Welcome to the 9th EAPS Congress Programme Scheduling

Abstract Body

Survival rates for children and young people (CYP) admitted to Paediatric Critical Care following critical illness or injury have improved worldwide. However, whilst mortality has reduced, there is recognition that morbidity has increased, conceptualised with paediatric survivors as Post Intensive Care Syndrome- Paediatric (PICS-p). The core focus of the PICS-p framework is on the child, recognising that PICU admission can have a significant impact on the child’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social health, possibly for decades.

Health care professionals working within PICU need to create a holistic, healing environment with interventions to promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social health of the CYP and family. There is a growing evidence base about how the PICU environment can be modified to optimise patient recovery; from ward layout, access to natural light, management of artificial lighting, minimisation of unit activity, noise reduction, access to bathroom facilities, staffing and visiting policies. There is also guidance to optimise PICU patient recovery and outcomes, including ‘bundles’ to promote successful extubation, assessment and management of pain, sedation and delirium, early rehabilitation and mobilisation and family engagement and empowerment. Making changes to the physical environment and changing the culture of patient management requires collaboration and involvement from the whole multi-disciplinary team. ICU survivorship has become a top concern and methods to optimise child and family recovery and outcomes need to be prioritised by PICU health care professionals.