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Be Ready Before a Child Needs You

Pediatric Readiness is good for patients and smart for systems

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Pediatric emergencies can happen anywhere. Being ready means having the appropriate people, processes, resources, and systems in place before a child arrives.

 

Pediatric Readiness provides a framework for strengthening that preparation. ImPACTS helps organizations take the next step by connecting hospitals and health systems with implementation strategies, peers, expertise, and network infrastructure that can help turn Pediatric Readiness recommendations into sustainable practice.

Why It Matters for Patients

Over 25% of all U.S. ED visits involve children, yet most EDs are not fully equipped to provide pediatric-specific care. Pediatric Readiness is an evidence-based framework that ensures EDs are prepared to meet the unique needs of children with clear protocols, trained staff, and appropriate equipment. 

 

According to the 2015 National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) study published in JAMA Pediatrics, hospitals with a higher Pediatric Readiness score had significantly lower mortality rates among children with critical illness. Readiness also improves care efficiency, reduces adverse events, and supports better family communication.

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What You Will Gain by Prioritizing Pediatric Readiness

  • Pediatric-focused protocols and trained staff improve clinical outcomes and patient safety.

  • Readiness reduces treatment delays, unnecessary transfers, and adverse events.

  • Implementing Pediatric Readiness strengthens family-centered care and communication.

  • Health systems benefit from alignment with quality, safety, and accreditation standards, reduced liability, and enhanced operational efficiency.

Why It Matters for Health Systems

Strengthen Pediatric Readiness Across Your System

 

Pediatric Readiness doesn't have to be approached one hospital at a time. Health systems have an opportunity to create shared infrastructure that supports Pediatric Readiness across multiple EDs while allowing individual facilities to adapt strategies to their local needs.

 

A network approach can help systems:

  • Connect pediatric champions across facilities

  • Share successful implementation strategies

  • Reduce duplication of effort

  • Exchange practical tools and resources

  • Identify common barriers and solutions

  • Build PECC leadership capacity

  • Coordinate Pediatric Readiness priorities

  • Support long-term sustainability

 

Rather than asking every ED to solve similar challenges independently, health systems can create an environment where hospitals learn and improve together.

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