Evidence-based Practice in Action: Ensuring Quality of Pediatric Assessment Frequency

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The optimal frequency for head-to-toe assessments in hospitalized pediatric patients remains undetermined.
• A Midwestern regional hospital implemented a change in the frequency of these assessments.
• This study aimed to evaluate the impact of this change on patient safety and staff satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient safety outcomes after altering head-to-toe assessment frequency.
• To evaluate registered nurse satisfaction with the modified assessment schedule.
• To determine if changes in assessment frequency affect unplanned intensive care unit transfers.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study design was employed.
• Chart audits were conducted for all patients upon discharge and after any level of care changes.
• Registered nurses were surveyed to gauge their satisfaction with the revised assessment frequency.

Main Results:

• A total of 421 patients were included in the analysis.
• No increase in unplanned intensive care unit transfers was observed post-change compared to the previous year.
• Registered nurses (N=15) reported no perceived decrease in patient safety and expressed satisfaction, noting increased time for direct patient care.

Conclusions:

• Altering the frequency of head-to-toe assessments did not negatively impact patient safety.
• The change positively influenced nurse satisfaction and perceived efficiency in providing direct patient care.
• The unit subsequently updated its policy to reflect the new evidence-based assessment interval, with recommendations for further research on diverse pediatric populations.