Practical Communication Strategies to Improve the Surgical Outcomes in a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.
10.11111/jkana.2015.21.3.243
- Author:
Ju Yeon UHM
1
;
Worlsook LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Nursing, Asan Medical Center, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Heart defects, Congenital;
Intensive Care Units;
Patient handoff;
Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
- MeSH:
Critical Illness;
Heart Defects, Congenital;
Humans;
Incidence;
Intensive Care Units*;
Outcome Assessment (Health Care);
Patient Handoff;
Patient Safety;
Patients' Rooms;
Thoracic Surgery
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
2015;21(3):243-253
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of practical communication strategies (PCS) on the reduction of AEs (Adverse Events) in pediatric cardiac ICU (PCICU). METHODS: Intra-operative findings and care plans were documented and shared between staff members on a daily basis from the day of operation to the day of general ward transfer. Incidence of AEs was investigated in all patients who were admitted to the PCICU and was compared with incidence of AEs one year after establishment of PCS. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 216 patients in pre-PCS group and 156 patients in post-PCS group. Incidence of readmission decreased from 6.0% (13/216) in pre-PCS group to 0.6% (1/156) in post-PCS group (chi2=7.23, p=.010). Incidence of other major complications decreased from 4.2% (9/216) to 0.6% (chi2=6.66, p=.012). Minor AEs such as intervention omission, order error, and protocol misunderstanding were reduced from 23.3 cases per 100 patient-days to 7.5 cases per 100 patient-days (chi2=20.31, p<.001). CONCLUSION: Handover protocol is an effective strategy to reduce AEs for critically ill patients after pediatric cardiac surgery. Efforts to develop effective communication strategies should be continued and outcome research about communication strategies for patient safety should be further studied.
