The team of nurses that were involved in determining the benefits of a new Emergency Department (ED) Paediatric Liaison Nursing position.

Last month, St. Joseph's Health Centre presented findings from an innovative research study at the Celebrating Innovations in Health Care Expo in Toronto.

Over the past seven months, principle investigators Jennifer Torode, Jessica Tyrwhitt and Donna Hess, along with their team of nurses and volunteers, have completed an intensive study looking at the benefits of a new Emergency Department (ED) Paediatric Liaison Nursing position.

To improve the flow of information, transfer times and pain management strategies, the research team came up with the idea of the liaison to help bridge the gap between the ED and Paediatrics.

"Paediatrics requires a different skill set because children have unique needs from adults. Advocacy is important for children, as they often cannot speak for themselves and may not understand the procedures," said Jennifer Torode. "For many sick and injured children, the health care experience begins in the ED. Children imprint these experiences more dramatically than an adult may, resulting in either a negative or positive experience."

Six ED liaisons were chosen, all of whom met certain criteria, including a current Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certificate, at least three years Paediatric training, demonstrated communication skills, good conflict resolution skills, and application of child-life principles to the care that they provide to children and their families.

Funded by the ED, the intervention period ran during evening shifts from November 2007 to March 2008. The number one priority of the liaison is to provide child-centred care practices. The liaison accompanies the child and family from the ED to Paediatrics and gives a verbal report to the admitting nurse, including the family in the process. This ensures the care is transparent and inclusive, thereby reducing error and providing patient-centered care.

There were three assessments to measure to the study, staff surveys collected pre and post-intervention, patient telephone surveys and chart review. "The study produced great results on all three fronts, clearly indicating that this role has made a difference for those patients and staff participating in the study," said Torode.

"The resulting cross-pollination between the two departments has been fantastic, fostering learning on both sides. Being stationed in the ED, yet remaining in constant communication with the Paediatric unit, the ED Paediatric Liaison has their finger on the pulse of both departments. The liaison also produced significant metric changes with relation to timing, reducing the average admittance time from 3.3 hours to 1.9 hours," said Torode.

Word of this groundbreaking study is spreading. The research group is presenting at a number of conferences, including the Sigma Theta Tau International Honours Society of Nursing Conference, May 2nd in London, Ontario, and the Sick Kids Critical Care Conference in June, while Credit Valley Hospital is in the process of trialing the position as well.

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Page last updated: April 30, 2010