Emergency department management of opioid use disorder in pediatric patients.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) has emerged as a significant public health crisis affecting individuals across all age groups. However, there remains a critical gap in understanding the specific nuances and challenges associated with OUD in pediatric populations. This article provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, definition of OUD, screening recommendations for OUD, and evidence-based management strategies for OUD in pediatric patients.

Acute opioid overdose in pediatric patients.

Recent increases in pediatric and adolescent opioid fatalities mandate an urgent need for early consideration of possible opioid exposure and specific diagnostic and management strategies and interventions tailored to these unique populations. In contrast to adults, pediatric methods of exposure include accidental ingestions, prescription misuse, and household exposure. Early recognition, appropriate diagnostic evaluation, along with specialized treatment for opioid toxicity in this demographic are discussed.

Managing acute pain in children presenting to the emergency department without opioids.

Pediatric pain is challenging to assess and manage. Frequently underestimated in children, untreated pain may have consequences including increased fear, anxiety, and psychological issues. With the current opioid crisis, emergency physicians must be knowledgeable in both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches to address pain and anxiety in children that lead to enhanced patient cooperation and family satisfaction.

Emergency department strategies to combat the opioid crisis in children and adolescents.

The opioid crisis has greatly affected not only adults but also children as well. As clinicians develop effective approaches to minimize pain and distress in children, the risks and benefits of opioids must be carefully considered. Children of parents with opioid use disorder are also at risk of living in unstable environments, performing poorly academically, engaging in future drug use, and having increased stress, which affects their development before entering adulthood.

2018 Academic Emergency Medicine Consensus Conference: A Workforce Development Research Agenda for Pediatric Care in the Emergency Department.

Each year, more than 30 million children visit U.S. emergency departments (EDs).

Bedside pediatric emergency evaluation through ultrasonography.

Bedside US has emerged as a valuable technology for the emergency department physician. It impacts clinical decision-making and the safety of procedures, and it decreases the time and increases the efficiency for completion of procedures. The portability, accuracy and noninvasive nature of US make it an ideal tool for the trained clinician.

Children's mental health emergencies--part 2: emergency department evaluation and treatment of children with mental health disorders.

Objective: The emergency physician should be familiar with the wide spectrum of pediatric mental health emergencies because they are commonly encountered in emergency medical practice.

Methods: A review of the literature was done in order to develop an approach for dealing with children presenting with mental health disorders in the emergency department (ED).

Results: Children' mental health emergencies have a wide spectrum from behavioral disturbances to major depression.

Children's mental health emergencies-part 1: challenges in care: definition of the problem, barriers to care, screening, advocacy, and resources.

Objective: At a time when there has been a reduction in mental health resources nationwide, the incidence of mental health disorders in children has seen a dramatic increase for many reasons.

Methods: A review of the literature was done to identify the epidemiology, barriers to care, useful emergency department (ED) screening methods, and resources regarding pediatric mental health disorders in the ED.

Results: Although there are many challenges to the provision of care for children with mental health emergencies, some resources are available.

Patient and family-centred care for pediatric patients in the emergency department.

Patient and family-centred care (PFCC) is an approach to health care that recognizes the integral role of the family and encourages mutually beneficial collaboration between the patient, family and health care professionals. Specific to the pediatric population, the literature indicates that the majority of families wish to be present for all aspects of their child's care and be involved in medical decision-making. Families who are provided with PFCC are more satisfied with their care.

Effective use of the air ambulance for pediatric trauma.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of pediatric trauma patients transported by helicopter from the injury scene (IS group) to a trauma center and those transported by air after hospital stabilization (HS group).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of pediatric trauma patients (<19 years of age) transported by air ambulance and admitted to a pediatric trauma center was conducted. Outcomes compared were mortality and length of stay.

The death of a child in the emergency department.

The death of a child in the emergency department (ED) is often overwhelming to the child's community, including the health care providers involved in that child's care. Sudden death, especially of a child, induces a strong emotional response in health care providers and in the families involved. Advanced preparation by emergency staff is vital to appropriately care for the patient, the grieving family, and the ED staff.