PurposeAlthough literature on pediatric procedural distress has grown considerably, this knowledge has not been widely applied in practice. Collaboration between nurses and other health care professionals is an integral aspect of procedural management. This project assesses the implementation of LEAPP, an evidence-based multidisciplinary approach to pediatric procedural management that uses a protocol, procedure planning tools, and education for nurses and physicians.MethodLEAPP is a mnemonic for Listen, Evaluate, Anticipate, Plan, and Proceed, with each word representing a step to be followed in appropriate procedural management. The collaborative role of the nurse and other providers during procedures is emphasized.Fifty medical procedures were assessed prior to LEAPP implementation, using real-time observation tools to survey the nurse, caregiver, physician, and child life specialist regarding procedural planning and performance. Observations included preparation, parental concerns, using a procedure room, using pharmaceutical and nonpharmacological interventions for pain and anxiety, monitoring of the patient's tolerance of the procedure and responding to the patient's needs.FindingsPreliminary results indicate physicians tended to rate the success of procedural planning higher and pain and anxiety as better controlled than caregivers or other staff.Education is anticipated to facilitate easier completion of the procedure and improve patient, caregiver, and physician satisfaction.DiscussionLEAPP promotes a multidisciplinary approach that facilitates RN/MD collaboration and positive patient/family outcomes. The education and clinical protocol have universal applicability in all settings where pediatric procedures are performed. PurposeAlthough literature on pediatric procedural distress has grown considerably, this knowledge has not been widely applied in practice. Collaboration between nurses and other health care professionals is an integral aspect of procedural management. This project assesses the implementation of LEAPP, an evidence-based multidisciplinary approach to pediatric procedural management that uses a protocol, procedure planning tools, and education for nurses and physicians. Although literature on pediatric procedural distress has grown considerably, this knowledge has not been widely applied in practice. Collaboration between nurses and other health care professionals is an integral aspect of procedural management. This project assesses the implementation of LEAPP, an evidence-based multidisciplinary approach to pediatric procedural management that uses a protocol, procedure planning tools, and education for nurses and physicians. MethodLEAPP is a mnemonic for Listen, Evaluate, Anticipate, Plan, and Proceed, with each word representing a step to be followed in appropriate procedural management. The collaborative role of the nurse and other providers during procedures is emphasized.Fifty medical procedures were assessed prior to LEAPP implementation, using real-time observation tools to survey the nurse, caregiver, physician, and child life specialist regarding procedural planning and performance. Observations included preparation, parental concerns, using a procedure room, using pharmaceutical and nonpharmacological interventions for pain and anxiety, monitoring of the patient's tolerance of the procedure and responding to the patient's needs. LEAPP is a mnemonic for Listen, Evaluate, Anticipate, Plan, and Proceed, with each word representing a step to be followed in appropriate procedural management. The collaborative role of the nurse and other providers during procedures is emphasized. Fifty medical procedures were assessed prior to LEAPP implementation, using real-time observation tools to survey the nurse, caregiver, physician, and child life specialist regarding procedural planning and performance. Observations included preparation, parental concerns, using a procedure room, using pharmaceutical and nonpharmacological interventions for pain and anxiety, monitoring of the patient's tolerance of the procedure and responding to the patient's needs. FindingsPreliminary results indicate physicians tended to rate the success of procedural planning higher and pain and anxiety as better controlled than caregivers or other staff.Education is anticipated to facilitate easier completion of the procedure and improve patient, caregiver, and physician satisfaction. Preliminary results indicate physicians tended to rate the success of procedural planning higher and pain and anxiety as better controlled than caregivers or other staff. Education is anticipated to facilitate easier completion of the procedure and improve patient, caregiver, and physician satisfaction. DiscussionLEAPP promotes a multidisciplinary approach that facilitates RN/MD collaboration and positive patient/family outcomes. The education and clinical protocol have universal applicability in all settings where pediatric procedures are performed. LEAPP promotes a multidisciplinary approach that facilitates RN/MD collaboration and positive patient/family outcomes. The education and clinical protocol have universal applicability in all settings where pediatric procedures are performed.