National healthcare organizations released an updated guidance on emergency department pediatric readiness Jan. 20, which, if met, could prevent more than 2,100 pediatric deaths every year, according to research published in JAMA.
However, the study found this standard is present in only 17% of EDs. A few health systems and hospitals have upgraded their EDs to be pediatric-ready, but with U.S. hospitals closing nearly 30% of inpatient pediatric units between 2008 and 2022, some healthcare leaders believe a pediatric care crisis might be brewing.
EDs can meet pediatric care needs by adopting pediatric policies, maintaining pediatric equipment and supplies, and ensuring staff stay informed of pediatric skills and knowledge, according to the National Pediatric Readiness Project.
Preparing an ED to be pediatric-ready can cost between $4 and $48 per pediatric patient, according to a 2024 study at the University of Texas at Austin.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma and Emergency Nurses Association published the Jan. 20 policy statement and report on ED pediatric readiness.
Initially published in 2001 and revised in 2009 and 2018, the policy statement, “Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department,” recommends all EDs have:
- Immediate access to a mobile, weight-based pediatric resuscitation cart
- Screening for human trafficking and suicide
- Adoption of clinical algorithms to standardize practice
- Collaboration with emergency medical services on readiness
- Assessment of social determinants of health, including food insecurity
- Adoption of nationally vetted, pediatric-specific quality measures
On March 3, the National Pediatric Readiness Project will invite EDs across the U.S. to use its online tool to evaluate an ED’s capacity to care for children. The last assessment, conducted in 2021, showed a median pediatric readiness score of 70 out of 100. Scores of 88 and above are associated with a significant decrease in mortality risk.
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