Improving communication from OR to PICU
This quality improvement initiative set the aim of reducing patient safety events relating to OR to PICU handover. Utilizing QI methodology, we were able to identify key areas of vulnerability and set a new handover standard to address those concerns. This new handover standard dubbed the “PATHQS” has been utilized in the PICU for over 2 years now with excellent impact in reducing safety events. The future direction for this work is to generate spread within the institution and beyond as the tool has excellent cross-applicability.

Time out for patient safety
Invasive procedures are carried out on patients frequently in the intensive care unit. These can be as simple as dressing changes or as complex as surgeries to implement life saving heart-lung bypass (ECLS). Regardless, these procedures are often done in an urgent fashion with teams unknown to one another coming together to serve the patient. This type of collaboration can be high-risk if there is not an alignment of understanding around the intended procedure and expected outcome. This project will address the need for a standardized “time out” that is specific to the needs and concerns of a PICU patient. In doing so, the hope is that team members will be clear on expectations and goals of the procedures and patients can have smooth delivery of care. All of this would be expected to reduce the risk of error over the course of the care.