POLICY STATEMENT |
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