Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the Advanced Pediatric Cancer Center:

We at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) bring you a state-of-the-art and cutting-edge Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), where we provide specialised and critical care for children facing the most challenging medical conditions. Join us on this journey to understand the vital role that the PICU plays in paediatric healthcare.

Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) – Overview:

The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, commonly referred to as the PICU, is a specialised ward designed to care for critically ill children. This unit is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and staffed by highly skilled healthcare professionals who are trained to provide intensive, round-the-clock care to young patients in need. It serves as a bridge between general paediatric care and highly specialised treatment, ensuring that children with severe medical issues receive the utmost attention and expertise.

The Critical Importance of PICUs in Pediatric Healthcare:

The PICU serves as the cornerstone of paediatric critical care. Its significance lies in its ability to offer immediate and intensive care to children who are facing life-threatening medical conditions. The existence of a PICU can be a matter of life and death for many young patients, making it an indispensable component of a comprehensive paediatric healthcare system.

Role of the PICU in Treating Critically Ill Children:

The primary role of a PICU is to provide immediate, specialised, and multidisciplinary care to children who require intensive medical intervention. Whether a child is suffering from a severe infection, traumatic injury, or postoperative complications, the PICU is the place where they receive specialised care and monitoring.

Specialized Care and Medical Staff in a PICU:

A PICU is staffed with a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including paediatric intensivists, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and more. These experts are specifically trained to handle complex paediatric cases and work collaboratively to ensure the best possible outcomes for their young patients.

Who’s Sent to the PICU and When Is It Needed?

The decision to admit a child to the PICU is typically based on the severity of his/her condition. Children who may require PICU care include those with:

• Cardiac conditions requiring close monitoring
• Traumatic injuries or burns
• Life-threatening infections
• Post-surgery complications
• Neurological emergencies

The PICU is needed when children require a higher level of care than can be provided in a general paediatric ward. It ensures that children receive immediate and specialised attention tailored to their specific medical needs.

Conditions Treated in a PICU:

Common Pediatric Conditions Requiring Intensive Care:

The PICU at APCC is equipped to handle a wide range of paediatric conditions, including but not limited to:

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  Sepsis: This life-threatening infection can rapidly progress, necessitating immediate intervention.
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  Traumatic Injuries: Children with severe injuries, such as head trauma or multiple fractures, often require PICU care.

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  Cardiac Conditions: Children with congenital heart defects or post-surgical complications benefit from specialised cardiac care in the PICU.

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  Neurological Emergencies: Conditions like seizures or traumatic brain injuries demand close monitoring and treatment.

Detailed Descriptions and Explanations of Each Condition

Sepsis:

Sepsis is a systemic infection that can lead to organ failure. PICU care involves administering antibiotics, fluids, and oxygen while closely monitoring vital signs.

Traumatic Injuries:

Children with traumatic injuries may undergo surgery and receive pain management in the PICU, with constant monitoring of their condition.

Cardiac Conditions:

For children with shock, the PICU offers advanced cardiac monitoring, medications, and support until their condition stabilises.

Neurological Emergencies:

In cases of seizures or traumatic brain injuries, the PICU ensures precise monitoring and treatment to prevent further complications.

Insights into the Critical Nature and Challenges of These Conditions:

The conditions treated in the PICU are often life-threatening and require immediate attention. The challenges lie in managing complex cases, ensuring accurate monitoring, and providing ongoing care to stabilise the child’s condition.

Services Offered in a PICU
Overview of the Comprehensive Care Services Provided:

The PICU at APCC offers a wide range of services, including:

• Mechanical Ventilation: For respiratory support.
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  Nutritional Support: Tailored to each child’s needs.

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  Pain Management: To ensure comfort during recovery.

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  Surgical Interventions: When necessary.

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  Continuous Monitoring: Of vital signs and medical devices.

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  Psychosocial Support: To address emotional needs.

Specialized Equipment and Technology Available in PICUs:

PICUs are equipped with advanced medical technology, including ventilators, cardiac monitors, infusion pumps. These tools enable healthcare providers to deliver the highest level of care to young patients.

The Importance of Multidisciplinary Teams in PICUs:

The complexity of paediatric cases in the PICU requires collaboration among various specialists, including intensivists, surgeons, nurses, technicians, pharmacists, and respiratory therapists. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care for each child.

What Equipment Do Doctors Use in the PICU?

In the PICU, doctors utilise a range of specialised equipment to provide precise care to young patients. Some of the key equipment includes:

• Ventilators:These machines support children with breathing difficulties.
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  Monitors: Continuous monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
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  Infusion Pumps: To administer medications and fluids accurately.
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  ECMO Machines: Used in severe cardiac or respiratory cases to provide oxygenation.
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  X-ray and Ultrasound Machines: For diagnostic purposes within the unit.

Who Takes Care of Kids in the PICU?

The dedicated care team in the PICU at APCC consists of:

• Paediatric Intensivists: Physicians with specialised training in paediatric critical care.
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  PICU Nurses: Registered nurses experienced in caring for critically ill children.

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  Respiratory Therapists: Experts in managing respiratory conditions.

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  Pharmacists: Ensuring accurate medication management.

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  Support Staff: Including social workers, dietitians, and child life specialists.

What Should Kids Expect While in the PICU?

While in the PICU, children can expect:

• Round-the-clock care from a compassionate team of healthcare professionals.
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  Monitoring of vital signs and medical equipment.

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  Access to pain management and psychosocial support.

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  A family-centred approach to care, with involvement and support from their loved ones.

How Long Do Children Usually Stay in the PICU?

The length of a child’s stay in the PICU varies depending on the severity of their condition. Some children may only require a brief stay for observation and stabilisation, while others with complex medical issues may need longer-term care.

Family-Centred Care
The Significance of Involving Families in PICU Care:

At APCC, we believe in the importance of family-centred care. Involving families in the care process not only provides emotional support to the child but also ensures that caregivers are well-informed and actively participate in medical decisions.

Support and Resources for Families with Critically Ill Children:

Families with children in the PICU receive comprehensive support, including access to social workers, child life specialists, and counselling services. We understand the stress and anxiety that can come with having a child in critical condition and strive to alleviate those burdens.

Communication and Collaboration Between Healthcare Providers and Families:

Open and clear communication between healthcare providers and families is a cornerstone of PICU care. We encourage questions, concerns, and active participation in the child’s care plan, fostering a collaborative approach to treatment.

What Makes PICU So Unique?

The PICU stands out due to its:

• Specialisation: Tailored care for critically ill children.
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  Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art equipment.

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  Multidisciplinary Teams: Collaboration among experts.

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  Family-Centred Approach: Recognizing the importance of loved ones in healing.

PICU Care Team at APCC
Introduction to the Members of a PICU Care Team:

Our PICU care team comprises:

• Paediatric Intensivists: Lead the medical care.
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  PICU Nurses: Provide continuous monitoring and care.
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  Respiratory Therapists: Manage respiratory conditions.

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  Pharmacists: Oversee medication management.
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  Support Staff: Social workers, dietitians, and child life specialists.

Roles and Responsibilities of Pediatric Intensivists, Nurses, and Support Staff:

• Paediatric intensivists lead the medical team, make treatment decisions, and communicate with families.
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  PICU nurses provide direct patient care and monitoring.
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  Respiratory therapists manage breathing support.
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  Pharmacists ensure accurate medication administration.
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  Support staff addresses psychosocial needs, nutrition, technicians and palliative care specialists.

Collaborative Approach to Care in the PICU:

Collaboration among team members is essential in providing comprehensive care. Daily rounds and team meetings ensure that all aspects of a child’s health are considered.

• PICU Safety and Infection Control at APCC
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  Protocols and Procedures for Ensuring Patient Safety

Patient safety is paramount in the PICU. Stringent protocols are in place to minimise risks, including strict hand hygiene, isolation precautions, and medication safety measures.

Infection Control Measures in a PICU Environment:

Infection control is a top priority. The PICU at APCC follows rigorous infection prevention protocols, including regular disinfection of surfaces and equipment.

How a PICU Minimises the Risk of Healthcare-Associated Infections:

Through meticulous attention to infection control and adherence to best practices, the PICU minimises the risk of healthcare-associated infections, ensuring the safety of every child in our care.

PICU FAQs
When Is a Child Sent to the PICU?

Children are sent to the PICU when they require intensive care for life-threatening or complex medical conditions that cannot be managed in a general paediatric ward.

What Is the Age Limit for the PICU Ward?

The PICU primarily serves children typically up to the age of 16, although exceptions may be made in special cases.

Is PICU Better Than NICU?

The PICU and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) serve different age groups, with the PICU focusing on older children. The choice between them depends on the child’s age and medical needs.

What Happens When Kids Leave the PICU?

When a child is stable enough to leave the PICU, they may transition to a general paediatric ward or another appropriate care setting for continued treatment and recovery.

Offering Robust Intensive Care To Tomorrow’s Futures:

The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at APCC is a lifeline for critically ill children. It offers specialised care, state-of-the-art technology, and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals committed to providing the highest level of care and support.

The PICU plays a pivotal role in paediatric healthcare, ensuring that children facing the most challenging medical conditions receive the immediate and specialised attention they need. At APCC, we are proud to offer comprehensive care in a family-centred environment, fostering hope and healing for our young patients.