Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026
A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
Assessing Structural Quality Elements of Pediatric Emergency Care.
Lisa L Schroeder1, Elizabeth R Alpern, Shuntel M Blecher
1From the *The Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO; †Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; ‡Children's Hospital of Omaha, Omaha, NE; §Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, AL; ¶Children's Hospital Association, Alexandria, VA; and ∥#Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.
Pediatric emergency departments are better equipped and have more protocols than previously reported. Most hospitals surveyed have essential pediatric emergency equipment and procedures in place, indicating improved care standards.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Emergency departments require specialized resources for pediatric patients.
- Assessing the availability of quality performance measures is crucial for pediatric emergency care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the availability of stakeholder-endorsed quality structure performance measures for pediatric emergency department patients.
- To assess equipment and protocol availability in pediatric emergency care settings.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to Child Health Corporation of America member hospitals.
- The survey queried the availability of 6 broad equipment groups and 8 protocol/procedure elements.
- Equipment and protocol availability were assessed at multiple levels of detail.
Main Results:
- 41% of hospitals reported having all 113 recommended equipment items; 77% had complete equipment in subgroups.
- Commonly missing items included adult-sized lumbar puncture needles and hypothermia thermometers.
- 100% of hospitals had age-based vital sign methods, pediatric radiation dosing standards, and pediatric coordinators; 95% used validated triage tools and had child abuse protocols.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric emergency equipment availability has improved compared to previous reports.
- Most surveyed hospitals have key protocols and procedures for pediatric emergency care.
- These findings can serve as benchmarks for optimizing pediatric emergency care.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
01:21Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
01:27Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
01:05Data Collection III
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the...