Improving ATLS performance in simulated pediatric trauma resuscitation using a checklist.

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Pediatric Trauma Care
• Clinical Process Improvement

Background:

• Checklists are proven tools for reducing errors in complex medical procedures.
• Their utility in pediatric trauma resuscitation has not been previously assessed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a checklist for pediatric trauma resuscitation.
• To evaluate its effectiveness in simulated resuscitations.

Main Methods:

• A 56-item checklist was developed by trauma specialists.
• Simulated resuscitations compared team performance with and without the checklist.
• The Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) performance score and team workload were assessed.

Main Results:

• Checklist use significantly increased the total ATLS performance score by 4.9 points (P < 0.001).
• Improvements were most notable in the secondary survey performance (+3.3 points, P < 0.001).
• Team workload was not significantly affected by checklist implementation.

Conclusions:

• A pediatric trauma resuscitation checklist enhances adherence to ATLS protocols.
• Checklist implementation is feasible and does not burden trauma teams during simulated resuscitations.