The National Pediatric Readiness Project Checklist

The National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) Checklist is an informal tool that EDs can use to quickly understand what Pediatric Readiness entails and evaluate how prepared an ED is to care for pediatric patients. It aligns with the joint policy statement and covers the essential systems, staffing, equipment, and policies required for safe pediatric emergency care. Reviewing the checklist helps EDs identify strengths, uncover gaps, and prioritize improvement efforts. It can be used by EDs that are not yet ready to take the official NPRP Assessment or that want to get an idea of what the assessment entails.

Tips for Success

  • Assemble a small team to help you complete the checklist, such as a nurse and physician pair. This can help break up the work and ensure you can go through the checklist comprehensively.
  • Note that the checklist covers both tangible items needed (equipment, supplies, medications, etc.) and intangibles (training, coordination, policies, etc.).
  • The more intangible items may take time to work toward and develop–that’s OK. Pediatric Readiness is a long-term process!
  • The NPRP Toolkit is designed to support you in addressing the gaps you find. For example, if your ED does not have a PECC, visit the PECC toolkit section.
  • In the Policies, Protocols, and Procedures section, these are a list of topics your ED’s policies and protocols should cover. While the NPRP Toolkit may have examples of these policies and protocols, we recommend developing ones that are specific to your ED/hospital.
  • While preparation for the NPRP Assessment is not required, the checklist does align with the assessment and can be a helpful way to understand what the assessment entails.
  • Once completed, review results and identify top priorities. Make sure to share findings with ED leadership.