Safety in the pediatric ICU: the key to quality outcomes

Patient safety is a major concern in the pediatric ICU. The acuity has never been higher, patient needs are extremely complex, and the margin for error is small. The concentration on safety needs to revolve around designing safe systems and processes. This article discusses communication, patient identification, catheter-related bloodstream infections, unplanned extubations, restraints and medication administration. The health care system of the future must be transparent, making safety information to insurers, patients and health care providers easily available.