Background Assessing a child’s level of consciousness is a highly skilled component of nursing and medical practice. However there was increasing evidence of inaccuracy in the recording of neurological observations. Since the 1980s numerous paediatric observation charts had evolved, all based on the Glasgow Coma Scale, but all differ on quantity and specifics of descriptors of verbal and motor responses. There were no guidelines in how to use them to assess children of various age ranges.This assessment tool could be used in every childrens ward and hospital and it has produced a 100% reduction in high level incidents.
The Project In 2009, with an imminent move to a new hospital, the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. In response, Gillian Robinson, Nurse Consultant created CATNIP – the Coma Assessment Tool for Neonates, Infants, Children and Young People. The evidence-based tool incorporates both an early warning coma alert and early warning scores.
Unique approach Crucially, the chart has detailed developmental guidelines and physiological parameters tailored to five age groups – 0-4 months; four months to two years; two to five years; five to 12 years; and over 12 years. The chart tells the clinician when to seek an urgent review from a senior medical colleague.
Pilot study analysed 100 charts to see whether early warning scores and coma alerts were acted on; and clinicians’ views on its usefulness were collected. The chart was subsequently amended to include guidelines on when and how to apply painful stimulus and age-specific early warning vital signs graphs.
Read more here http://bit.ly/1cUl1q6