The Relationship between the Location of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Facilities and Child Death from Trauma: A County-level Ecologic Study

Self Cite

113

A recently published analysis of pediatric critical care resources through 2001 found that the number of PICU beds in the United States has increased since 1995, beyond what would be expected on the basis of population growth. 2 A concurrent study of data based on the annual American Hospital Association (AHA) survey illustrated that PICU facilities were available in only 9% of US counties, predominantly in urban areas. 3 Uneven distribution of PICU resources despite an apparent increase in the overall supply over time raises questions about access to timely appropriate care for critically ill and injured children.To facilitate characterization of US PICUs, 2 levels of PICU care have been defined. Critically ill children who require services not available or infrequently used in level II PICUs are referred to level I PICUs, with higher levels of subspecialist and technologic support. 4 Delineation of the available resources for the care of critically ill and injured children is a first step in evaluating the adequacy and efficiency of PICU care. This study was conducted to describe the availability and characteristics of facilities for critically ill and injured children across the United States in 2004.

mentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

A National Survey of Pediatric Critical Care Resources in the United States

Odetola¹,

Clark²,

Freed³

et al. 2005

Self Cite

113

“…Data show that the availability of PICU beds within a region may improve survival in pediatric trauma. 34 Pediatric critical care physicians, surgeons, and anesthesiologists trained in the care of injured children working together are needed for optimal care of severely injured and unstable patients in the ICU setting. In addition to critically injured children, stable patients with the potential for deterioration may also require the specialized services of a PICU.…”

Section: Trauma Centersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Management of Pediatric Trauma

Shook¹,

Chun²,

Conners³

et al. 2016

Injury is still the number 1 killer of children ages 1 to 18 years in the United States (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/children.htm). Children who sustain injuries with resulting disabilities incur significant costs not only for their health care but also for productivity lost to the economy. The families of children who survive childhood injury with disability face years of emotional and financial hardship, along with a significant societal burden. The entire process of managing childhood injury is enormously complex and varies by region. Only the comprehensive cooperation of a broadly diverse trauma team will have a significant effect on improving the care of injured children.

“…There is a relative lack of data supporting the best practices for pediatric resuscitation in the field, including fluid administration, cervical spine stabilization, and airway management of children. Comprehensive support for research in pediatric trauma needs to come from regional, state, and national orga- 14,[23][24][25][26] The ability to provide a broad range of pediatric services, including the presence of physicians trained in pediatric emergency medicine, pediatric surgical specialists, pediatric anesthesiologists, and pediatric medical subspecialists, is important. Yet, the nationwide ability to provide around-the-clock trauma care may be in peril because of physician workforce shortages.…”

Section: Prehospital Pediatric Trauma Carementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Data demonstrate that the availability of PICU beds within a region may improve survival in pediatric trauma. 26 Pediatric critical care physicians, surgeons, and anesthesiologists who work together and are trained in the care of the injured child are needed for optimal care of severely injured and unstable patients in the ICU. In addition to critically injured children, stable patients with the potential for deterioration may also require the specialized services of a PICU.…”

Section: Trauma Centersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Management of Pediatric Trauma

2008

Injury is the number 1 killer of children in the United States. In 2004, injury accounted for 59.5% of all deaths in children younger than 18 years. The financial burden to society of children who survive childhood injury with disability continues to be enormous. The entire process of managing childhood injury is complex and varies by region. Only the comprehensive cooperation of a broadly diverse group of people will have a significant effect on improving the care and outcome of injured children.This statement has been endorsed