The KIDS SAFE checklist for pediatric intensive care units

Background: Checklists have been recognized by multiple industries as a valuable tool to reduce errors of omission. In the busy environment of a pediatric intensive care unit, adverse events are common and can have severe consequences. Researchers have focused on developing evidence-based practice guidelines; however, the nature of human error means that consistent application of this evidence in practice is challenging. Objective: To develop an evidence-based checklist as a tool to reduce preventable adverse events and enhance clinical care in pediatric intensive care units. Methods: After a systematic review of literature and a retrospective review of local reporting of adverse events in pediatric intensive care units, nominal group technique was used to determine the structure and content for the checklist. Results: An 8-element mnemonic checklist (KIDS SAFE) was developed: kids' development needs, infection, deep-vein thrombosis prophylaxis, skin integrity, sedation, analgesia, family, and enteral needs. Conclusion: Prevention of adverse events is better than cure. Use of the KIDS SAFE checklist has the potential to reduce errors of omission in pediatric intensive care units.