Enhancing Pediatric Perioperative Patient  Safety

The frequency of surgery for patients younger than 18 years of age is increasing, and pediatric procedures are being performed in all types of facilities.1 Approximately 450,000 pediatric patients are admitted for inpatient surgery on an annual basis in the United States, with 115,000 of those procedures occurring in patients who are three years old or younger.2 It is estimated that 40% of pediatric inpatient surgical procedures are performed in nonpediatric hospitals in the United States.1 In 2006, an estimated 2.3 million ambulatory anesthesia episodes of care were provided to patients younger than 15 years of age in the United States.
Source: AORN Journal - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Column Source Type: research