Published online November 30, 2007
PEDIATRICS Vol. 120 No. 6 December 2007, pp. 1367-1375 (doi:10.1542/peds.2007-2902)
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POLICY STATEMENT

Patient Safety in the Pediatric Emergency Care Setting

Committee on Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Patient safety is a priority for all health care professionals, including those who work in emergency care. Unique aspects of pediatric care may increase the risk of medical error and harm to patients, especially in the emergency care setting. Although errors can happen despite the best human efforts, given the right set of circumstances, health care professionals must work proactively to improve safety in the pediatric emergency care system. Specific recommendations to improve pediatric patient safety in the emergency department are provided in this policy statement.

Key Words: patient safety • pediatric patient safety • clinical quality • quality improvement • performance improvement • culture of safety • medication safety • pediatric emergency care • emergency medical services for children • teamwork training • family-centered care • safety event reporting system

Abbreviations: IOM—Institute of Medicine • EMS—emergency medical services • ED—emergency department • AAP—American Academy of Pediatrics • HRO—high-reliability organization • ATLS—Advanced Trauma Life Support • CPOE—computerized physician order entry • CRM—crew resource management