Paediatric Discharge Summary Safety Netting: A Quality Improvement Project at a Tertiary Children’s Assessment Unit

This resource explores the importance of clear and consistent safety netting in paediatric discharge summaries. Based on a quality improvement project at a tertiary children’s assessment unit, it highlights how effective communication at discharge supports safer care and improves parent or carer confidence.

Learners will gain insight into the key elements of a safe paediatric discharge. The resource outlines practical steps taken to improve documentation, such as using QR codes linking to NHS-verified resources and embedding safety-netting education into staff induction.

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Abstract
Background: Discharge communication is a key component of patient safety, particularly in paediatrics where parents and carers rely on clear safety-netting advice. Previous audits at ourinstitution identified inconsistencies in discharge documentation.
Aim: To assess and improve documentation of safety-netting information in paediatric discharge summaries, specifically, course of illness, red flags, and where to seek help.
Methods: A quality improvement project was conducted at Royal Stoke University Hospital, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. 20 randomly selected discharge summariesfrom the Child Assessment Unit (CAU) were reviewed in July 2025, and re-audited in November 2025 following interventions: 1. QR codes linking to National Health Service (NHS)information. 2. Teaching during junior doctor induction. 3. Visible signposting near workstations. A concurrent hospital-wide software change to an A&E-based discharge platform was notedto have occurred between audits.