Optimizing Pediatric Surgical Patient Care: A Systematic Review of Professionalism Best Practices

Abstract

Objective: Professionalism in pediatric surgery concentrated on specific issues such as communication or ethics. We want to guarantee that we provide our patients with optimal pediatric surgical treatment while maintaining compassion and professional skill and creating respect.  As a result, we undertook this systematic review to assess how pediatric surgical professionalism best practices affect patient outcomes, family satisfaction, and team performance. Methods: A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Hinari, PsycInfo, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. The search criteria incorporated relevant full articles published in English from January 2014 and December 2024. Research that focused on quality improvement, professionalism, or best practices in pediatric surgical settings was included. Following full-text review and quality evaluation using the CASP and Newcastle-Ottawa scales, twelve studies satisfied inclusion criteria. Results: Five major thematic domains emerged: (1) surgical technical competency, (2) ethical decision-making, 3) family-centered communication, (4) interprofessional collaboration, and (5) resident and staff professionalism training. Structured communication protocols, simulation-based education, and multidisciplinary rounding were associated with significant improvements in patient safety events and family satisfaction scores. Conclusion: Implementing evidence-based professionalism standards in pediatric surgery requires institutional commitment, structured education programs, and continuous quality monitoring. Future research should prioritize longitudinal outcome studies and standardized professionalism assessment tools.

Journal of Paediatric Surgeons of Bangladesh (2026) Vol. 17 (1): 3-8