David Watkins, DNP, RN, MSN, NE-BC, CEN

Abstract:

Background: Los Angeles County (LAC) Emergency Departments Approved for Pediatrics (EDAPs) must complete annual quality improvement (QI) initiatives to maintain their EDAP designation. Limited QI standardized resources hinder collaboration and knowledge-sharing of successful strategies among LAC EDAP hospitals. Objectives: To develop a stakeholder-driven QI resource that documents effective pediatric emergency care strategies, fosters interhospital collaboration, and enhances care quality across LAC EDAPs. Methods: A mixed-method QI project was conducted from December 2024 to February 2025 across 10 EDAP hospitals within three major LAC health systems. The project followed three phases: (1) Stakeholder survey assessing collaboration practices and interest in a shared QI resource, (2) Development and selection of a final QI template based on stakeholder feedback, and (3) Final evaluation of the resource’s usability, value, and impact. Results: Seven hospitals completed all three surveys, yielding a 70% response rate. Perceived resource value increased from 14% in Phase 1 to 100% in Phase 3, with all final respondents rating the newly created resource as very useful or somewhat useful for improving pediatric care and collaboration. Conclusion: EDAP leaders recognize interhospital collaboration as key to advancing pediatric emergency care QI strategies for broader adoption across LAC and beyond.

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