Improving communication in a pediatric intensive care unit using daily patient goal sheets

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to determine if a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) daily patient goal sheet would improve communication between health care providers and decrease length of stay (LOS). Materials and Methods We evaluated a daily patient goal sheet's impact on questi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of critical care 2008-06, Vol.23 (2), p.227-235
Main Authors: Agarwal, Swati, MD, Frankel, Lorry, MD, MBA, Tourner, Susan, MD, McMillan, Alex, PhD, Sharek, Paul J., MD, MPH
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
California
Children & youth
Communication
Critical Care
Documentation
Goals
Health care
Hospitals
Humans
Intensive care
Intensive Care Units, Pediatric - organization & administration
Interdisciplinary aspects
Length of Stay
Likert scale
Multidisciplinary teams
Nurses
Patient care
Patient goal sheet
Patient safety
Patients
Pediatric intensive care units
Pediatrics
Physician-Nurse Relations
Physicians
Questionnaires
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to determine if a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) daily patient goal sheet would improve communication between health care providers and decrease length of stay (LOS). Materials and Methods We evaluated a daily patient goal sheet's impact on questionnaire-based measures of effectiveness of communication, nurses' knowledge of physicians in charge, and on LOS in the PICU. Results Four hundred nineteen questionnaires were completed by nurses and physicians before goal sheet implementation and 387 after implementation. Nurses and physicians perceived an improved understanding of patient care goals ( P < .001), reported increased comfort in explaining patient care goals to parents ( P < .001), and listed a higher number of patient care goals after goal sheet implementation ( P < .01). Nurses identified the patient's attending physician and fellow with increased accuracy after goal sheet implementation ( P < .001). Median PICU LOS was unchanged; however, mean LOS trended toward a reduction after goal sheet implementation (4.1 vs 3.7 days, P = .36). Seventy-six percent of respondents found the goal sheets helpful. Conclusions Using a PICU daily patient goal sheet can improve communication between health care providers, help nurses identify the in-charge physicians, and be helpful for patient care. By explicitly documenting patient care goals, there is enhanced clarity of patient care plans between health care providers.
ISSN:0883-9441
1557-8615
DOI:10.1016/j.jcrc.2007.07.001