Background: Non-convulsive seizures are common in critically ill patients and are best detected by continuous EEG (cEEG) monitoring. A recent consensus statement from the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS) outlines the indications for EEG monitoring in critically ill patients. Our aim was to assess adherence to these indications, barriers to cEEG utilization as well as to optimize cEEG monitoring in critically ill children. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records, analyzing patients admitted to the PICU from January 1st until June 23rd 2018, followed by an 8-week mentorship period, consisting of educational interventions as well as daily patient rounds to help identify patients meeting cEEG monitoring criteria. Results: Prevalence of patients meeting cEEG monitoring indications were similar in both the retrospective and mentorship period (18% vs. 23%). During the retrospective period, 23% of patients received cEEG monitoring, reaching 100% at the end of the mentorship period. The median delay for initiation of monitoring was 17 hours, largely due to restrictions in the availability of technologists. All cEEGs performed informed anti-convulsive management. Conclusions: An educational intervention was effective in increasing PICU cEEG monitoring. However, limited hours of technologist availability represented the largest barrier to timely cEEG monitoring.
Recommendations on the use of EEG monitoring in critically ill patients: consensus statement from the neurointensive care section of the ESICM
