This repository contains template documents for implementing a Quality Management System (QMS) specifically designed for Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU).

Hospital Units Covered

Neonatal Intensive Care Units (Level II-IV)
Pediatric Intensive Care Units
Cardiac Intensive Care Units (pediatric)
Combined NICU/PICU facilities
Special Care Nurseries
Step-down/Intermediate Care Units

Repository Structure

nicu-picu-template/
├── Policies/                    # Quality policies and management commitment
├── SOPs/                        # Standard Operating Procedures
│   ├── Ventilator/              # Neonatal and pediatric ventilator management
│   ├── Sedation/                # Sedation protocols and pain management
│   ├── Nutrition/               # TPN and enteral nutrition protocols
│   ├── Transport/               # Inter-facility transport procedures
│   ├── Emergency/               # NRP, PALS, code blue protocols
│   └── Infection-Control/       # ICU-specific infection prevention
├── Work Instructions/           # Detailed work instructions
├── Forms/                       # Record forms and templates
│   ├── Sedation-Scoring/        # COMFORT, FLACC, NPASS scales
│   ├── Ventilator-Weaning/      # Weaning protocols and assessments
│   ├── Nutrition/               # TPN orders, feeding advancement
│   └── Patient-Safety/          # Safety checklists and assessments
└── Templates/                   # Document templates

Document Numbering Convention

POL-XXX: Policies
SOP-VENT-XXX: Ventilator Management SOPs
SOP-SED-XXX: Sedation and Pain Management SOPs
SOP-NUT-XXX: Nutrition SOPs
SOP-TRN-XXX: Transport SOPs
SOP-EMR-XXX: Emergency Protocol SOPs
SOP-INF-XXX: Infection Control SOPs
WI-XXX: Work Instructions
FRM-XXX: Forms and Records

AI-Powered Document Creation

This template includes AtomicAI integration. Simply create an issue and mention @atomicai to:

Generate neonatal resuscitation protocols
Create ventilator management SOPs
Draft sedation and pain assessment forms
Develop family-centered care policies
Update TPN protocols
Create transport checklists

Getting Started

Create a new repository using this template
Customize documents with your unit's information
Create issues with @atomicai to generate new documents
Review and approve AI-generated content via Pull Requests

Clinical Focus Areas

Critical Care Protocols

Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Code blue/rapid response procedures
ECMO initiation and management

Respiratory Support

Conventional mechanical ventilation
High-frequency ventilation
Non-invasive respiratory support (CPAP, HFNC)
Surfactant administration
Nitric oxide therapy

Sedation & Pain Management

Pain assessment tools (NPASS, FLACC, COMFORT)
Sedation protocols and weaning
Opioid and benzodiazepine management
Neuromuscular blockade
Withdrawal assessment and management

Nutrition

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) protocols
Enteral nutrition advancement
Human milk handling
Feeding intolerance management

Safety & Quality

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention
Ventilator-associated events prevention
Medication safety (high-alert medications)
Family-centered rounds
Developmental care practices

Special Procedures

Inter-facility transport
Therapeutic hypothermia
Exchange transfusion
Chest tube placement and management

Regulatory Compliance

These templates support compliance with:

Joint Commission - Critical Care Standards
AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines
CMS Conditions of Participation - Special Care Units
NACHRI - Children's Hospital Quality Standards
Vermont Oxford Network - NICU Quality Benchmarks
21 CFR Part 11 - Electronic Records
HIPAA - Health Information Privacy

Developmental Care Considerations

All protocols incorporate:

Minimal handling protocols
Noise and light reduction strategies
Kangaroo care promotion
Neurodevelopmental follow-up planning
Family presence and engagement

Powered by AtomicQMS - AI-Enhanced Critical Care Quality Management