ABSTRACT 149

Abstract

Background and aims: Neurological observations within the paediatric critical care environment are a key part of the ongoing assessment of a critically ill child. Anecdotal evidence within our Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) suggested that these were not always completed fully. Aims: This audit aimed to establish compliance within PICU and the Paediatric High Dependency Unit (PHDU). The hospital policy and the ‘Neuroscience Nursing Benchmarking Group’ benchmark were used as standards. Methods: To establish compliance, 20 non-sequential day’s observation charts were reviewed, all patient groups were included. Frequency and percentage completion of the modified Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was recorded. In addition, an online questionnaire was sent to all PICU and PHDU clinical staff. It focussed on self-assessment of knowledge, confidence, competence and training. Results: In total 4380 hours including 62 patients was recorded.Table: No title available.Verbal/grimace scoring and specifically identification that a grimace assessment has been done is identified as poor. The 104 questionnaire responses showed a high level of confidence but lower confidence in other people’s ability. 69% of responses identified that they had received training (average 6.9 years). This may be due to awareness of what constitutes training. Conclusions: The development of an e-learning programme focussing on neurological assessments of intubated patients and children with chronic neurology is been explored. A review of scoring charts is been undertaken and re-audit will be completed after 12months.