Admission criteria to PICU

To help distinguish which patients may benefit most from the limited number of ICU beds the following criteria are drawn up to facilitate decision making. However admissions are not restricted to these criteria (if in doubt: discuss)

ICU bed available
Reviewed by consultant
Reversible condition
Potential good outcome
No chronic illness associated with poor prognosis
Anticipated limited stay in PICU (relative)
Requiring/ very likely to require intubation/ ventilator support (relative)*

*Failed CPAP
*Discuss early if threatened airway

If not referred to PICU

If patient does not qualify they should be admitted to the general ward (preferably HDU) or research ward.

Mode of contact

If in doubt discuss with paediatric consultant and call PICU consultant ideally using SBAR approach (see below).

Situation - Patient's/ client's details, identify reason for this communication, describe your concern.

Background - Relating to the patient/ client, significant history, this may include medications, investigations/ treatments

Assessment - What is your assessment of the patient/ client or situation, this can include clinical impression/ concerns, vital signs/ early warning score

Recommendations - Be specific, explain what you need, make suggestions, clarify expectations, confirm actions to be taken