Hirschsprung's Disease Care

Daniel Rossi et al. Acta Paediatr. 2025 Jun.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Hirschsprung's disease; auditing; quality improvement; quality indicators.

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Conflict of interest statement

The European Commission funded the EPSA|ERNICA Registry in the 3rd Health Program, HP‐PJ‐2019.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Study flow chart.

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