Development and implementation of pediatric and neonatal nursing information system in a hospital setting: the pediatric PAI

The Professional Assessment Instrument (PAI) is a clinical nursing information system used in the adult inpatient units of the A. Gemelli university hospital in Rome (Italy). The PAI allows for the systematic collection of nursing care data in order to improve the quality of care. So far, few clinical nursing information systems have been developed in the neonatal and pediatric care setting. The aim of this study is to describe the development and implementation of a clinical nursing information system (PAIped) for the neonatal and pediatric care setting. Methods: The Patient-and Family-Centered Care model was used to develop the contents of the PAIped. A web platform application was developed for the PAIped. The standard nursing terminology Clinical Care Classification System was used. A decisionmaking support system was developed within the PAIped to support nurses in making diagnoses and in selecting the most appropriate nursing interventions. Results: A clinical nursing information system using a standard nursing terminology was developed in the pediatric and neonatal care setting. After a test phase, the PAIped was implemented in all the pediatric and neonatal inpatient units of the A. Gemelli university hospital. Conclusion: The development and implementation of the PAIped in the A. Gemelli university hospital allowed the monitoring of nursing care processes and accurate nursing documentation.