Nursing: Safety & Quality Innovations

At Nicklaus Children's Health System, we embrace innovation by deploying state-of-the-art technology throughout the hospital to improve patient safety and the patient experience, as well as to make our operational processes more efficient. Transforming pediatrics through innovation takes a village, and we are proud to work with leading technology companies, community programs, schools, policy-makers and other organizations for the betterment of our patients and their families.

GetWell:)Network

As a leading provider of interactive patient care solutions, GetWellNetwork was implemented in 2008. The GetWellNetwork is recognized by and works in conjunction with Child Health Corporation of America (CHCA) and the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI). The bedside interactive computer/TV monitor allows the patient and family to be involved in their care. 

The system provides educational materials through KidsHealth®, both standard and those prescribed by the nurse, interactive games, surveys for the families to complete, meal ordering, as well as "pop-ups" for patient-specific reminders. The system also allows the patient/family to access the Daisy Award to nominate outstanding nurses.

Foley

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cu1DlW5zQo

Seca Scales

In 2018, Nicklaus Children's Health System became the first pediatric hospital using the Cerner electronic health record to implement electronic height and weight transmission directly from the patient scale to the medical record. Integration between the patient scales and the documentation system aligns with the organization's commitment to promote a culture of safety by further safeguarding weight-based dosing for medications. Eliminating manual input reduces the possibility of transcription related errors, enables consistent documentation, and promotes a more efficient workflow.

Camera Capture

Specialized photo application used to capture and share patient images securely. Images are electronically transmitted directly to the patient record.

Sherlock Catheter Insertion Technology

Prevents the need for second procedures/Xrays improving patient experience and quality of care

Johns/New Sepsis Alert

Early recognition of sepsis is crucial for the best patient outcome. The St. John Sepsis Surveillance Agent does just that, alerts the care team when to evaluate and treat sepsis at one of the earliest detectable points. The St. John sepsis alert draws from the best and most recent published evidence and uses cloud computing to screen and alert early on. Early detection and treatment can save lives. 

Code Bear

In an effort to continue to promote a culture of safety and excellent patient care, Nicklaus Children's Hospital has created an innovative and proactive approach for the care and treatment of our autistic/behavioral patients. Code Bear comprises an outstanding healthcare professional team, with each member specializing in different aspects of caring for this patient population. Whether it's soothing techniques such as music therapy or medical intervention, they are there to ease their triggers and support the families during these challenging times.

Hand in Hand Together We Can.

PONS

The Pediatric Oncology Nutrition Screening (PONS) tool was developed at Nicklaus Children's Hospital as a collaboration between Nursing and Food and Nutrition departments. The PONS tool incorporates into our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) to screen pediatric oncology patients based on a risk assessment for malnutrition. This collaborative project has improved the process of identifying patients at risk for malnutrition, providing early nutritional interventions, and streamlined ordering dietary consults.

Telehealth

Nicklaus Children's Pediatric Virtual Care, our state-of-the-art telehealth platform, provides convenient access to care, bringing expert services and peace of mind to children and families. We are re-imagining the healthcare experience and innovating how we support families and children at the point of illness and throughout the continuum of health and wellness. The platform supports sophisticated videoconferencing and diagnostics via a range of web-enabled devices, allowing consultation with renowned specialty and subspecialty pediatricians, physicians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.

The majority of our virtual care services are delivered through our proprietary telehealth application that is encrypted and HIPAA compliant. Our innovative virtual care services are provided in over 24 specialty areas and programs.

Subspecialty consultations account for 37% of volume, mental health 38%, rehabilitation services 17%, and primary care 5%. Telehealth services include direct services for assessment and intervention, consultations (provider to provider), second opinions, multi-disciplinary/health care team meetings, and education services.

School Health Services

This program offers preventive, primary care as well as mental health services to children in 75 schools in the Miami Dade County district. 

Services are brought in person or via telehealth technology by nurses, nurse practitioners, mental health professionals, social workers, and a medical provider physician to more than 10,000 students in Miami-Dade County public schools.

At no cost, vaccines for children who do not have medical insurance or who are insured through Medicaid can obtain their childhood vaccines and the seasonal flu vaccine by calling the School Health Service appointment line (786-624-4757). 

With an overarching aim to improve health outcomes for the student population, nurses ensure that children without a pediatrician receive anticipatory guidance, nutritional education, as well as chronic disease management, ensuring they are in environments conducive to thriving and learning.  

Point of Care Testing

Nicklaus Children's Hospital nurses utilize iSTAT to perform point of care testing. The iSTAT is a portable machine not much bigger than a phone that is brought to the bedside for patient lab testing. With 0.1 cc of blood the nurse can run labs such as blood gas, lactic acid, electrolytes and the results are available within 120 seconds. The results are then downloaded into PEDS and accessible to the entire healthcare team.

Cerner Bridge™

Cerner Bridge™ Transfusion Administration uses bar-code scanning technology, wireless networks and clinical systems integration to improve patient safety. Utilizing positive patient identification, the solution records and collects information at the bedside and facilitates compliance with standards. The Cerner Bridge™ Transfusion solution provides up to six bar-code checks to ensure the right blood product is being administered to the correct patient, resulting in safer administration of blood products.