Implementation of a probiotic protocol to reduce rates of necrotizing enterocolitis

Objectiveto utilize a probiotic protocol to achieve a 50% reduction in rates of necrotizing enterocolitis (nec) ≥ bell stage 2 within 2 years of protocol implementation.study designliterature review guided probiotic selection and protocol design. a driver diagram identified key drivers to achieve our aim. a u chart followed monthly nec ≥ bell stage 2 per 100 patient days and per monthly admissions. the process measure was protocol compliance and the balancing measure was probiotic sepsis.resultsnec ≥ bell stage 2 decreased from 0.14 to 0.04 per 100 patient days in infants < 33 weeks gestation or <1500 g, or a yearly rate of 7–2%. protocol compliance was 98% and there were no cases of probiotic sepsis.conclusionimplementation of a probiotic protocol was associated with a decrease in rates of nec.