Immunology clinical quality indicators
The clinical quality indicators for immunology are:
- Antibody deficiency infections
- Immunoglobulin levels in patients with antibody deficiency
- Time off work for patients with primary antibody deficiency
Antibody deficiency infections
This is the clinical quality indicator for the average number of infections per year suffered by our patients with antibody deficiency.
Rationale
Patients with primary antibody deficiency receive immunoglobulin replacement to reduce the frequency of infections from which they suffer. Some patients receive additional preventative antibiotics.
This measure will assess the effectiveness of our treatment regimes for this group of patients.
Our objectives
Information anticipated in 6 months
Comment on current performance
Expected in Summer 2014
Immunoglobulin levels in patients with antibody deficiency
This is the clinical quality indicator for the proportion of patients whose immunoglobulin levels remain above 7g/l.
Rationale
Patients with primary antibody deficiency receive regular replacement immunoglobulin treatments. Immunoglobulin (IgG) levels are measured every three months to ascertain adequacy of immunoglobulin replacement. Requirements change with patient weight and through consumption in episodes of infection, or more rarely through loss via the gut.
An IgG level of 7g/l is used to assess the adequacy of replacement therapy.
Comment on current performance
Expected in Summer 2014
Time off work for patients with primary antibody deficiency
This is the clinical quality indicator for the average number of days off work per year, for our patients with primary antibody deficiency.
Rationale
Patients with primary antibody deficiency are susceptible to infection. Episodes of infection may lead to time off work.
Treatment regimes are aimed at preventing infection. This indicator measures the effectiveness of our treatment regimes through the patient's own experience.
Comment on current performance
Expected in Summer 2014