nicu-picu/README.md

NICU/PICU Quality Management System

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

1. Create a new repository using this template
2. Customize documents with your unit's information
3. Create issues with @atomicai to generate new documents
4. 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

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Powered by AtomicQMS - AI-Enhanced Critical Care Quality Management