Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
-
In 2014, 45 Indian Health Service (IHS)/Tribal emergency departments serving American Indian and Alaskan Native communities treated approximately 650,000 patients of which, 185,000 (28%) were children and youth younger than 19 years. This study presents the results of the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) assessment of the 45 IHS/Tribal emergency departments. ⋯ This article reports the results of the NPRP assessment in IHS/Tribal emergency departments that, despite serving a historically vulnerable population, scored favorably when compared with national data. The survey identified areas for improvement, including implementation of QI processes, stocking of pediatric specific equipment, implementation of policies and procedures on interfacility transport, and maintaining staff pediatric competencies.
-
For many stroke patients, rural emergency departments are the first point of medical care to stop brain cell death. We identified a need to meet standards to improve outcomes for stroke care. ⋯ Achieving certification makes a strong statement to the community about a hospital's efforts to provide the highest quality in stroke care services. Becoming a certified ASRH promotes quality of patient care by reducing variation in clinical processes.