LAUSR

OBJECTIVE Based on some of the recommendations of the SEMICYUC working groups, we developed a checklist and applied it in 2 periods, analyzing their behavior as a tool for improving safety. DESIGN A comparative pre- and post-intervention longitudinal study was carried out. SETTING The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a 400-bed university hospital. PATIENTS Random cases series in 2 periods separated by 6 months. INTERVENTIONS We developed a checklist with 24 selected indicators that were randomly applied to 50 patients. Verification was conducted by a professional not related to care (prompter). We analyzed the results and compliance index and carried out corrective measures with training. With 6 months of preparation, we again applied the random checklist to 50 patients (post-intervention period) and compared the compliance indexes between the two timepoints. RESULTS There were no differences in demographic characteristics or evolution between the periods. The compliance index at baseline was 0.86±0.12 versus 0.91±0.52 in the post-intervention period (P=.023). An acceptable compliance index was obtained with the 24 indicators, though at baseline the compliance index was<0.85 for 5 recommendations. These detected non-compliances were worked upon through training in the second phase of the study. The post-intervention checklist evidenced improvement in compliance with the recommendations. CONCLUSIONS The checklist used to assess compliance with a selection of recommendations of the SEMICYUC applied and moderated by a prompter was seen to be a useful instrument allowing us to identify points for improvement in the management of Intensive Care Unit patients, increasing the quality and safety of care.