Hospital Pediatric Readiness
Pediatric Readiness is defined as ensuring that every emergency department has the champions, competencies, policies, equipment, and other resources needed to provide high-quality emergency care for children.
An assessment used to evaluate pediatric readiness in the emergency department is the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) assessment which launched nationwide in 2013. The NPRP assessment is a 100-point scale that examines seven different domains of pediatric readiness:
- Administration and coordination
- Competencies for physicians, nurses, and other ED staff
- QI/PI in the Emergency Department
- Pediatric patient and medication safety
- Policies, procedures, and protocols
- Support services
- Equipment, supplies, and medications
High readiness scores are associated with lower short- and long-term mortality risk in pediatrics.
To get started exploring pediatric readiness:
- Review the Technical Report
- Review the Policy Statement
- Review the Readiness Checklist
- Take the NPRP Assessment
- Once gaps are identified explore the Hospital Readiness Toolkit and NPRP Roadmap
- Engage with your leadership to establish buy-in and support
- Reach out to the NH EMSC Program Manager maria.c.varanka@hitchcock.org
What is a PECC?
PECCs are the pediatric champion for their emergency department and are tasked with advocating for pediatrics within their system. Responsibilities include familiarizing colleagues with pediatric-specific policies and procedures, promoting pediatric quality improvement efforts, managing pediatric equipment and supplies, and being the point of contact for the states EMSC Program Manager.Having PECCs in the ED is tied to double-digit increases in Pediatric Readiness scores (which are measured on a scale of 0-100). Since significant survival benefits exist at 88 points or above, a PECC is one of the strongest drivers of improved pediatric outcomes.The following organizations recommend the assignment of a PECC:
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- American College of Emergency Physicians
- American College of Surgeons
- Emergency Nurses Association
- Emergency Medical Services for Children
- National Association of State EMS Officials
- National EMS Advisory Committee
- National Academy of Sciences
Who can be a PECC?
The PECC role is typically filled by one ED RN and one ED physician or advanced practicing provider (APP). Occasionally, EDs may choose to form a pediatric committee at which some of the PECC responsibilities and tasks are shared amongst committee members.PECCs do not need to have any specialized pediatric training or certifications to assume the role although ideally over time they seek out pediatric education for themselves and their department.While this role is primarily administrative work, it’s important that the PECC still cares for patients on a semi regular basis to maintain a “boots on the ground” perspective.Ideally, PECCs should have a specific job description, protected time, and support from administration.
How to establish a PECC
- Resources to support PECC work can be found here
- Obtain buy-in from department leadership
- Contact the NH EMSC Program Manager maria.c.varanka@hitchcock.org
- Once a PECC is established they can review the Emergency Department PECC Module Series