Use of feedback and structured reporting improves neonatal provider satisfaction and reduces variation in echocardiogram reports of patent ductus arteriosus

Abstract Objective To evaluate the impact of standardized reporting elements in echocardiogram reports of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants on report variability and neonatology provider satisfaction. Methods Standard echocardiogram reporting elements were implemented for assessment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants based on feedback from neonatology providers. Inclusion of five reporting elements was assessed prior to and after training of sonographers and cardiologists. Electronic survey of neonatology providers was obtained before and after implementation to assess for satisfaction with report quality. Results Neonatal provider satisfaction increased from 50% to 87.5% following successful implementation of standard elements of reporting (p = 0.018). No reports included all elements prior to intervention, but after intervention 75% of reports included all five reporting elements (p  Conclusions Standard reporting elements for echocardiograms of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants were successfully implemented with increased report completeness. Improvement in neonatal provider satisfaction with reports was achieved through this implementation.