Evidence-based Practice in Action: Assuring Quality of Pediatric Assessment Intervals
Submission Type
Event
Expected Graduation Date
2014
Location
Room E101, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-12-2014 11:00 AM
End Date
4-12-2014 12:00 PM
Disciplines
Nursing
Abstract
Background: Children comprise a specific, unique patient population. Nurses are responsible for head-to-toe assessment of each patient to allow full understanding of the patient’s pathology. The optimal frequency of head-to-toe assessments for pediatric patients is unknown.
Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to monitor patient safety following the change in head-to-toe assessment frequency on an inpatient pediatrics unit.
Methods: Chart audits were performed on all patients upon discharge and with any change in status.
Results: No increase in unplanned upgrades or transfers after the change. The majority of patients were admitted for respiratory issues, gastrointestinal/genitourinary issues, or infections. Ages ranged from 2 days old to 21 years old. A total of 420 patients were included in the study. Seventeen patients had a change in status; eleven patients were upgraded to PIMCU status and six were transferred to the ICU.
Discussion: This research needs to be repeated with a larger sample size, ideally in a children’s hospital. While our research has demonstrated safety in the policy change, additional studies are needed to assure safety in a wider variety of patients.
Evidence-based Practice in Action: Assuring Quality of Pediatric Assessment Intervals
Room E101, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Background: Children comprise a specific, unique patient population. Nurses are responsible for head-to-toe assessment of each patient to allow full understanding of the patient’s pathology. The optimal frequency of head-to-toe assessments for pediatric patients is unknown.
Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to monitor patient safety following the change in head-to-toe assessment frequency on an inpatient pediatrics unit.
Methods: Chart audits were performed on all patients upon discharge and with any change in status.
Results: No increase in unplanned upgrades or transfers after the change. The majority of patients were admitted for respiratory issues, gastrointestinal/genitourinary issues, or infections. Ages ranged from 2 days old to 21 years old. A total of 420 patients were included in the study. Seventeen patients had a change in status; eleven patients were upgraded to PIMCU status and six were transferred to the ICU.
Discussion: This research needs to be repeated with a larger sample size, ideally in a children’s hospital. While our research has demonstrated safety in the policy change, additional studies are needed to assure safety in a wider variety of patients.