Standardization of Pediatric Noncardiac Operating Room to Intensive Care Unit Handoffs Improves Communication and Patient Care.

Objectives: Handoffs are critical points in transitioning care between multidisciplinary teams, yet data regarding intensive care unit (ICU) handoffs in pediatric noncardiac surgical patients are lacking. We hypothesized that standardized handoffs from the pediatric operating room (OR) to the ICU would improve physician presence, communication, and patient care parameters.

Methods: This quality improvement initiative was performed at a tertiary children's hospital. Stakeholders (anesthesiologists, nurses, intensivists, and surgeons) developed a standardized OR to pediatric and neonatal ICU handoff process based on common goals and outcomes of interest. Baseline data were collected before intervention. Implementation was carried out in 2 phases, phase 1 with a written handoff and Phase 2 with a scripted handoff process. Data collected by trained observers included handoff attendance, distractions, and transfer of essential patient information. As a surrogate for outcomes, patient care parameter data were collected for 6 hours after transfer.

Results: After phase 1, surgery and ICU physician attendance increased significantly, distractions decreased, and communication of essential patient data improved. In phase 2 (scripted handoff), attendance continued to rise, distractions remained decreased, and transfer of essential information was still improved compared with baseline. Mean handoff duration did not significantly change throughout the study. Certain patient care parameters (escalation of respiratory support, additional laboratory studies, vasopressor administration, antibiotic administration and timing) remained unchanged compared with baseline. However, the need for resuscitative fluid bolus or blood products significantly decreased after implementation phase 2.

Conclusions: Standardized handoffs for pediatric noncardiac surgical patients from the OR to the ICU can improve provider attendance and communication.