Information Technology-Assisted Screening for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to design and implement a novel, universally offered, computerized clinical decision support (CDS) gonorrhea and chlamydia (GC/CT) screening tool embedded in the emergency department (ED) clinical workflow and triggered by patient-entered data.

Methods: The study consisted of the design and implementation of a tablet-based screening tool based on qualitative data of adolescent and parent/guardian acceptability of GC/CT screening in the ED and an advisory committee of ED leaders and end users. The tablet was offered to adolescents aged 14-21 years and informed patients of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention GC/CT screening recommendations, described the testing process, and assessed whether patients agreed to testing.

The Reliability of Computerized Physician Order Entry Data for Research Studies.

Objectives: In the United States, adolescents account for nearly half of the newly diagnosed sexually transmitted infections annually, and many of these infections are asymptomatic. Adolescents often seek care in pediatric emergency departments; thus, the emergency department is an important setting to implement adolescent sexually transmitted infection screening. Before implementation, baseline data reflecting current screening rates of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were needed.

Biomarkers to distinguish surgical etiologies in females with lower quadrant abdominal pain.

Objectives: Lower abdominal pain is a common complaint in girls and young women presenting to a pediatric emergency department (PED). An extensive evaluation may be required to exclude surgical emergencies such as appendicitis and ovarian torsion. However, clinicians and families prefer to limit invasive procedures and radiation exposure.