P19 Direct observational study of infusion errors associated with smart-pump technology in paediatric intensive care

AimsProcesses for delivery of high-risk infusions in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are complex. Standard concentration infusions (SCIs), smart-pumps and electronic prescribing are recommended medication error reduction strategies.1 2 Implementation rates are low in Irish and UK hospitals.2 3 Since 2012, the PICU of an Irish tertiary paediatric hospital has been using a smart-pump SCI library, interfaced with electronic infusion orders (Philips ICCA®). The incidence of infusion errors is unknown. This study aims to determine the frequency, severity and distribution of smart-pump infusion errors and to identify contributory factors to the occurrence of infusion errors.MethodsProgrammed infusions are directly observed at the bedside. Parameters are compared against medication orders and auto-populated infusion data. Identified deviations are categorised as either medication errors or discrepancies. Five opportunities for error (OEs) were identified: programming, administration, documentation, assignment, data transfer. Error rates (%) are calculated as: infusions with errors; and errors per OE. Pre-defined definitions, multi-disciplinary consensus and grading processes are employed.ResultsA total of 1023 infusions for 175 patients were directly observed on 27 days between February and September 2017. 74% of patients were under 1 year, 32% under 1 month. The drug-library accommodated 96.5% of all infusions. Compliance with the drug-library was 98.9%. 55 infusions had ≥ 1 error (5.4%); a further 67 (6.3%) had ≥ 1 discrepancy. From a total of 4997 OEs, 72 errors (1.4%) and 107 discrepancies (2.1%) were observed. Documentation errors were most common; programming errors were rare (0.32% OE). Errors are minor, with just one requiring minimal intervention to prevent harm.ConclusionThis study has highlighted the benefits of smart-pumps and auto-populated infusion data in the PICU setting. Identified error rates are low compared to similar studies.4 The findings will contribute to the limited existing knowledge base on impact of these interventions on paediatric infusion administration errors.ReferencesInstitute for Safe Medication Practices, ISMP. 2018–2019 Targeted medication safety best practices for hospitals2018 [Available from: http://www.ismp.org/tools/bestpractices/TMSBP-for-Hospitalsv2.pdf [Accessed: June 2019]Oskarsdottir T, Harris D, Sutherland A, et al. A national scoping survey of standard infusions in paediatric and neonatal intensive care units in the United Kingdom. J Pharm Pharmacol 2018;70:1324–1331.Howlett M, Curtin M, Doherty D, Gleeson P, Sheerin M, Breatnach C. Paediatric standardised concentration infusions – A national solution. Arch Dis Child. 2016;101:e2.Blandford A, Dykes PC, Franklin BD, et al. Intravenous Infusion Administration: A comparative study of practices and errors between the United States and England and their Implications for patient safety. Drug Saf. 2019;42:1157–1165

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Direct Observational Study of Interfaced Smart-Pumps in Pediatric Intensive Care

Applied Clinical Informatics ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1716527 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (04) ◽

pp. 659-670

Author(s):

Moninne M. Howlett ◽

Cormac V. Breatnach ◽

Erika Brereton ◽

Brian J. Cleary

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Pediatric Intensive Care ◽

The United States ◽

Error Rates ◽

Electronic Prescribing ◽

Pediatric Hospital ◽

Reduction Strategies ◽

Smart Pumps ◽

Smart Pump ◽

Pump Infusion

Abstract Background Processes for delivery of high-risk infusions in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are complex. Standard concentration infusions (SCIs), smart-pumps, and electronic prescribing are recommended medication error reduction strategies. Implementation rates in Europe lag behind those in the United States. Since 2012, the PICU of an Irish tertiary pediatric hospital has been using a smart-pump SCI library, interfaced with electronic infusion orders (Philips ICCA). The incidence of infusion errors is unknown. Objectives To determine the frequency, severity, and distribution of smart-pump infusion errors in PICUs. Methods Programmed infusions were directly observed at the bedside. Parameters were compared against medication orders and autodocumented infusion data. Identified deviations were categorized as medication errors or discrepancies. Error rates (%) were calculated as infusions with errors and errors per opportunities for error (OEs). Predefined definitions, multidisciplinary consensus and grading processes were employed. Results A total of 1,023 infusions for 175 patients were directly observed over 27 days between February and September 2017. The drug library accommodated 96.5% of infusions. Compliance with the drug library was 98.9%. A total of 133 infusions had ≥1 error (13.0%); a further 58 (5.7%) had ≥1 discrepancy. From a total of 4,997 OEs, 153 errors (3.1%) and 107 discrepancies (2.1%) were observed. Undocumented bolus doses were most commonly identified (n = 81); this was the only deviation in 36.1% (n = 69) of infusions. Programming errors were rare (0.32% OE). Errors were minor, with just one requiring minimal intervention to prevent harm. Conclusion The error rates identified are low compared with similar studies, highlighting the benefits of smart-pumps and autodocumented infusion data in PICUs. A range of quality improvement opportunities has been identified.

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P33 Health information technology and the changing nature of medication errors in paediatric intensive care – a modified delphi process

Archives of Disease in Childhood ◽

10.1136/archdischild-2017-314585.42 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 103 (2) ◽

pp. e2.37-e2

Author(s):

Moninne Howlett ◽

Brian Cleary ◽

Cormac Breatnach

Keyword(s):

Information Technology ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Medication Error ◽

Health Information ◽

Medication Errors ◽

Delphi Process ◽

Paediatric Intensive Care ◽

Electronic Prescribing ◽

Prescribing Error ◽

Smart Pump

AimsThe term ‘medication error’ has numerous definitions, impeding comparison between studies and is susceptible to subjectivity.1 The Delphi Process is widely used in health research to achieve consensus and has been previously used to define and specify medication error scenarios in both paediatric and adult settings.2,3 Novel technology-generated errors are emerging with increasing use of health information technology (HIT).4 Application of earlier Delphi studies to novel errors and those common in the prescribing of infusions in paediatric intensive care is limited. This study aims to achieve consensus on medication error scenarios identified in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) that have not been previously defined.MethodsStage 1 identified the scenarios requiring consensus. These were grouped into 3 error categories: electronic prescribing, smart-pump and prescribing of PICU infusions. Stage 2 selected a multidisciplinary expert panel using both purposive and convenience sampling. Stage 3 involved iterative rounds of consensus using paper-based and newer e-Delphi techniques. Participants independently scored on a 9-point scale their extent of agreement on the inclusion of each scenario as an error. Median and inter-quartile ranges were used to assess group consensus and to provide controlled feedback after each round.Results19 scenarios requiring consensus were identified. A panel of 37 participants was selected, comprising of 15 doctors, 13 nurses and 9 pharmacists. 35 participants were from the study site, 1 pharmacist from a local PICU and 1 from a local NICU. Round 1 achieved consensus on 11 scenarios, increasing to 14 in Round 2. Round 3 consisted of 2 scenarios, both electronic prescribing related. Individual opinion on these was diverse, with 1 remaining equivocal after round 3. Some differences between healthcare professionals were found, but were only significant (p<0.05) for two and three scenarios in rounds 2 and 3 respectively.ConclusionThe Delphi Process can successfully be employed to reach consensus on HIT-generated novel errors. The complexity of electronic prescribing systems is evident in the included errors and the difficulty in obtaining consensus. In contrast, the broad consensus reached on all smart-pump scenarios reflects the known risks associated with infusion pumps. The included scenarios highlight the limitation of smart-pump technology as a single intervention. Further similar studies are likely to be required as more novel errors emerge with increased HIT implementation across the entire medication use process. This extended tool should add to the quality of future paediatric medication error studies across a broad range of settings.ReferencesLisby M, Nielsen LP, Brock B, et al. How are medication errors defined? A systematic literature review of definitions and characteristics. Int J Qual Health Care2010;22(6):507–18.Dean B, Barber N, Schachter M. What is a prescribing error?Qual Health Care2000;9(4):232–7.Ghaleb MA, Barber N, Dean Franklin B, et al. What constitutes a prescribing error in paediatrics?Qual Saf Health Care2005;14(5):352–7.Walsh KE, Landrigan CP, Adams WG, et al. Effect of computer order entry on prevention of serious medication errors in hospitalised children. Paediatrics2008;121(3):e421–7.

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Nursing-Sensitive Outcomes among Patients Cared for in Paediatric Intensive Care Units: A Scoping Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18189507 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (18) ◽

pp. 9507

Author(s):

Matteo Danielis ◽

Adele Castellano ◽

Elisa Mattiussi ◽

Alvisa Palese

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Intensive Care Units ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Clinical Performance ◽

The United States ◽

Paediatric Intensive Care ◽

Critically Ill Children ◽

Care Needs ◽

Nursing Sensitive Outcomes ◽

Paediatric Intensive Care Units

Measuring the effectiveness of nursing interventions in intensive care units has been established as a priority. However, little is reported about the paediatric population. The aims of this study were (a) to map the state of the art of the science in the field of nursing-sensitive outcomes (NSOs) in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and (b) to identify all reported NSOs documented to date in PICUs by also describing their metrics. A scoping review was conducted by following the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. Fifty-eight articles were included. Publications were mainly authored in the United States and Canada (n = 28, 48.3%), and the majority (n = 30, 51.7%) had an observational design. A total of 46 NSOs were documented. The most reported were related to the clinical (n = 83), followed by safety (n = 41) and functional (n = 18) domains. Regarding their metrics, the majority of NSOs were measured in their occurrence using quantitative single measures, and a few validated tools were used to a lesser extent. No NSOs were reported in the perceptual domain. Nursing care of critically ill children encompasses three levels: improvement in clinical performance, as measured by clinical outcomes; assurance of patient care safety, as measured by safety outcomes; and promotion of fundamental care needs, as measured by functional outcomes. Perceptual outcomes deserve to be explored.

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P029 Audit of aciclovir prescribing to assess whether changing the order of drop down box options in an electronic prescribing system can reduce prescribing errors

Archives of Disease in Childhood ◽

10.1136/archdischild-2019-nppc.39 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 104 (7) ◽

pp. e2.33-e2

Author(s):

Clarissa Gunning ◽

Jennifer Gray

Keyword(s):

Patient Safety ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Improve Patient Safety ◽

Error Rates ◽

Electronic Prescribing ◽

Contributory Factor ◽

List Type ◽

Prescribing Errors ◽

Prescribing Error ◽

Dosing Error

AimIn December 2016 it was identified that there had been multiple reports of prescribing errors with intravenous aciclovir on the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). After investigation it was concluded that prescribers choosing incorrectly from a drop down menu of drug and dosing options on the electronic prescribing (EP) system was the main contributory factor. From 01/02/17 the aciclovir drop down options were prioritised, with the most frequently used option appearing first, to encourage prescribers to pick the correct regimen.MethodsThe trust has been using the Phillips ICCA EP system across all intensive care units since 2016. Picking errors when prescribing are known to be a potential risk within EP systems, however tailoring these systems to guide choice also has the potential to improve patient safety by reducing the risk of prescribing errors.1 Aciclovir has a complex range of dosing recommendations, especially in paediatrics, and incorrect prescribing increases the likelihood of subtherapeutic treatment or adverse effects. The aim of this audit is to assess whether changing the order of prescription choices on the drop down menu in the EP system reduced prescribing error rates for intravenous aciclovir. All prescriptions for aciclovir on PICU were identified during the 6 months before and after implementing the change, from 01/08/16 to 31/07/17. 65 prescriptions were included in the audit and were reviewed retrospectively using the EP system and electronic medical notes to assess whether the prescribed aciclovir dose and route was correct for the patient’s age, weight and indication as well as whether the appropriate drop down option had been selected by the prescriber. Dosing was assessed against recommendations in the British National Formulary for children and trust empirical antibiotic guidelines.ResultsDosing errors were found in 22% (14/65) of prescriptions overall during the review period. Before the change was implemented 26% (9/35) of aciclovir prescription doses were incorrect, reducing to 17% (5/30) after the change. The overall dosing error rate was 14% (7/50) in prescriptions where the correct drop down option was chosen, in comparison to 47% (7/15) in cases where the wrong option had been selected, suggesting the importance of choosing the correct pre-set option to minimise prescribing error rates. In cases where doses were incorrect, the prescriber had chosen the incorrect pre-set drop down option for the patient’s age and indication in 78% (7/9) of prescriptions before the order change compared to 0% (0/5) afterwards.ConclusionThese results suggest that prescribing error rates were reduced after making alterations to the order of prescription choices on the drop down menu in the EP system and that prioritising the order of these options may positively influence prescribing. Errors were not completely eliminated suggesting more work is required to further minimise risk.ReferenceAhmed Z, Garfield S, Jani Y, et al. Impact of electronic prescribing on patient safety in hospitals: implications for the UK. Pharm J 2016;8:1–11.

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Epidemiology and fungal infection risk factors in patients hospitalized in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units – a multicentre pilot study

Signa Vitae - A Journal In Intensive Care And Emergency Medicine ◽

10.22514/sv112.062016.11 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (S2) ◽

pp. 51 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Fungal Infection ◽

Intensive Care Units ◽

Infection Risk ◽

Paediatric Intensive Care ◽

Infection Risk Factors ◽

Paediatric Intensive Care Units

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Is there a sex difference in mortality rates for deaths occurring in paediatric intensive care units? Systematic literature review protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046794 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e046794

Author(s):

Ofran Almossawi ◽

Amanda Friend ◽

Luigi Palla ◽

Richard Feltbower ◽

Bianca De Stavola

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Literature Review ◽

Intensive Care Units ◽

Systematic Literature Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Linkage Study ◽

Paediatric Intensive Care ◽

Admission Rates ◽

Ethical Approval ◽

Paediatric Intensive Care Units

IntroductionIn the general population, female children have been reported to have a survival advantage. For children admitted to paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), mortality has been reported to be lower in males despite the higher admission rates for males into intensive care. This apparent sex reversal in PICU mortality is not well studied. To address this, we propose to conduct a systematic literature review to summarise the available evidence. Our review will study the reported differences in mortality between males and females aged 0–17, who died in a PICU, to examine if there is a difference between the two sexes in PICU mortality, and if so, to describe the magnitude and direction of this difference.Methods and analysisStudies that directly or indirectly addressed the association between sex and mortality in children admitted to intensive care will be eligible for inclusion. Studies that directly address the association will be eligible for data extraction. The search strings were based on terms related to the population (children in intensive care), the exposure (sex) and the outcome (mortality). We used the databases MEDLINE (1946–2020), Embase (1980–2020) and Web of Science (1985–2020) as these cover relevant clinical publications. We will assess the reliability of included studies using the risk of bias in observational studies of exposures tool. We will consider a pooled effect if we have at least three studies with similar periods of follow up and adjustment variables.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this review as it will synthesise data from existing studies. This manuscript is a part of a larger data linkage study, for which Ethical approval was granted. Dissemination will be via peer-reviewed journals and via public and patient groups.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020203009.

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Caring for critically ill adults in paediatric intensive care units in England during the COVID-19 pandemic: planning, implementation and lessons for the future

Archives of Disease in Childhood ◽

10.1136/archdischild-2020-320962 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. archdischild-2020-320962

Author(s):

Ruchi Sinha ◽

Angela Aramburo ◽

Akash Deep ◽

Emma-Jane Bould ◽

Hannah L Buckley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Intensive Care Units ◽

Critically Ill ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Adult Patients ◽

Paediatric Intensive Care ◽

Critically Ill Adults ◽

Care Capacity ◽

Ill Adults ◽

Paediatric Intensive Care Units

ObjectiveTo describe the experience of paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in England that repurposed their units, equipment and staff to care for critically ill adults during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignDescriptive study.SettingSeven PICUs in England.Main outcome measures(1) Modelling using historical Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network data; (2) space, staff, equipment, clinical care, communication and governance considerations during repurposing of PICUs; (3) characteristics, interventions and outcomes of adults cared for in repurposed PICUs.ResultsSeven English PICUs, accounting for 137 beds, repurposed their space, staff and equipment to admit critically ill adults. Neighbouring PICUs increased their bed capacity to maintain overall bed numbers for children, which was informed by historical data modelling (median 280–307 PICU beds were required in England from March to June). A total of 145 adult patients (median age 50–62 years) were cared for in repurposed PICUs (1553 bed-days). The vast majority of patients had COVID-19 (109/145, 75%); the majority required invasive ventilation (91/109, 85%). Nearly, a third of patients (42/145, 29%) underwent a tracheostomy. Renal replacement therapy was provided in 20/145 (14%) patients. Twenty adults died in PICU (14%).ConclusionIn a rapid and unprecedented effort during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, seven PICUs in England were repurposed to care for adult patients. The success of this effort was underpinned by extensive local preparation, close collaboration with adult intensivists and careful national planning to safeguard paediatric critical care capacity.

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Measuring efficiency in Australian and New Zealand paediatric intensive care units

Intensive Care Medicine ◽

10.1007/s00134-010-1916-3 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 36 (8) ◽

pp. 1410-1416 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Lahn D. Straney ◽

Archie Clements ◽

Jan Alexander ◽

Anthony Slater

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

New Zealand ◽

Intensive Care Units ◽

Paediatric Intensive Care ◽

Measuring Efficiency ◽

Paediatric Intensive Care Units

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Trends in Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Adult Intensive Care Units—United States, 1990–2007

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/660872 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 32 (8) ◽

pp. 748-756 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

Deron C. Burton ◽

Jonathan R. Edwards ◽

Arjun Srinivasan ◽

Scott K. Fridkin ◽

Carolyn V. Gould

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Urinary Tract ◽

Intensive Care Units ◽

Urinary Tract Infections ◽

Asymptomatic Bacteriuria ◽

The United States ◽

Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infection ◽

Prevention Guidelines ◽

Tract Infections

Background.Over the past 2 decades, multiple interventions have been developed to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The CAUTI prevention guidelines of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee were recently revised.Objective.To examine changes in rates of CAUTI events in adult intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States from 1990 through 2007.Methods.Data were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System from 1990 through 2004 and the National Healthcare Safety Network from 2006 through 2007. Infection preventionists in participating hospitals used standard methods to identify all CAUTI events (categorized as symptomatic urinary tract infection [SUTI] or asymptomatic bacteriuria [ASB]) and urinary catheter–days (UC-days) in months selected for surveillance. Data from all facilities were aggregated to calculate pooled mean annual SUTI and ASB rates (in events per 1,000 UC-days) by ICU type. Poisson regression was used to estimate percent changes in rates over time.Results.Overall, 36,282 SUTIs and 22,973 ASB episodes were reported from 367 facilities representing 1,223 adult ICUs, including combined medical/surgical (505), medical (212), surgical (224), coronary (173), and cardiothoracic (109) ICUs. All ICU types experienced significant declines of 19%–67% in SUTI rates and 29%–72% in ASB rates from 1990 through 2007. Between 2000 and 2007, significant reductions in SUTI rates occurred in all ICU types except cardiothoracic ICUs.Conclusions.Since 1990, CAUTI rates have declined significantly in all major adult ICU types in facilities reporting to the CDC. Further efforts are needed to assess prevention strategies that might have led to these decreases and to implement new CAUTI prevention guidelines.

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