A national cross-sectional survey of health literacy of caregivers attending Canadian pediatric emergency departments.

Background: Health literacy assessment is key to better meeting family needs and developing informed strategies to promote positive health outcomes for children. The objective of this study was to describe the health literacy of caregivers who use Canadian pediatric emergency departments and relate it to demographic and visit-specific variables.

Methods: This study utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional survey design with medical record review.

A national survey of children's experiences and needs when attending Canadian pediatric emergency departments.

Background: Optimizing a child's emergency department (ED) experience positively impacts their memories and future healthcare interactions. Our objectives were to describe children's perspectives of their needs and experiences during their ED visit and relate this to their understanding of their condition.

Methods: 514 children, aged 7-17 years, and their caregivers presenting to 10 Canadian pediatric EDs completed a descriptive cross-sectional survey from 2018-2020.

A Survey of Caregiver Perspectives on Children's Pain Management in the Emergency Department.

Objectives: We explored caregiver perspectives on their children's pain management in both a pediatric (PED) and general emergency department (GED). Study objectives were to: (1) measure caregiver estimates of children's pain scores and treatment; (2) determine caregiver level of satisfaction; and (3) determine factors associated with caregiver satisfaction.

Methods: This prospective survey examined a convenience sample of 97 caregivers (n=51 PED, n=46 GED) with children aged <17 years.

A survey of children's perspectives on pain management in the emergency department.

Background: Children's pain is frequently underrecognized and undertreated. This study focuses exclusively on children's perspectives of and satisfaction with their pain management in the emergency department (ED).

Objectives: Specific study objectives were to 1) describe the pain and ED treatment experienced by children, 2) measure the child's satisfaction with pain treatment, and 3) determine factors associated with satisfaction.

Encephalitis.

Encephalitis is a serious and potentially treatable infection of the central nervous system. A pathogen is identified in less than 50% of cases. The differential diagnosis includes acute infection, immune-mediated causes, and other central nervous system processes.

Evaluation of an emergency prevention program for mother to child transmission of HIV in British Columbia.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate a province-wide program designed to identify HIV infection accurately and to prevent mother to child transmission among high-risk pregnant women of unknown serostatus.

Methods: Between 2000 and 2007, 347 high-risk women were identified through the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) program implemented in 27 hospitals across British Columbia. Rates of HIV transmission and details of the implementation of prophylaxis kits were assessed.