Background and Aim: Pediatric nurses in intensive care units (ICUs) face complex challenges that demand both cutting edge clinical competence and innovative, technology driven solutions. Recent advancements from artificial intelligence (AI) enabled clinical decision support systems (AI CDSS) to graphene based biosensors, cloud connected monitoring tools, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are reshaping pediatric critical care. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on emerging technologies and innovations enhancing pediatric nursing care in critical settings, emphasizing their clinical integration, ethical implications, and patient centered outcomes. Methods: Following PRISMA ۲۰۲۰ guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and SID using English keywords (technology, innovation, pediatric nursing, critical care) and Persian equivalents. Studies published between January ۲۰۱۸ and January ۲۰۲۵ were considered. After duplicate removal and eligibility screening (keywords present in title/abstract, full text availability), ۱۶ studies in English and Persian were included for qualitative synthesis. Results: Findings revealed rapid adoption of advanced technologies in pediatric critical care nursing, including: AI CDSS for early detection of sepsis, traumatic brain injury, and pneumonia with higher specificity than conventional models. Smart Pill sensors for real time gastrointestinal pressure, pH, and temperature monitoring. Graphene based sweat patches for non invasive glucose detection. Cloud enabled thermometers and digital stethoscopes linked to smartphones for remote monitoring.
Telemedicine platforms enabling specialized pediatric consultations. ECMO systems for temporary cardiopulmonary support. These innovations improved early diagnosis, optimized care coordination, and showed measurable impacts on cost efficiency and patient safety, though challenges in AI interpretability and workflow integration remain. Conclusion: Emerging technologies offer transformative potential for pediatric nursing in critical care, enabling earlier interventions, personalized treatments, and more efficient resource utilization. Nevertheless, true advancement requires coupling technological adoption with compassionate, human centered care to ensure equitable, ethical, and family inclusive pediatric health outcomes.
