Realistic evaluation of Situation Awareness for Everyone (SAFE) on paediatric wards: study protocol

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare quality improvement
• Patient safety research
• Clinical intervention evaluation

Background:

• UK hospitalized children face poorer outcomes than European counterparts, with ~1500 annual preventable deaths.
• Unanticipated deterioration, potentially treatable with early intervention (e.g., sepsis), contributes to these deaths.
• The 'clinical gaze' needs broadening to include prospective risk indicators for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Situation Awareness For Everyone (SAFE) intervention in UK pediatric wards.
• To understand the mechanisms of change and impact of SAFE on social processes.
• To provide initial evidence on the effectiveness of SAFE and huddles in improving pediatric patient safety.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a realistic evaluation framework.
• Employing multiple methods and data sources for comprehensive understanding.
• Focusing on how the intervention triggers change mechanisms and influences existing social processes.

Main Results:

• The study is evaluating the SAFE program using a realistic evaluation framework.
• Multiple data sources are used to understand intervention mechanisms and impact.
• Findings will elucidate key elements of SAFE and huddles, their effectiveness, and initial outcome effects.

Conclusions:

• This research provides the first evidence of SAFE and huddle implementation in UK pediatric wards.
• Understanding SAFE's elements and processes is crucial for improving child hospital safety.
• The study aims to inform future interventions to reduce preventable deaths in hospitalized children.