Development of a pediatric sedation program in a community hospital setting through a multidisciplinary approach

International Conference on Nursing & Emergency Medicine

December 02-04, 2013 Hampton Inn Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Jill Hecker Fernandes

Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Practice/Problem: Sedation is a continuum of care. Pediatric patients bring unique considerations to the world of diagnostic testing and imaging especially in a community setting that considers this population to be low volume and high risk. Expertise and education of the health care team and developmental level/age create the challenge of how to best ensure cooperation for accurate results of testing and less repeat of procedures related to inadequate sedation or sedation failure. Purpose: A team of multidisciplinary providers sought to create a process whereby safe and effective sedation could be provided consistently in a community hospital setting. This included a review of current processes, development of policy, establishment of an expert core group of practitioners, and ongoing evaluation of patient outcomes based on standard procedures. Summary of Literature: A literature review of current practice in pediatric sedation for diagnostic procedures was done to develop the Pediatric Minimal and Moderate Sedation Anesthesia Guidelines, Scheduling Guideline for Pediatric Minimal and Moderate sedation Non-Anesthesia, and PEDS Minimal or Moderate Sedation Order Set Outcomes: A review of outcomes of patients who received sedation for echocardiography and VCUG (Voiding Cystourethrogram) with the new protocol was completed using criteria from the Society of Pediatric Sedation. Each case was evaluated for patient care provision/flow, safety/efficacy, and family satisfaction and review of necessary issues. Conclusion: The establishment of these guidelines has proven that with specific standards of practice, an established core group of nurses, and a multidisciplinary team approach, minimal/moderate sedation can be safe in a community hospital setting. Dissemination of this process and results to allow for replication of the program and improvement in existing community programs is essential for all pediatric patients.