Emergency Department Costs: $207M and 2,143 Young Lives

A NATIONAL study recently highlighted the potential life-saving impact of enhancing emergency departments’ (ED) pediatric readiness across the United States. Conducted across 4,840 EDs nationwide, the study estimates that raising all EDs to a high pediatric readiness level could save approximately 2,143 young lives annually. These findings underscore the importance of pediatric-focused investments in emergency care settings, particularly as only 17.4% of U.S. EDs currently meet the high pediatric readiness benchmark.

Key to this analysis, which reviewed ED data from 2012 to 2022, was the identification of the financial costs involved in reaching optimal pediatric readiness. Nationwide, this annual cost is projected at $207 million, translating to an average of up to $11.84 per child across states. However, this cost varies widely by location, reflecting diverse regional healthcare demands and resource allocations. The study estimates that with this investment, preventable child mortality rates could decrease significantly, with some states able to save up to 69 children per year.

The study defines high pediatric readiness as having a readiness score of 88 or above (out of 100). Currently, most EDs fall below this standard, pointing to significant gaps in resources, staff training, and pediatric-focused protocols. Researchers suggest that meeting high readiness standards requires improved pediatric protocols, specialized equipment, and staff training aimed specifically at treating critically ill or injured children.

With clear data on the life-saving potential of high pediatric readiness, the study advocates for policy changes to support EDs in achieving these standards. Researchers argue that such measures would be a modest financial investment with the potential to save thousands of children’s lives each year, reinforcing the need for enhanced pediatric readiness in U.S. healthcare systems.

Reference: Newgard CD et al. State and national estimates of the cost of emergency department pediatric readiness and lives saved. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(11):e2442154.