The Association of Emergency Department Weighted Pediatric Readiness Score with Pediatric Inpatient Capabilities
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Prior studies show emergency departments (EDs) with high pediatric readiness, measured by the weighted pediatric readiness score (WPRS), are associated with lower pediatric mortality from critical illness and injury. However, associations between hospital inpatient pediatric capabilities and ED pediatric readiness have not been studied.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to examine the relationship between inpatient pediatric capabilities and ED WPRS.
METHODS
Retrospective cross-sectional study with secondary analysis of the 2021 National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) assessment results. Hospital inpatient capabilities were analyzed in combinations of pediatric inpatient units (inpatient, nursery, pediatric intensive care unit, neonatal intensive care unit, adult unit admitting children) and WPRS. Univariable regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between WPRS and volume, ED type, and inpatient capability.
RESULTS
3495 assessments with complete inpatient and scored data were analyzed. Hospitals reporting all pediatric inpatient capability and containing a separate pediatric ED had the highest WPRS (n = 205, median 96.0, [interquartile range (IQR) 87.0, 98.5]). Hospitals with adult units that could admit children had a median WPRS of 61.0 (N = 546, [IQR 53.4, 75.5]). The largest hospital grouping, non-children's hospitals without a separate pediatric ED and no pediatric inpatient capability (N = 804), had a median WPRS of 67.2 [IQR 58.4, 79.8]. Higher…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 804 participants or records.
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