Categorization and regionalization of emergency departments caring for children

Population demographics do not allow every area of the country equal access to all health care resources. Services for oritically ill and injured children are no exception. Categorization and regionalization of specialized health care services have been shown to improve outcome and reduce the cost of health care for a variety of circumstances. A systems approach to caring for pediatric emergencies that assures access to stabilizing care and timely transfer to definitive care resources can save lives and improve morbidity rates. This approach can be accomplished through a process of assuring that every hospital with an emergency department has met minimum standards for the care of children in crisis that includes, when necessary, timely transfer to definitive care. Hospitals should be categorized according to their resources to manage pediatric emergencies and, through a process of regional cooperation, facilities should be linked to assure timely access to definitive care for children who are critically ill or injured.