Standardization of rounds on a general paediatric ward: Implementation of a checklist to improve efficiency, quality of rounds, and family satisfaction.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a standardized rounding tool for use on the general paediatric ward and to determine if its use can improve quality of rounds as well as patient and parent satisfaction. Methodology: The study used a pre- and post-intervention prospective observational methodology. The intervention consisted of the implementation of a Checklist Rounding Tool (CRT) entitled the 'Paediatric Inpatient Rounding Checklist (PIRC)' which outlined items deemed essential to discuss during rounds for all patients admitted to the paediatric ward. The PIRC was created by the research team after reviewing the literature and it was peer reviewed by a panel of expert paediatricians. Performance on rounds based on discussion of checklist items as well as patient and parent satisfaction were evaluated by an external observer both pre- and post-PIRC implementation. Results: Four of the five less frequently addressed checklist items were discussed significantly more post-intervention. The Rounds Quality Score was significantly improved after checklist implementation, the pre- and post-intervention scores being 8.24 and 9.61/10, respectively (P-value <0.001). Patient and parent satisfaction were rated higher with the use of the checklist. There was no difference in the duration of rounds between the pre- and post-implementation phases. Conclusion: In summary, utilization of a standardized rounding tool on an inpatient paediatric ward led to improvement in quality of rounds as well as patient and parent satisfaction.

Systematic Review and Quality Appraisal of International Guidelines on Perinatal Care of Extremely Premature Infants.

OBJECTIVES: Clinicians often refer to published or local guidelines when counselling expectant parents on perinatal care decisions at the limits of viability. The objectives of this study are to systematically review the literature and assess the quality of published international guidelines regarding perinatal care of 22-25 week gestational age infants. STUDY DESIGN: MEDLINE, Pre-MEDLINE and TRIP databases were systematically searched for guidelines on perinatal management of extremely premature infants. Included guidelines were: created by an institution that regularly cared for extremely premature infants; offered comprehensive care plans; and, published after 1999 in English. The final selected guidelines were appraised using the validated AGREE-II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation) tool which consists of six quality domains (Scope and Purpose, Stakeholder Involvement, Rigour of Development, Clarity of Presentation, Applicability, and Editorial Independence). Overall guideline quality was rated and each appraiser was asked whether they recommended the guideline for use. RESULTS: Electronic and grey searches yielded 263 publications. Screening left 37 guidelines, 16 of which met inclusion criteria. Appraisal revealed deficits within all quality domains, predominantly 'Applicability', 'Editorial Independence' and 'Rigour of Development'. A wide range of mean domain scores within each guideline was observed. Overall quality scores ranged from 11%-61%; no guideline was assessed as suitable for use without modifications. CONCLUSION: Based on the AGREE-II criteria, we identified deficits in the quality of all of the published international guidelines, highlighting the need for rigorously and transparently developed guidelines to inform practice related to perinatal care of 22-25 week gestational age infants.

Characteristics of pain in children and youth with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: Pain in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is underrecognized, undertreated, and negatively affects quality of life. Communication challenges and multiple pain etiologies complicate diagnosis and treatment. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the impact of pain on activities and to identify the common physician-identified causes of pain in children and youth ages 3 to 19 years across all levels of severity of CP. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional, whereby children/youth aged 3 to 19 years and their families were consecutively recruited. The primary caregivers were asked to complete a one-time questionnaire, including the Health Utilities Index 3 pain subset, about the presence and characteristics of pain. The treating physician was asked to identify the presence of pain and provide a clinical diagnosis for the pain, if applicable. RESULTS: The response rate was 92%. Of 252 participants, 54.8% reported some pain on the Health Utilities Index 3, with 24.4% of the caregivers reporting that their child experienced pain that affected some level of activities in the preceding 2 weeks. Physicians reported pain in 38.7% and identified hip dislocation/subluxation, dystonia, and constipation as the most frequent causes of pain. CONCLUSIONS: One-quarter of our sample experienced pain that limited activities and participation. Clinicians should be aware that hip subluxation/dislocation and dystonia were the most common causes of pain in children/youth with CP in this study. Potential causes of pain should be identified and addressed early to mitigate the negative impact of pain on quality of life.