Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

January 5, 2021

A National US Survey of Pediatric Emergency Department Coronavirus Pandemic Preparedness

Category:

Topic:

Keywords (Tags): ,

Pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) experienced decreases of non-COVID-19 patients and implemented modifications to staffing, workflow and clinical practice. According to a survey of 25 departments, 60% had COVID-19-dedicated units and 32% modified their pediatric patient age to include adults. All PEDs changed their staffing model, with 80% of PEDs implementing changes affecting physicians. 62% reported shortages in PPE. 84% of PEDs changed their airway management protocols. The most common training modalities were video/teleconference (84%) and simulation-based training (72%).

Auerbach et al. (Dec 15, 2020). A National US Survey of Pediatric Emergency Department Coronavirus Pandemic Preparedness. Pediatric Emergency Care. https://doi.org/10.1097/PEC.0000000000002307