Association of emergency department characteristics with presence of recommended pediatric-specific behavioral health policies.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

In the United States, pediatric emergency department (ED) visits for behavioral health (BH) are increasing. We sought to determine ED-level characteristics associated with having recommended BH-related policies.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective serial cross-sectional study of National Pediatric Readiness Project assessments administered to US EDs in 2013 and 2021. Changes in responses related to BH items over time were examined. Multivariable logistic regression models examined ED characteristics associated with the presence of specific BH-related policies in 2021.

Results

Of 3554 EDs that completed assessments in 2021, 73.0% had BH-related policies, 66.5% had transfer guidelines for children with BH issues, and 38.6% had access to BH resources in a dis

SUBMITTER: Foster AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11367733 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature