Improving emergency care for children: a model of collaboration between emergency departments.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether a partnership between a tertiary paediatric hospital and a hospital with a mixed population of children and adults can improve emergency care for children. To describe the process of creating and maintaining such a partnership.

METHODS

A partnership was created and various strategies employed to improve emergency paediatric care. This was evaluated by examination of demographic data, clinical audit, patient satisfaction surveys and staff satisfaction surveys.

RESULTS

Paediatric attendances increased by 12% (P = 0.001), with a 33% increase in children under the age of 5 years (P = 0.001). Despite this there was a reduction of 6% in inpatient paediatric bed usage. Staff decision making and documentation improved during paediatric patient care, and parent and staff satisfaction with care of children improved.

CONCLUSIONS

This initiative was successful in improving local paediatric facilities and patient care and is a new and innovative means of improving paediatric emergency care.