Systems-Based Care of the Injured Child: Policy Statement.
Publication/Presentation Date
8-18-2025
Abstract
Injury is the leading cause of death and a frequent cause of disability in children and negatively affects physical health, mental health, and quality of life in both the short- and long-term. The goal of a pediatric trauma system is to optimize the care for children within a state or region encompassing the entire continuum of care regardless of where children live or where traumatic events occur. This continuum includes injury prevention, prehospital care, emergency department care, interfacility transport, acute and critical inpatient care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and reintegration into the community and primary care medical home. A systems-based approach requires distinct elements of structure and function to perform together in an interrelated and cohesive manner to improve care quality. In this case, it represents a sequential practice of evidence-based evaluation and management along the continuum of care. To improve outcomes after injury, a cohesive system must effectively provide optimal care for the "right child, at the right place, at the right time" across this continuum.
ISSN
1098-4275
Published In/Presented At
Flynn-O'Brien, K. T., Srinivasan, V., Fallat, M. E., Committee on Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention, Section on Critical Care, Section on Surgery, Section on Transport Medicine, PEDIATRIC TRAUMA SOCIETY, SOCIETY OF TRAUMA NURSES, & Pediatric Committee (2025). Systems-Based Care of the Injured Child: Policy Statement. Pediatrics, e2025072720. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2025-072720
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics
PubMedID
40819832
Department(s)
Department of Pediatrics
Document Type
Article