Development of an Evidence-Based Pediatric Preoperative Risk Assessment Checklist.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pediatric Nursing
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Postanesthesia care unit (PACU) respiratory complications in children pose significant risks.
• Effective preoperative assessment is crucial for identifying at-risk pediatric patients.
• Perianesthesia nurses require efficient tools to manage potential respiratory issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a pediatric preoperative risk assessment (PPRA) checklist.
• To inform perianesthesia nurses about potential PACU respiratory complications.
• To provide a structured approach for risk identification in pediatric anesthesia.

Main Methods:

• An evidence-based practice approach was employed.
• A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane).
• An integrative review process and multidisciplinary expert consensus were used to develop the checklist.

Main Results:

• Eleven key risk categories were established for the PPRA checklist.
• Categories include age, ASA status, comorbidities, syndromes, and demographic factors.
• The checklist underwent validation for content and face validity, and reliability testing.

Conclusions:

• The PPRA checklist facilitates rapid communication of preoperative risk factors.
• It enhances the interpretation of children's acuity and comprehensive risk for adverse events.
• The checklist supports improved patient safety in the PACU by highlighting potential respiratory complications.