A new study underscores a critical gap in U.S. emergency care: upgrading all emergency departments (EDs) to high standards of pediatric readiness could prevent over one-quarter of deaths among children needing emergency services. The study, published on November 1 in JAMA Network Open, highlights both the life-saving potential and modest cost of this proposed investment.

The research, led by Dr. Craig D. Newgard of Oregon Health & Science University, examined the potential outcomes of enhancing pediatric readiness in all U.S. emergency departments. By analyzing data from 4,840 emergency departments across the nation over a decade (2012 to 2022), Newgard’s team sought to quantify the impact of universal pediatric readiness on mortality rates among children (ages 0 to 17) and assess the financial implications.

Findings revealed a concerning statistic: only 17.4% of U.S. EDs currently meet high standards of pediatric readiness, with state-specific figures ranging dramatically from as low as 2.9% to as high as 100%. Bridging this gap would require an estimated $207.3 million nationwide, translating to a modest per-child investment by state, from $0 to $11.84.

Life-Saving Potential:

According to the study’s findings, increasing pediatric readiness in all EDs could prevent 28.1% of child deaths that occur annually following emergency department visits. The potential lives saved vary by state, with population-adjusted projections indicating a range from zero to as many as 69 pediatric lives saved per year in states with the highest impact.

"This research suggests that investing in pediatric readiness across all emergency departments could save thousands of young lives each year with a comparatively modest financial outlay," the study authors stated.

A Call to Action:

The findings bring renewed urgency to the need for pediatric-focused infrastructure in emergency settings. By allocating resources to ensure consistent pediatric preparedness nationwide, the study suggests a transformative impact on pediatric survival rates, underscoring the importance of prioritizing children’s emergency care at both state and national levels.