Single centre implementation of the Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scale.

Abstract

Purpose: Early recognition of paediatric emergence delirium (ED) by post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses is critical for the effective management and prevention of complications. This project aimed to enhance nursing education and standardise the use of the Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale as a reliable tool for assessing ED.

Design: This project involved an educational intervention for PACU nurses to train them in using the PAED scale for ED evaluation. The effectiveness of the PAED scale was compared with the more commonly used Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale in the evaluation of postoperative paediatric patients.

Methods: An educational programme was designed for PACU nurses, with pre-and post-surveys administered to assess the impact of the educational intervention on their knowledge, confidence, and familiarity with ED and the PAED scale. This project included time trials comparing the use of the PAED and FLACC scales during patient simulations after the educational intervention.

Findings: Following the educational programe, nurses demonstrated increased confidence and familiarity with ED and the PAED scale. Furthermore, the use of the PAED scale following the educational intervention significantly reduced the time required to evaluate patients and initiate treatment for ED compared with the FLACC scale.

Conclusion: Equipping nurses with the knowledge and skills to effectively implement the PAED scale improves ED's timely recognition and treatment, leading to safer, more efficient care for postoperative paediatric patients. This project demonstrates the importance of evidence-based tools and targeted nursing education.