Study: U.S. emergency departments more prepared to care for children

U.S. hospital emergency departments have improved many aspects of pediatric readiness since 2013, based on responses by over 3,600 EDs to a 2021 assessment by the National Pediatric Readiness Project, JAMA Network Open reports. The presence of pediatric emergency care coordinators, quality improvement plans, and board-certified emergency medicine or pediatric emergency medicine physicians were associated with better pediatric readiness.

“These data represent an updated report of the state of pediatric readiness in our nation’s EDs during a global pandemic and demonstrate high engagement of ED leadership,” the authors conclude. “During the 8 years since the last national assessment, all domains of readiness have increased except administration in the ED (i.e, PECCs), which declined significantly. Although the role of the PECC is central to improving pediatric readiness, stressors on the health care sector and its workforce have undoubtedly played a role in reducing the assignment of physician and nurse personnel to this role.”

For more on the National Pediatric Readiness Project and to access its tools for hospital EDs, visit www.pedsready.org.