About the National Pediatric Readiness Project Assessment
The next National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) Nationwide Assessment will launch in March 2026 at pedsready.org, offering EDs the opportunity to:
- Benchmark against updated national standards
- Track progress since the 2021 assessment
- Identify new gaps and opportunities for improvement
- Contribute to research and policy efforts that save children’s lives
The updated 2026 assessment is based on revised joint standards – developed by professional societies representing emergency physicians, emergency nurses, pediatricians, and trauma surgeons – slated for publication this fall.
Why does Pediatric Readiness matter?
Pediatric Readiness saves lives! Research shows that high Pediatric Readiness is linked to better outcomes for children in emergencies. By participating in 2026, EDs not only strengthen their own readiness but also help contribute to progress in pediatric emergency care nationwide.
How can my ED prepare for the 2026 Assessment?
EDs can start preparing for the NPRP Nationwide Assessment now:
- Designate or develop existing Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators (PECCs)
- Explore the existing NPRP Toolkit and Checklist or take the open assessment currently available for internal quality improvement use (all based on 2018 guidelines, but helpful starting points)
- Review the updated joint guidelines, and an associated checklist, once published
- Join an informational webinar currently slated for this winter. Check back soon for details!
- Participate in a guided quality improvement forum, known as a collaborative, kicking off in January
Explore past nationwide assessment results
Who is eligible to participate?
All EDs that accept patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, should take the 2026 NPRP Assessment (excludes prison hospitals).
Who should complete the assessment?
An ED nurse manager who works on-site at the ED should lead completion of the survey and collaborate as needed with ED leadership, pediatric emergency care coordinators, and trauma coordinators.
I recently took the NPRP open assessment. Does my ED need to take it again during the nationwide assessment?
Yes! Having every ED participate in the 2026 NPRP Nationwide Assessment is critical to understand the state of pediatric emergency care across the country. The 2026 NPRP Assessment reflects the newest evidence in pediatric emergency care and supports nationwide research and policy efforts that save children’s lives. More than ever, we need every voice to make a difference in outcomes for kids!
I’m a trauma coordinator who needs to complete the assessment for trauma center verification. How do I begin?
Since the 2026 assessment can only be taken once, trauma coordinators must collaborate with an on-site ED nurse manager to complete the assessment.
How long will the assessment take to complete?
The online assessment takes 30-45 minutes. Additional time may be needed to prepare.
What do I need to do to prepare?
To prepare, you can follow the steps listed above.. Once the assessment launches, we encourage you to print a PDF copy to review with your leadership before taking it online.
Will my ED’s individual response be shared?
No. To protect confidentiality, responses are only shared in aggregate, or when combined together.
Who created the assessment?
The assessment was created by the NPRP. The NPRP is an initiative of the Federal EMS for Children program with support from multidisciplinary organizations. The NPRP Assessment is based on the most recent national guidelines.