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Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department: Technical Report
Katherine E Remick1, Ashley A Foster2, Aaron R Jensen3
1Departments of Pediatrics and Surgery and Perioperative Medicine, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.
Insights
All emergency departments (EDs) must be prepared to treat children effectively, as most pediatric emergencies occur in community settings. This report details essential resources and readiness strategies for pediatric emergency care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Healthcare Systems Preparedness
Background:
- Children possess distinct physical and psychosocial needs, particularly during emergencies.
- Community hospital emergency departments (EDs) are primary sites for pediatric emergency care due to proximity.
- Effective emergency care for children requires specialized resources, policies, and education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline evidence and rationale for essential pediatric readiness in EDs.
- To provide updated recommendations for improving emergency care for children of all ages.
- To support clinical and administrative leadership in enhancing ED preparedness for pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence supporting necessary resources for pediatric emergency care.
- Development of updated recommendations for EDs.
- Focus on medications, equipment, policies, and staff education.
Main Results:
- Identified critical resources and strategies for pediatric emergency department readiness.
- Emphasized the need for consistent high-quality care for all children, regardless of location.
- Highlighted the role of leadership in implementing updated recommendations.
Conclusions:
- All EDs must be equipped to provide effective emergency care for children.
- Continuous improvement in pediatric readiness is essential for all community hospitals.
- Updated recommendations serve as a guide for enhancing pediatric emergency care services.
Abstract:
This is a revision of the previous 2018 joint technical report titled "Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department." Children have unique physical and psychosocial needs that are heightened in the setting of serious or life-threatening emergencies. Most ill and injured children and those with mental health emergencies are brought to community hospital emergency departments (EDs) by virtue of proximity. Therefore, all EDs must have the appropriate resources (medications, equipment, policies, and education) and staff to provide effective emergency care for children. This technical report outlines the evidence and rationale supporting resources necessary for EDs to stand ready to care for children of all ages. Although resources within emergency and trauma care systems vary locally, regionally, and nationally, ED staff, administrators, and medical directors can ensure high-quality emergency care is available for all children. The updated recommendations in the accompanying policy statement of the same title are intended to serve as a resource for clinical and administrative leadership of EDs as they strive to improve their readiness for children of all ages.
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