Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
Emergency department quality assurance/improvement practices for the pediatric patient
M Gausche1, M Rutherford, R L Lewis
1UCLA School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, USA.
Study Objective:
To describe emergency department quality assurance (QA)/improvement (QI) practices for pediatric patients.
Design:
Mail survey of a cohort of emergency physicians.
Participants:
Pediatric Section members of the American College of Emergency Physicians and a computer-generated random sample of general ACEP members.
Results:
Pediatric Section and general ACEP physicians were mailed a 13-question QA survey. Of the 500 surveys distributed, 207 (41.4%) were returned. Three emergency care settings for pediatric patients seen in the ED were identified: (1) children's hospital ED (14%), (2) general ED with a separate area designated for the evaluation of pediatric patients (12%), and (3) general ED where pediatric and adult patients are evaluated in the same area (74%). Separate QA indicators were used to monitor care of the pediatric patients seen in the ED by 61% of the respondents; 39% used "adult" indicators only. High pediatric census was associated with pediatric representation on the ED QA/QI Committee, the use of separate pediatric indicators to monitor care of pediatric patients in the ED, the separation of pediatric and adult patient care areas and satisfaction with the respondent's ED QA/QI plan.
Conclusion:
The bulk of pediatric emergency patients are cared for in a general ED. Most ACEP members surveyed reported the use of separate QA indicators to monitor the care of pediatric patients seen in the ED. This survey provides the first description of QA/QI practices for pediatric patients by EDs nationwide.
More Related Videos
11:27A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
05:56Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis
Published on: August 29, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
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 asthma or COPD,...
01:21Methods of Documentation III: PIE
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
01:23Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use