Newsletters

POSTED: March 23rd, 2026
POSTED IN: 2026 EM Pulse Q1, EM Pulse - The Official Newsletter of MOCEP, forum, Forum Topic,

Written by: Danielle M Zoellner, MPH, NRP and Keven Cutler, MD

Ensuring that every child who enters an emergency department receives high-quality, timely, and developmentally appropriate care remains a core value of emergency medicine. Beginning March 1 through May 31, 2026, hospitals across Missouri and the United States will participate in the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) Assessment, a nationwide assessment designed to evaluate and strengthen pediatric readiness in emergency departments. This assessment, coordinated by the Emergency Medical Services for Children Innovation & Improvement Center (EIIC), measures how well EDs align with the national standards outlined in the Joint Policy Statement: Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department (AAP, ACEP, ENA, 2018). The last assessment took place in 2021, Missouri scored below the national average for emergency department readiness with an average state score of 67, the national average was 72.

Pediatric readiness is more than an aspirational ideal, it is a measurable determinant of outcomes. Children make up nearly a quarter of all ED visits nationally, yet many departments lack the specialized resources, policies, and trained personnel needed to care for critically ill or injured children. Research shows that hospitals with higher pediatric readiness scores experience significantly lower pediatric mortality, faster recognition of critical illness, and improved overall outcomes. The upcoming NPRP assessment offers Missouri EDs an opportunity to identify strengths, uncover gaps, and receive targeted recommendations that support evidence-based improvements in pediatric emergency care.

To ensure all Missouri hospitals receive timely guidance during the assessment period, Missouri EMS for Children (MO EMSC) is calling on ED leaders to register with our EMSC program. Registration ensures hospitals receive assessment notifications, technical assistance, statewide updates, and pediatric readiness resources. Missouri hospitals can register by emailing [email protected] to obtain their personalized REDCap registration link. The process takes approximately 15 minutes and allows MO EMSC to streamline communications during this critical readiness cycle.

Missouri is also advancing pediatric emergency care through the newly finalized Hospital Readiness Recognition Program, now accepting applications. This voluntary program verifies that Missouri emergency departments meet essential elements of pediatric readiness as defined by the 2018 national guidelines. By pursuing recognition, hospitals can demonstrate their commitment to high-quality pediatric care while strengthening internal systems, staff preparedness, and community confidence. The program reviews compliance in key areas, including:

• Designation of a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC)

• Availability of required pediatric equipment and supplies

• Access to ongoing pediatric-specific education and training

• Use of clinical care pathways and guidelines

• Engagement in continuous quality improvement processes

Together, the NPRP Assessment and Missouri’s Readiness Recognition Program provides an aligned pathway for improving pediatric emergency preparedness statewide. Participating in the assessment and registering with MO EMSC allows EDs to stay connected, informed, and prepared for upcoming statewide initiatives. As Missouri approaches the 2026 assessment window, now is the time for hospitals to engage fully in these readiness efforts.

References:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Emergency Physicians, Emergency Nurses Association. Joint Policy Statement—Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department. Pediatrics. 2018;142(5):e20182459.

2. Gausche-Hill M, Ely M, Schmuhl P, et al. A National Assessment of Pediatric Readiness of Emergency Departments. JAMA Pediatr. 2015;169(6):527–534.