[Implementation of a checklist improves adherence to evidence-based practices in a pediatric intensive therapy unit]

Adherence to evidence-based practices (EBP) allows better management of the health-disease process in critical ill patients, with a close relationship between compliance and the quality achieved. We set out to improve adherence to EBP in patients admitted to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and to improve the quality-of-care indicators.

Controlled before-after study, developed at the PICU of the Pedro de Elizalde Children's General Hospital (PECGH), which involved all patients admitted in the period 12/01/2019 to 08/31/2020. The implementation consisted of a checklist (CL) that included 27 EBP, segmented into 10 improvement areas. Adherence to the CL was considered if it met 80% of EBP.

During the study period, 153 patients were admitted to the PECGH PICU. The pre- and post-intervention groups were similar in mechanical ventilatory assistance (MVA) requirements and pre-established mortality. In the last stage, adherence to the CL increased 23% (p <0.001). The MVA usage rate experienced the greatest decrease (18%, p = 0.033). In relation to quality indicators, a decrease in episodes of MVA-associated pneumonia (p = 0.002) and bladder catheter-associated infection (p = 0.001) was evident. There were no differences in mortality or stay in the PICU.

The implementation of a CL allowed to increase compliance with the different EBP studied, a lower rate of MVA use, and a reduction in the rate of device-associated infections.