Adopting pediatric standards for emergency departments can save more than 2,000 lives each year.
November 1, 2024
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Friday, November 1, 2020
The NIH-funded study suggests standards could range from $11.84 to no cost per child.
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Adoption of Standards A study funded by the National Institutes of Health suggests that improving the care provided to children in U.S. hospital emergency departments could save approximately 2,143 lives each year. The National Pediatric Readiness Project released the standards, an initiative designed to help all emergency departments provide emergency care to children. They include staff training and healthcare coordination, as well as the procedures and equipment needed to treat sick or injured children. The study found that adopting these standards could cost as little as $11.84 per child, depending on where you live.
The researchers analyzed data from 4,840 hospital emergency departments (EDs) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The researchers analyzed data from children ages 0 to 17 who required emergency services, were hospitalized, transferred to another hospital, or died in the ED.
The number of emergency departments with high levels of pediatric preparedness was 842 (17 %). According to the Cost of emergency servicesThe researchers concluded that implementing standards in all US emergency departments could have prevented approximately 2,143 deaths (28.1 %) of the 7,619 US child deaths each year that occur either in the emergency department or after admission. According to the authors, implementing standards in all US emergency departments could have prevented approximately 2,143 (28.1 %) of the 7,619 US child deaths each year that occur either in the emergency department or after admission.
Craig D. Newgard, MD, of Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, led the study. The study appears in JAMA Network Open. Funding was provided by the NIH Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
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Cinnamon D. Dixon, DOMPH of the NICHD Pediatric Trauma and Disease Branch is available for comment.
The article below provides more information about the item.
Newgard, Cd The et all. Estimates of state and national costs of emergency preparedness and lives saved. JAMA Network Open (2024).
What is the best way to contact us? Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentNICHD is a leader in research and education to better understand the human condition, improve reproductive health, and enhance the lives and capabilities of children and adolescents. Visit the website for more information. https://www.nichd.nih.gov.
The National Institutes of Health: The NIH is the medical research agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It comprises 27 institutes and centers. The NIH, the nation's medical research agency, is responsible for conducting basic, translational, clinical, and other medical research. It also studies the causes, treatment, and cures for common and rare diseases. Visit the NIH for more information about its programs and services. www.nih.gov.
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