How to Ensure You Have What You Need When a Sick Child Comes to Your ED

Target Population: Any emergency department (ED) that provides care for children, and all EDs open 24/7/365

Background

More than 80% of children who seek emergency care in the U.S. do so at a general (i.e., not pediatric) ED. In 2006, the Institute of Medicine report “Future of Emergency Care” drew attention to deficiencies in pediatric emergency care and prompted a 2009 joint policy statement from the sponsoring organizations, who have now provided an update.

Key Recommendations

• There remains a strong emphasis on identifying physician and nurse champions, who ensure training, develop quality improvement programs, coor…