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Implementing a Pediatric Pulmonary Embolism Response Team Model: An Institutional Experience
Dalia A Bashir1, Jamie C Cargill1, Srinath Gowda2
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Insights
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a growing concern in children, posing risks for serious illness and death. This study details a pediatric PE response team to improve rapid, evidence-based care for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) prevalence is rising in pediatric populations.
- PE in children, though rare, carries significant morbidity and mortality risks.
- Clinical presentation and treatment decisions for pediatric PE vary widely based on patient factors and embolism severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and implementation of a specialized pediatric pulmonary embolism response team.
- To enhance rapid, multidisciplinary, and data-driven management of pediatric PE cases.
Main Methods:
- Development of a pediatric pulmonary embolism response team protocol.
- Implementation of a multidisciplinary team approach for PE management.
- Emphasis on data-driven decision-making for treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Establishment of a dedicated pediatric PE response team.
- Facilitation of timely and coordinated patient care.
- Improved management protocols for pediatric pulmonary embolism.
Conclusions:
- A pediatric pulmonary embolism response team can optimize care for this rare but serious condition.
- Multidisciplinary, data-driven approaches are crucial for managing pediatric PE.
- Such teams are vital for mitigating risks associated with pediatric pulmonary embolism.
Abstract:
Pulmonary embolism is increasing in prevalence among pediatric patients; although still rare, it can create a significant risk for morbidity and death within the pediatric patient population. Pulmonary embolism presents in various ways depending on the patient, the size of the embolism, and the comorbidities. Treatment decisions are often driven by the severity of the presentation and hemodynamic effects; severe presentations require more invasive and aggressive treatment. We describe the development and implementation of a pediatric pulmonary embolism response team designed to facilitate rapid, multidisciplinary, data-driven treatment decisions and management.
