Pediatric intensive care unit admission tool: a colorful approach.
This article discusses the development, implementation, and utilization of our institution's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Color-Coded Admission Status Tool. Rather than the historical method of identifying a maximum number of staffed beds, a tool was developed to color code the PICU's admission status. Previous methods had been ineffective and led to confusion between the PICU leadership team and the administration. The tool includes the previously missing components of staffing and acuity, which are essential in determining admission capability. The PICU tool has three colored levels: green indicates open for admissions; yellow, admission alert resulting from available beds or because staffing is not equal to the projected patient numbers or required acuity; and red, admissions on hold because only one trauma or arrest bed is available or staffing is not equal to the projected acuity. Yellow and red designations require specific actions and the medical director's approval. The tool has been highly successful and significantly impacted nursing with the inclusion of the essential component of nurse staffing necessary in determining bed availability.
Biddle
Amy
A
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. amy.biddle@chp.edu
D002648:Child; D003116:Color; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D006742:Hospital Bed Capacity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006747:Hospital Communication Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007857:Leadership; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000458:organization & administration; D010414:Pennsylvania; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000458:organization & administration; D010934:Planning Techniques; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D017751:Safety Management; D012720:Severity of Illness Index