Minimising diagnostic error in paediatric critical care: a checklist approach

Caring for critically ill children presents unique challenges due to their rapid deterioration and the need for immediate, complex interventions. The assessment, diagnosis and treatment of deteriorating paediatric patients require a comprehensive and holistic, systematic approach. However, the dynamic nature of critical illness and the need for stabilisation can often lead to missed opportunities for assessment and intervention. To improve the quality and timeliness of care for critically ill children, we developed standardised checklist proformas to guide focused and efficient assessments. These proformas, originally adapted from adult intensive care settings, have been refined over two decades through extensive clinical experience and collaboration with experts worldwide. The proformas provide a framework for diagnostic reasoning and ensure through predictive modelling that essential components of the assessment are not overlooked. By using these tools, healthcare professionals can effectively identify and address the needs of critically ill children, improving patient outcomes and enhancing the efficiency of care.