Application, verification and correction from an elaborate checklist with some of the recommendations (“do and do not do”) of the SEMICYUC working groups

Abstract

ObjectiveBased on some of the recommendations of the SEMICYUC working groups, we developed a checklist and applied it in two periods, analyzing their behavior as a tool for improving safety. DesignA comparative pre- and post-intervention longitudinal study was carried out. SettingThe Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a 400-bed university hospital. PatientsRandom cases series in two periods separated by 6 months. InterventionsWe developed a checklist with 24 selected indicators that were randomly applied to 50 patients. Verification was conducted by a professional not related to care (prompter). We analyzed the results and compliance index and carried out corrective measures with training. With 6 months of preparation, we again applied the random checklist to 50 patients (post-intervention period) and compared the compliance indexes between the two timepoints. ResultsThere were no differences in demographic characteristics or evolution between the periods. The compliance index at baseline was 0.86±0.12 versus 0.91±0.52 in the post-intervention period (P=.023). An acceptable compliance index was obtained with the 24 indicators, though at baseline the compliance index was <0.85 for 5 recommendations. These detected non-compliances were worked upon through training in the second phase of the study. The post-intervention checklist evidenced improvement in compliance with the recommendations. ConclusionsThe checklist used to assess compliance with a selection of recommendations of the SEMICYUC applied and moderated by a prompter was seen to be a useful instrument allowing us to identify points for improvement in the management of ICU patients, increasing the quality and safety of care.