Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Apr 2010
Does a dedicated pediatric team within a busy mixed emergency department make a difference in waiting times, satisfaction, and care transition?
To evaluate the impact of a dedicated, free-floating, pediatric-targeted care delivery model on emergency department (ED) waiting times, parent satisfaction, and transition of care. ⋯ A dedicated pediatric team that specifically sees and treats pediatric populations during times of peak ED workload can reduce total ED length of stay for pediatric presentations, but has no effect on waiting time to see a doctor. There was only a marginal impact of the PEDI team on both transition of care and satisfaction indicators. Waiting times, staff attitude, and patient education proved to be important determinants of overall satisfaction for the total study group.
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Droperidol is a controversial drug with multiple clinical applications. This report examines the use of droperidol in pediatric emergency department (ED) patients. ⋯ Droperidol is a safe and effective medication in the adolescent and young adult population.
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Viral bronchiolitis is the most common cause of hospitalization among infants. Despite its prevalence, no consistently effective therapy has been found to date, providing the driving force behind much of the ongoing research into this illness. In this review, we present a summary of the most recent published trials of interventions for bronchiolitis. Included are studies evaluating bronchodilators, corticosteroids, positive pressure ventilation, as well as 3 newer therapies for bronchiolitis: heliox, mucolytics, and leukotriene receptor antagonists.
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Pediatric emergency care · Apr 2010
Compliance of child care centers in Pennsylvania with national health and safety performance standards for emergency and disaster preparedness.
To determine the preparedness of child care centers in Pennsylvania to respond to emergencies and disasters based on compliance with National Health and Safety Performance Standards for Out-of-Home Child Care Programs. ⋯ Although many of the child care centers we surveyed are in compliance with the recommendations for emergency and disaster preparedness, specific areas for improvement include increasing the frequency of practice of the WEP, establishing specific written procedures for external disasters and urgent medical emergencies, maintaining the immediate availability of potentially life-saving medications, and ensuring that all child care center staff are trained in first aid and CPR.