Facility Standards: Pediatric ICU (PICU)

Facility Standards: Pediatric ICU (PICU) 1. Tertiary pediatric Trauma Centers must have a PICU that meets the needs of the pediatric trauma patient. 2. The surgical director or co-director must be the TMD or general/pediatric surgeon taking trauma call. The director is responsible for the quality of care and administration of the PICU and will set policy and establish standards of care to meet the unique needs of the pediatric trauma patient. 3. The pediatric trauma surgeon assumes and maintains responsibility for the care of the serious or multiple injured pediatric patient. A surgically directed PICU physician team is essential. The team will provide in-house physician coverage for all PICU pediatric trauma patients at all times. This service can be staffed by appropriately trained physicians from different specialists, but must be led by a qualified surgeon consistent with the medical staff privileging process of the institution. The pediatric trauma surgeon must maintain control over all aspects of care, including but not limited to respiratory care and management of the mechanical ventilation; placement and use of pulmonary catheters; management of fluid and electrolytes, antimicrobials, and enteral and parenteral nutrition. 4. There must be in-house physician coverage for the PICU at all times. A physician credentialed by the facility must be available to the pediatric trauma patient in the PICU 24 hours/day. This coverage is for emergencies only and is not intended to replace the primary surgeon but rather is intended to ensure that the patient’s immediate needs are met while the surgeon is contacted. 5. Tertiary Pediatric Trauma Centers must provide staffing in sufficient numbers to meet the critical needs of the pediatric trauma patient. Critical care nurses must be available 24 hours per day. PICU nurses are an integral part of the pediatric trauma team and as such, shall be represented on the multidisciplinary trauma committee and participate in the PI process of the trauma program at least 50% of the time. 6. The list of required equipment necessary for the PICU can be found online at the Department’s website.