Pediatrics
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Internet-based developmental screening is being implemented in pediatric practices across the United States. Little is known about the application of this technology in poor urban populations. ⋯ In this economically disadvantaged population, language and maternal education were associated with access to the Internet. Given the potential power of previsit work to tailor well-child visits to the needs of individual families, alternative strategies to using the Internet should be explored for populations without reliable Internet access.
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Neonatal transport in the United States is a complex process; however, little is known about the neonatal transport team (NTT) workforce. The purpose of this national study was to describe the US NTT workforce. ⋯ There is wide variation in many aspects of neonatal transport, including orientation, determination of readiness for independent transport, use of protocols to guide transport care, and quality assurance activities. These results will be useful for (1) evaluating existing transport services, (2) guiding necessary changes in training or services, and (3) aiding programs that seek to develop a neonatal transport program.
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Catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CA BSIs) are associated with increased hospital length of stay, total hospital costs, and mortality. Quality-improvement collaboratives (QICs) are frequently used to improve health care quality. Our PICU was previously involved in a successful national QIC to reduce the incidence of CA BSI in critically ill children. ⋯ Our hospital-wide QIC resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence of CA BSI at our children's hospital. A collaborative model based on improvement science methodology is both feasible and effective in reducing the incidence of CA BSI.
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Little research has been performed to examine patient perceptions of weight-related language, especially related to childhood obesity. In this study we assessed parental perceptions of weight-based terminology used by health care providers to describe a child's excess weight and assessed perceived connotations associated with these terms including stigma, blame, and motivation to reduce weight. ⋯ The results of this study have important implications for the improvement of health care for youth with obesity; it may be advantageous for health care providers to use or avoid using specific weight-based language during discussions about body weight with families. Pediatricians play a key role in obesity prevention and treatment, but their efforts may be undermined by stigmatizing or offensive language that can hinder important discussions about children's health.