Implementation of a checklist to assist in the rapid identification of seriously ill children in the emergency department: an observational study.

Aim: Interventions are required to expedite the identification and treatment of seriously ill children in the emergency department (ED). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the implementation of a features of serious illness in children checklist (FSIC) for ED nursing staff would be associated with a reduction in the presentation-to-treatment time (PTTT) among children who required hospital admission and active treatment.

Methods: An observational study was conducted 8 weeks before and 8 weeks after the implementation of the FSIC.