HJNO Jul/Aug 2021

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS  I  JUL / AUG 2021 41 ture a pod with specialized rooms for acute behavioral health patients and a dedicated entrance. Why is pediatric training important? Today, pediatric emergency medicine physicians, nurse practitioners and pediat- ric nurses work together to provide com- prehensive patient and family-centered care for a wide variety of illness and inju- ries in the emergency department. Pediat- ric emergency physicians are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of emergencies, including fever, respirato- ry problems, trauma, severe allergic reac- tions, complications of chronic illnesses, poisonings, and mental and behavioral health crises. Pediatric emergency physicians receive comprehensive training in treating child- hood emergencies. Expertise includes special training to handle medical emer- gencies, use of treatments and equipment that are designed specifically for children and recognition of illnesses specific to the pediatric population. In addition, pediatric clinicians are dedicated to family-centered care, easing fear and anxiety in children andworkingwith childrenwho are difficult or uncooperative. Physicians who have completed additional training to be pedi- atric emergency specialists often serve in research, education and emergency pre- paredness capacities. They are also highly qualified to serve as pediatric emergency care coordinators in general emergency departments, significantly augmenting Toni Gross, MD, MPH, FAAP Service Line Chief Emergency Medicine Children’s Hospital New Orleans cent mental health professionals, lowering the chances of poor health outcomes re- sulting from delayed care or limited access to specialists. All staff at specialized pediatric emer- gency departments are focused on the needs of children, including nurses, re- spiratory therapists and radiology tech- nicians. Many specialized pediatric emer- gency departments employ the assistance of child life specialists to ease the anxiety associated with hospital visits. Protocols to ensure the lowest dose of radiation ex- posure when radiology studies are needed are typical in specialized pediatric emer- gency departments. Lab tests rarely used for adults are readily available at special- ized pediatric emergency departments. An important component at many spe- cialized pediatric emergency departments is 24/7 access to lifesaving ground and air transport services. Specialized pediatric emergency departments that also serve as trauma centers allow the hospital to care for children with the most complex cases as quickly as possible in the least invasive and most supportive manner. Behavioral health in the emergency set- ting has never been more critically needed. At Children’s Hospital, the pediatric emer- gency team has worked collaboratively with the hospital’s behavioral health ex- perts to design a safe environment that ad- dresses mental health needs not typically available in emergency settings across the nation. The hospital’s expanded emergen- cy center opening later this year will fea- pediatric readiness across the emergency medical services system of care. Enhancing access for patients and families In addition to providing access to spe- cialized pediatric emergency services in hospitals and at dedicated emergency centers, for nonthreatening emergencies, virtual urgent care has provided an invalu- able continuum of care for families. This proved to be especially critical as we man- aged through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing families to consult a pediatric practitioner from the comfort and safety of home when appropriate. Today, virtual urgent care continues to be a valuable option for common pediatric concerns, including: allergies and mild al- lergic reactions, minor burns, constipation, diarrhea, minor injuries, insect bites, pink eye, rashes and other common concerns. Pediatric practitioners can triage concerns remotely, keeping low acuity concerns at home and reserving vital access for more serious in-person emergency room visits. n Toni Gross, MD is a Children’s Hospital emergency medicine doctor and chief of the Emergency Depart- ment at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. Gross re- ceived training at EasternVirginia Medical School in Norfolk,Virginia,and completed a pediatric residency at LSU Health NewOrleans and Children’s Hospital. She was a fellow at Northwestern University,Feinberg School of Medicine and trained at Children’s Memo- rial Hospital in Chicago. Gross serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services for Children program.