Principles of Quality and Patient Safety in Pediatric Anesthesiology

The delivery of high-quality, safe patient care is fundamental to a successful outcome for pediatric patients undergoing anesthesia. Organizations rooted in a transparent culture where employees are encouraged to speak up for safety will often engage their staff and patients to design systems of care that are meaningful and effective. Successful healthcare organizations continuously analyze data and refine processes in search of opportunities for improvement. This chapter will discuss the core principles of quality and patient safety and review some ongoing national and international collaborative efforts to improve anesthesia care for children. Practical strategies for establishing a quality improvement program are explored, including incorporation of simulation for performance improvement.