Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Feasibility of Using Amplitude-Integrated EEG During Neonatal Transport
Published on: June 21, 2024
Paediatric inter-hospital transportation: a clinical governance project
Maria Breathnach1, Paula Lane2
1MSc Candidate, Department of Nursing and Health, School of Health Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland.
Insights
A quality improvement project implemented a universal Paediatric Advanced Life Support Programme (PALS) to enhance neonatal nurse competencies for inter-hospital paediatric transportation, improving safety and clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Paediatric Transport Medicine
- Nursing Education
Background:
- A quality improvement project identified gaps in adhering to national and international standards for paediatric inter-hospital transportation.
- A clinical service deficit in paediatric transport was noted at a large Irish university teaching hospital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address deficits in paediatric inter-hospital transportation practices.
- To enhance clinical standards and competencies of neonatal nurses involved in paediatric transport.
Main Methods:
- A risk assessment was conducted on the clinical site.
- A universal Paediatric Advanced Life Support Programme (PALS) was proposed and implemented.
- Change management principles and organizational culture were considered.
Main Results:
- The project aimed to upskill neonatal nurses through the PALS program.
- Benchmarking against best practices was utilized as a quality advancement strategy.
Conclusions:
- Educational initiatives are recommended to monitor and review clinical standards in paediatric transportation.
- Implementing standardized training like PALS can improve clinical outcomes and advance the quality and safety agenda in paediatric practice.
Abstract:
This article discusses a quality improvement project in the context of paediatric inter-hospital transportation. The project was set in a large university teaching hospital in Ireland. Risk assessment on the clinical site revealed a gap in the application of best national and international standards in inter-hospital transportation practice. A project was undertaken to explore current paediatric transport services and respond to a clinical service deficit. Consequently, the proposed quality improvement initiative proposes a universal Paediatric Advanced Life Support Programme (PALS) to upskill and enhance the required clinical standards and competencies of neonatal nurses. This intervention was underpinned by attention to change management principles and organisational culture in health care. As a clinical practice development, it demonstrates how benchmarking against best practice can advance the quality and safety agenda in paediatric practice. Education initiatives are recommended to ensure that clinical standards in paediatric transportation are monitored and reviewed with the potential to improve clinical outcomes.
More Related Videos
06:15Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
11:27A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Tertiary Healthcare System
Hospitals-II
Nurses that work in...
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Hospitals-I
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care