Meet Clinical Nurse, innovator, and PA Hospital's 2025 crowned Magnet Champion Danielle Dannock, whose quality improvement project is creating impactful change and enhancing care at her home Ward 2C.
The nurse-led trial went live in early September 2024, after Danielle identified a recurring high frequency of nasogastric tube (NGT) dislodgements in patients with neurological impairment or agitation at the Neurosciences ward.
Additional to causing patient distress and trauma, the dislodgements were contributing to adverse clinical risks including malnourishment, missed medications, repeated procedures and increased risk of aspiration.
Determined to improve patient outcomes for the high-risk cohort, Danielle led the way to introduce an NGT bridle securement device at the ward. The device, which works by looping a flexible tube within the nasal cavity, anchors the NGT to reduce the risk of dislodgement and prevent unnecessary reinsertion.
A remarkable 48 per cent reduction in self-removal of NGTs multiple times during admission resulted, as well as a 31.6 per cent decrease in diagnostic chest x-rays required to confirm tube placement, supporting a notable reduction in care disruption and patient distress caused by reinsertion procedures.
From leading staff education to coordinating trial protocols and meticulously reviewing data throughout the trial, Danielle demonstrated exemplary leadership, research skills, and collaboration with the wider 2C team to deliver a successful trial.
Danielle's unwavering commitment to improving the patient experience and enhancing clinical efficiency through evidence-based innovation soon led to the permanent implementation of the devices at 2C, setting the course for broader uptake across the hospital.
“Initial hesitance to use the new device was understandable, but once everyone learned how to use it, the nurses just ran with it and now it’s a standard part of our care,” Danielle explained.
“We’ve had a lot of nurses from other units asking when they can use it now, because they’re seeing that it works. Other wards haven’t had the education yet, but it will be exciting when that does happen,” she said.
Beyond improving patient safety and clinical efficiency, the success of the project has enhanced clinical confidence and team culture at the ward, while highlighting the value of nurse-led innovation projects.
Congratulations to Danielle on delivering an incredible win for patient safety and clinical efficiency, and for setting a shining example of nursing leadership at PAH.