One children's hospital planning and development process to adhere to the FDA recommendation that babies and young children undergo thyroid function testing after receiving an injection of iodine-containing contrast media for medical imaging.

The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued multiple statements and guidelines since 2015 on the topic of thyroid function testing in babies and children through 3 years old after receiving iodinated contrast media for medical imaging exams. In April 2023, the FDA adjusted this recommendation to target babies and young children younger than 4 years of age who have a history of prematurity, very low birth weight, or underlying conditions which affect thyroid gland function, largely in response to solid arguments from expert statements from the American College of Radiology (ACR) which is endorsed by the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR), Pediatric Endocrinology Society (PES), and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Intervention (SCAI). Herein we describe our approach and development of a clinical care guideline along with the steps necessary for implementation of the plan including alterations in ordering exams requiring iodinated contrast media, automatic triggering of lab orders, reporting, and follow-up, to address the 2022 FDA guidance statement to monitor thyroid function in children after receiving iodinated contrast media. The newly implemented clinical care guideline at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago remains applicable following the 2023 updated recommendation from the FDA. We will track patients less than 3 months of age who undergo thyroid function testing following computed tomography (CT), interventional radiology, and cardiac catheterization exams for which an iodinated contrast media is administered as a clinical care quality initiative.

The Impact of Strict Public Health Restrictions on Pediatric Critical Illness.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the impact of public health interventions on the volume and characteristics of admissions to the PICU. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Six U.S. referral PICUs during February 15, 2020-May 14, 2020, compared with the same months during 2017-2019 (baseline). PATIENTS: PICU admissions excluding admissions for illnesses due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and readmissions during the same hospitalization. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Primary outcome was admission volumes during the period of stay-at-home orders (March 15, 2020-May 14, 2020) compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes were hospitalization characteristics including advanced support (e.g., invasive mechanical ventilation), PICU and hospital lengths of stay, and mortality. We used generalized linear mixed modeling to compare patient and admission characteristics during the stay-at-home orders period to baseline. We evaluated 7,960 admissions including 1,327 during March 15, 2020-May 14, 2020. Daily admissions and patients days were lower during the period of stay-at-home orders compared with baseline: median admissions 21 (interquartile range, 17-25) versus 36 (interquartile range, 30-42) (p < 0.001) and median patient days 93.0 (interquartile range, 55.9-136.7) versus 143.6 (interquartile range, 108.5-189.2) (p < 0.001). Admissions during the period of stay-at-home orders were less common in young children and for respiratory and infectious illnesses and more common for poisonings, endocrinopathies and for children with race/ethnicity categorized as other/unspecified. There were no differences in hospitalization characteristics except fewer patients received noninvasive ventilation during the period of stay-at-home orders. CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in PICU admissions suggest that much of pediatric critical illness in younger children and for respiratory and infectious illnesses may be preventable through targeted public health strategies.

A Randomized Comparative Trial to Evaluate a PICU Navigator-Based Parent Support Intervention.

OBJECTIVES: Communication breakdowns in PICUs contribute to inadequate parent support and poor post-PICU parent outcomes. No interventions supporting communication have demonstrated improvements in parental satisfaction or psychologic morbidity. We compared parent-reported outcomes from parents receiving a navigator-based parent support intervention (PICU Supports) with those from parents receiving an informational brochure. DESIGN: Patient-level, randomized trial. SETTING: Two university-based, tertiary-care children's hospital PICUs. PARTICIPANTS: Parents of patients requiring more than 24 hours in the PICU. INTERVENTIONS: PICU Supports included adding a trained navigator to the patient's healthcare team. Trained navigators met with parents and team members to assess and address communication, decision-making, emotional, informational, and discharge or end-of-life care needs; offered weekly family meetings; and did a post-PICU discharge parent check-in. The comparator arm received an informational brochure providing information about PICU procedures, terms, and healthcare providers. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was percentage of "excellent" responses to the Pediatric Family Satisfaction in the ICU 24 decision-making domain obtained 3-5 weeks following PICU discharge. Secondary outcomes included parental psychologic and physical morbidity and perceptions of team communication. We enrolled 382 families: 190 received PICU Supports, and 192 received the brochure. Fifty-seven percent (216/382) completed the 3-5 weeks post-PICU discharge survey. The mean percentage of excellent responses to the Pediatric Family Satisfaction in the ICU 24 decision-making items was 60.4% for PICU Supports versus 56.1% for the brochure (estimate, 3.57; SE, 4.53; 95% CI, -5.77 to 12.90; p = 0.44). Differences in secondary outcomes were not statistically significant. Most parents (91.1%; 113/124) described PICU Supports as "extremely" or "somewhat" helpful. CONCLUSIONS: Parents who received PICU Supports rated the intervention positively. Differences in decision-making satisfaction scores between those receiving PICU Supports and a brochure were not statistically significant. Interventions like PICU Supports should be evaluated in larger studies employing enhanced recruitment and retention of subjects.

An Innovative Virtual Reality Experience in the PICU: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: Patients in the PICU frequently have limitations that impede independent interactions with their environment. Virtual reality is an immersive experience that may improve outcomes in critically ill children. The objective of this study was to assess feasibility and satisfaction with virtual reality. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, single-arm pilot study. SETTING: PICU. PATIENTS: Convenience sample of 3- to 17-year-old patients. INTERVENTIONS: Three-hundred sixty degree immersions were delivered using a simple virtual reality headset and smartphone videos. Each participant was given a choice of developmentally appropriate virtual reality experiences. Following the short (< 15 min) virtual reality experience, participants, and parents completed a brief survey. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One-hundred percent of participants enjoyed using virtual reality, and 84% reported preference to use virtual reality for a longer duration. One-hundred percent of parents agreed that their child enjoyed using virtual reality, and 100% enjoyed watching their child use virtual reality. Eighty-two percent of parents reported that virtual reality calmed their child. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual reality is an innovative, easily administered, and enjoyable tool that subjectively calms PICU patients in an otherwise chaotic environment.

Igniting Innovation in Healthcare: A Novel Collaborative Multidisciplinary Approach in a PICU.

Generating innovation in the healthcare setting faces a number of challenges when compared with industry counterparts. More than ever, innovation occupies a critical element for healthcare organizations aspiring toward clinical, research and strategic excellence, although it may not exist as a priority due to a number of barriers. There are several strategies in other industries from which healthcare organizations can borrow, such as using nontraditional methods of problem solving, group ideation, and cross-pollination. As a high-intensity environment facing diverse challenges and conditions, the PICU is primed for building and generating innovation, which can be facilitated by implementing many of these strategies. This article describes an innovation program created to exercise a multidisciplinary approach for generating novel solutions in our PICU. Using nontraditional methods and ideation, this program has generated innovative solutions in an otherwise traditional setting, revealing new opportunities for growth, value generation, and collaboration between healthcare and the community.

Risk Factors for Deterioration Events in the Pediatric Acute Care Setting.

OBJECTIVES: Rapid response system (RRS) activations resulting in emergency transfers (ETs) and codes outside the ICU are associated with increased mortality and length of stay. We aimed to evaluate the patient and care team characteristics of RRS activations resulting in ETs and codes outside the ICU (together classified as "deterioration events") versus those that did not result in a deterioration event. METHODS: For each RRS activation at our institution from 2019 to 2021, data were gathered on patient demographics and medical diagnoses, care team and treatment factors, and ICU transfer. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression using a backward elimination model selection method were performed to assess potential risk factors for deterioration events. RESULTS: Over the 3-year period, 1765 RRS activations were identified. Fifty-three (3%) activations were deemed acute care codes, 64 (4%) were noncode ETs, 921 (52%) resulted in nonemergent transfers to an ICU, and 727 (41%) patients remained in an acute care unit. In a multivariable model, any complex chronic condition (adjusted odds ratio, 6.26; 95% confidence interval, 2.83-16.60) and hematology/oncology service (adjusted odds ratio, 2.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-3.74) were independent risk factors for a deterioration event. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with medical complexity and patients on the hematology/oncology service had a higher risk of deterioration events than other patients with RRS activations. Further analyzing how our hospital evaluates and treats these specific patient populations is critical as we develop targeted interventions to reduce deterioration events.

Virtual Reality in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Patient Emotional and Physiologic Responses.

Context: Patients in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) are limited in their ability to engage in developmentally typical activity. Long-term hospitalization, especially with minimal interpersonal engagement, is associated with risk for delirium and delayed recovery. Virtual reality (VR) has growing evidence as a safe, efficacious, and acceptable intervention for pain and distress management in the context of uncomfortable healthcare procedures, and for enhancing engagement in, and improving outcomes of rehabilitation therapy. Hypothesis: Critically ill children may experience high levels of engagement and physiologic effects while engaging with VR. Methods and Models: This cross-sectional study of 3-17-year-old children admitted to a PICU used a VR headset to deliver 360-degree immersive experiences. This study had a mixed-method approach, including standardized behavioral coding, participant and parent surveys, and participant physiologic responses. Investigators noted comments the child made about VR, observed emotional responses, and documented an engagement score. To determine physiologic response to VR, integer heart rate variability (HRVi) was collected 30 min before, during, and 30 min after VR. Results: One hundred fifteen participants were enrolled from 6/18 to 10/19, and they interacted with VR for a median of 10 min (interquartile range 7-17). Most children enjoyed the experience; 83% of participants smiled and 36% laughed while using VR. Seventy-two percent made positive comments while using VR. The strongest age-related pattern regarding comments was that the youngest children were more likely to share the experience with others. Seventy-nine percent of participants were highly engaged with VR. Ninety-two percent of parents reported that VR calmed their child, and 78% of participants felt that VR was calming. HRVi Minimum scores were significantly higher during VR than pre- (p < 0.001) or post-VR (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between pre-and post-VR (p = 0.387); therefore, children returned to their pre-intervention state following VR. Interpretations and Conclusions: Children admitted to the PICU are highly engaged with and consistently enjoyed using VR. Both participants and parents found VR to be calming, consistent with intra-intervention physiologic improvements in HRVi. VR is an immersive tool that can augment the hospital environment for children.

Targeted Temperature Management Protocol in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Project.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute neurological injury, abrupt temperature change exacerbates increased intracranial pressures and negatively affects perfusion pressure and cerebral blood flow. Critical care nurses must provide coordinated and effective interventions to maintain normothermia without precipitating shivering immediately after acute neurological injury in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To improve hyperthermia management in a 40-bed pediatric intensive care unit, an interdisciplinary pediatric critical care team developed, implemented, and evaluated a targeted temperature management protocol. METHODS: The project was guided by the organization's plan-do-study-act quality improvement process. Quality improvement was assessed retrospectively using electronic medical records of patients meeting eligibility criteria. Samples of pediatric patients who received temperature interventions were compared before and after protocol implementation. The protocol included environmental, pharmacological, and body surface cooling device interventions, as well as use of a bedside shivering assessment scale and stepwise interventions to prevent and control shivering. RESULTS: Before implementation of the targeted temperature management protocol, 64% of patients had documented temperatures higher than 37.5 °C, and body surface cooling devices were used in 10% of patients. After protocol implementation, more than 80% of patients had documented temperatures higher than 37.5 °C, and body surface cooling devices were used in 62% of patients. Four patients (6%) before and 5 patients (31%) after protocol implementation were treated with body surface cooling without requiring use of neuromuscular blockade. CONCLUSIONS: Creation and implementation of a targeted temperature management protocol increased nurses' documented use of body surface cooling to manage hyperthermia in pediatric intensive care unit patients with acute neurological injury.

7 Is the New 8: Improving Adherence to Restrictive PRBC Transfusions in the Pediatric ICU.

Up to 30%-40% of children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) have anemia, and approximately 15% receive packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions. Current literature supports a pRBC transfusion threshold of hemoglobin less than or equal to seven for most PICU patients. Our objective was to determine pRBC transfusion rates, assess compliance with transfusion guidelines, understand patient-level variables that affect transfusion practices, and use cross-industry innovation to implement a practice strategy. This was a pre-post study of pediatric patients admitted to our PICU. We collected baseline data on pRBC transfusion practices. Next, we organized an innovation platform, which generated multi-industry ideas and produced an awareness campaign to effect pRBC ordering behavior. Innovative educational interventions were implemented, and postintervention transfusion practices were monitored. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed models. A p value < .05 was considered statistically significant. At baseline, 41% of pRBC transfusions met restrictive transfusion guidelines with a pretransfusion hemoglobin less than or equal to 7 g/dl. In the postintervention period, 53% of transfusions met restrictive transfusion guidelines (odds ratio 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.21-2.28). Implementation of a behavioral campaign using multi-industry innovation led to improved adherence to pRBC transfusion guidelines in a tertiary care PICU.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Point Prevalence Among Asymptomatic Hospitalized Children and Subsequent Healthcare Worker Evaluation.

Asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) carriage among hospitalized children and risk of transmission to healthcare workers (HCWs) was evaluated by point prevalence survey. We estimated 1-2% prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among children without coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms. There was no secondary transmission among HCWs exposed to these patients.

Navigator-Based Intervention to Support Communication in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Communication in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between families and the health care team affects the family experience, caregiver psychological morbidity, and patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility of studying and implementing a PICU communication intervention called PICU Supports, and to assess families' and health care teams' perceptions of the intervention. METHODS: This study involved patients requiring more than 24 hours of PICU care. An interventionist trained in PICU-focused health care navigation, a "navigator," met with parents and the health care team to discuss communication, decision-making, emotional, informational, and discharge or end-of-life care needs; offered weekly family meetings; and checked in with parents after PICU discharge. The feasibility of implementing the intervention was assessed by tracking navigator activities. Health care team and family perceptions were assessed using surveys, interviews, and focus groups. RESULTS: Of 53 families approached about the study, 35 (66%) agreed to participate. The navigator met with parents on 71% and the health care team on 85% of possible weekdays, and completed 86% of the postdischarge check-ins. Family meetings were offered to 95% of eligible patients. The intervention was rated as helpful by 97% of parents, and comments during interviews were positive. CONCLUSIONS: The PICU Supports intervention is feasible to implement and study and is viewed favorably by parents.

Implementation of LURIES: A New Handoff Tool for Pediatric Residents.

Introduction At our institution, inpatient pediatric residents spend about 50 hours each month on 52 total handoff encounters. We created a modifiable electronic handoff tool (LURIES) and measured its impact on resident perception of self-efficacy. We also elicited feedback and identified topics omitted in the handoffs following its adoption on general medicine, intensive care, and sub-specialty wards. Our objective was to standardize the handoff tool used by residents and to measure the impact of the new tool on resident perception of self-efficacy. Methods Residents were trained to use LURIES and completed a voluntary online survey during the first and second year of implementation. Senior residents reflected on experiences prior to and after implementation of LURIES. Night team residents reported key items omitted from the handoff. Results 65/96 (68%) residents responded in year one and 45/97 (46%) in year two of implementation. The majority of residents perceived that LURIES improved handoff efficiency, promoted active listening, and reduced the number of missed tasks overnight. There was a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy for all queried overnight tasks. Omitted information was most commonly identified on complex subspecialty services and pertained to communication with parents, late admissions, and discharges. Conclusion LURIES increased resident self-efficacy with patient management. There was no difference in findings when controlled for previous medical school handoff training or type of handoff tool used in medical school clerkships. More data are needed to establish the significance of this trend in relation to handoffs beyond residency, patient safety, and patient satisfaction scores.

Mastery of Status Epilepticus Management via Simulation-Based Learning for Pediatrics Residents.

BACKGROUND: Management of status epilepticus (SE) in the pediatric population is highly time-sensitive. Failure to follow a standard management algorithm may be due to ineffective provider education, and can lead to unfavorable outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To design a learning module using high-fidelity simulation technology to teach mastery achievement of a hospital algorithm for managing SE. METHODS: Thirty pediatrics interns were enrolled. Using the Angoff method, an expert panel developed the minimal passing score, which defined mastery. Scoring of simulated performance was done by 2 observers. Sessions were digitally recorded. After the pretest, participants were debriefed on the algorithm and required to repeat the simulation. If mastery (minimal passing score) was not achieved, debriefing and the simulation were repeated until mastery was met. Once mastery was met, participants graded their comfort level in managing SE. RESULTS: No participants achieved mastery at pretest. After debriefing and deliberate simulator training, all (n=30) achieved mastery of the algorithm: 30% achieved mastery after 1 posttest, 63% after a second, and 6.7% after a third. The Krippendorff α was 0.94, indicating strong interrater agreement. Participants reported more self-efficacy in managing SE, a preference for simulation-based education for learning practice-based algorithms of critical conditions, and highly rated the educational intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A simulation-based mastery learning program using deliberate practice dramatically improves pediatrics residents' execution of a SE management protocol. Participants enjoyed and benefited from simulation education. Future applications include improving adherence to other hospital protocols.