(OAKBROOK, Ill. - November 15, 2007) Joint Commission Resources (JCR) today announced the launch of a new consulting program to help hospitals improve the safety of emergency department (ED) services for children. JCR is a not-for-profit affiliate of The Joint Commission.
Although one of every four patients seen in America's EDs is a child, many EDs are not fully prepared to address the unique needs of this special patient population. The new JCR program is designed to give hospitals a comprehensive, customized approach that identifies the gaps between adult care procedures and evidence-based pediatric processes.
The framework for JCR's pediatric safety consulting service focuses on the assessment and planning process. Specifically, the JCR pediatric and emergency medicine consultants offer expert strategies related to ED processes and procedures, leadership, communication, medication safety and infection control specific to pediatric patients. An expert team will guide an organization from evaluation of performance to analysis development and improvement implementation.
"This is a tremendous opportunity to enhance patient safety for children, and is another step in improving quality throughout the entire continuum of care," says Karen H. Timmons, president and CEO, JCR.
A panel of national leaders in pediatric safety and quality convened to provide guidance and focus for the program. The ED was identified as a crucial starting point for improving pediatric safety and quality since it is the portal of entry to care.
The official launch of the new JCR program coincides with The Joint Commission and Joint Commission Resources' 21st Annual Conference on Quality and Safety. The conference brings together clinical and administrative leaders from health care organizations across the country seeking strategies to overcome the challenge of staying competitive while continuously improving all aspects of their organization.
For more information about JCR pediatric safety consulting service please call 630.268.7400 or visit http://www.jcrinc.com/.