Implementation of a checklist to increase adherence to evidence-based practices in a single pediatric intensive care unit.

INTRODUCTION: The use of checklists to increase adherence to evidence-based practices is not yet widespread in pediatric intensive care units. The objective of this study was to achieve 90% compliance with studied practices using an ad hoc checklist.

POPULATION AND METHDOS: Time series quasiexperimental study conducted in ventilated children hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit. Studied practices included sedation breaks, plateau pressure ≤ 30 cm H 2 O, fraction of inspired oxygen ≤ 60%, maintenance of headboard at > 30°, chlorhexidine mouthwash, weekly ventilator circuit changes, preference for enteral feeding, reduction in the threshold for blood transfusions (hemoglobin: 7 g/dL), daily consideration of spontaneous breathing trials and central venous catheter removal. The checklist was used during ward rounds by the staff physicians in charge of the pediatric intensive care unit as part of an intervention to increase adherence and as a tracking tool. Each form completed on a daily basis was considered an observation. Observations were classified as defective in the case of non-compliance with one or more items. Adherence (the rate of nondefective units of observation) is summarized in the control chart.

RESULTS: The study period lasted 420 days. A total of 732 patients were hospitalized; 218 underwent mechanical ventilation; 1201 observations were made, and 1191 were included in the study. The control chart with a 14-month time horizon showed increased adherence, a special cause variation pattern in the last 3 months of the study period, and > 90% compliance over the last 2 months.

CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a checklist increased adherence to studied practices and achieved more than 90% compliance over the last 2 months of the study period.