A statewide model program to improve emergency department readiness for pediatric care.
Pediatric emergency patients have unique needs, requiring specialized personnel, training, equipment, supplies, and medications. Deficiencies in these areas have resulted in historically poorer outcomes for pediatric patients versus adults. Since 1985, federally funded Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) programs in each state have been working to improve the quality of pediatric emergency care. The Health Resources and Services Administration now requires that all EMSC grantees report on specific performance measures. This includes implementation of a standardized system recognizing hospitals that are able to stabilize or manage pediatric medical emergencies and trauma cases. We describe the steps involved in implementing Illinois' 3-level facility recognition process to illustrate a model that other states might use to provide appropriate pediatric care and comply with new Health Resources and Services Administration performance measures.
Cichon
Mark E
ME
Department of Surgery-EMS, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medical Services, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA.
Fuchs
Susan
S
Lyons
Evelyn
E
Leonard
Daniel
D
D026683:Advisory Committees / Q000458:organization & administration; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D017146:Models, Organizational; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care