NCJ Number
192727
Journal
Pediatrics Volume: 104 Issue: 4 Dated: October 1999 Pages: 1-6
Date Published
October 1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics introduces a standardized information form that can be used to prepare the caregivers and health care system for emergencies that involve children with special health care needs.
Abstract
Children with special health care needs are those who have, or are at risk for, chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions and who also require health and related services of a type or amount not usually required by typically developing children. Formulation of an emergency care plan has been advocated by the Emergency Medical Services for Children program through its Children With Special Health Care Needs Task Force. Essential components of a program that provides care plans include use of a standardized form; a method of identifying at-risk children; completion of a data set by the child's physicians and other health care professionals; education of families, other caregivers, and health care professionals in the use of the emergency plan; regular updates of the information; 24-hour access to the information by authorized emergency health care professionals; and maintenance of patient confidentiality. 2 figures (Emergency Information Form for Children With Special Needs) and 9 references