Treatment in the pediatric emergency department is evidence based: a retrospective analysis
2006

Evidence-Based Treatment in Pediatric Emergency Department

Sample size: 262 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kellie L Waters, Natasha Wiebe, Kristie Cramer, Lisa Hartling, Terry P Klassen

Primary Institution: University of Alberta

Hypothesis

The treatment of pediatric emergency patients is often based on evidence derived from adult studies.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of pediatric emergency department treatment decisions are evidence-based, with most based on studies involving pediatric patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • 80.4% of interventions were evidence-based.
  • 35.9% of patients received no primary intervention.
  • 83.7% of evidence-based interventions were supported by studies with mostly pediatric patients.

Takeaway

Many kids who go to the emergency room don't get any treatment, but most of the treatments that are given are based on good research, especially for kids.

Methodology

A retrospective chart review of randomly selected patients seen in the pediatric emergency department over one year.

Potential Biases

Potential bias from the committee's personal knowledge and treatment preferences.

Limitations

The study only included a small sample of patients and may not represent all pediatric emergency cases.

Participant Demographics

Patients seen in a pediatric emergency department, primarily children.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI 29.9 to 41.9

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2431-6-26

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