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Mobile pediatric emergency response team: patient satisfaction during the novel H1N1 influenza outbreak
Carla M Laos1, Michael C DiStefano, Andrea T Cruz
1Dell Children's Medical Center, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Austin, TX, USA.
Insights
Caregiver satisfaction with a temporary outdoor pediatric emergency department (ED) during the H1N1 outbreak was high. Families found the nontraditional venue acceptable and communication effective.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The 2009 novel H1N1 influenza outbreak caused significant surges in pediatric emergency department (ED) patient volumes.
- Nontraditional healthcare venues were explored to manage patient flow and prevent disease transmission during the outbreak.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess child caregiver satisfaction with a temporary, outdoor pediatric emergency department (ED) venue during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic.
- To evaluate caregiver perceptions of communication, medical care, and overall experience in a nontraditional ED setting.
Main Methods:
- A six-bed outdoor facility, the Mobile Pediatric Emergency Response Team (MPERT), was utilized by Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) ED from May 1-7, 2009.
- Caregivers of patients evaluated in the MPERT were surveyed via telephone using a validated questionnaire to measure satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Of 155 surveyed caregivers, most reported positive experiences, with high satisfaction regarding nurse (92%) and physician (94%) communication.
- 94% were satisfied with the medical care received, and 88% were not bothered by the outdoor setting.
- The median satisfaction score for the MPERT experience was 9 out of 10.
Conclusions:
- The MPERT facility effectively managed patient volume surges and potentially reduced H1N1 transmission.
- Caregiver expectations were met, with MPERT perceived as an acceptable alternative to the traditional ED.
- Nontraditional ED venues are a viable option for pediatric care during periods of crowding, with no negative impact on overall caregiver satisfaction.
Objectives:
The objective was to determine child caregiver satisfaction with a nontraditional pediatric emergency department (ED) venue during the 2009 novel H1N1 influenza outbreak.
Methods:
Between May 1 and 7, 2009, the Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) ED used a six-bed outdoor facility, the Mobile Pediatric Emergency Response Team (MPERT), to evaluate patients with suspected novel H1N1 influenza. Parents and caregivers of patients evaluated in the MPERT were surveyed by telephone using a validated questionnaire to evaluate satisfaction with the facility.
Results:
Of 353 patients, 155 caregivers (44%) completed questionnaires; 127 had wrong numbers, 71 did not answer, and 15 were on a no-call list. Survey responders felt that nurses and doctors explained concepts well (nurses 92%, doctors 94%), 91% felt TCH prepared them well for taking care of their children at home, 94% were satisfied with the medical care received, and 88% were not bothered by the outdoor setting. When asked to rate their MPERT experience on a scale of 0 (worst possible) to 10 (best possible), the median score was 9 (range 1 to 10).
Conclusions:
The MPERT facility alleviated patient volume surge and potentially prevented transmission during H1N1 outbreak. While these were health care provider goals, caregiver expectations were also met. Caregivers perceived MPERT as an acceptable alternative to receiving care in the regular ED, felt that physicians and nurses communicated well, and felt that medical care was good to excellent. Use of the MPERT did not negatively affect overall caregiver satisfaction with TCH. These findings suggest that families of pediatric patients are amenable to nontraditional ED venues during periods of ED crowding.
