This year JCR staff members were pleased to present a session at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s 20th Annual National Forum on Quality Improvement in Health Care–Minimizing Risk of Harm to the Pediatric Patient in the Emergency Department. The presenters described the unique assessment, diagnostic and treatment issues and opportunities associated with the pediatric emergency patient and care system, and identified strategies for providing safe care to children in the emergency department.
More than 85% of pediatric patients are seen in general emergency departments in non-children’s hospitals, some averaging fewer than 10 children per day. Potentially life-threatening issues include respiratory distress, dehydration, shock, injury, seizures and anaphylaxis. Pediatric emergency medicine poses unique challenges and risks for patients, providers and leaders in health care environments and with providers where pediatric care may not be the primary competency. Specific recommendations for enhancing the culture, minimizing risk and maximizing care to pediatric emergency patients were provided. Five specific areas were discussed: environment of care, communication, medication administration, infection control and prevention, and leadership. Several strategies were offered for each of the five areas and a single “take-away” strategy was offered for each.
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Environment of care: Manage flow in the organization and improve safety in the emergency department
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Communication: Standard, uninterrupted communication improves patient care and safety
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Medication administration: Pharmacists with pediatric expertise should prepare patient-specific unit doses
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Infection prevention and control: Concentrate on handwashing and utilize isolation gear when indicated (staff and families)
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Leadership: If You Can See The Invisible You Can Achieve The Impossible.