Barriers and enablers to a physician-delivered educational initiative to reduce low-acuity visits to the pediatric emergency department.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Use of the pediatric emergency department (PED) for low-acuity health issues is a growing problem, contributing to overcrowding, longer waits and higher health system costs. This study examines an educational initiative aimed at reducing low-acuity PED visits. The initiative, implemented at an academic pediatric hospital, saw PED physicians share a pamphlet with caregivers to educate them about appropriate PED use and alternatives. Despite early impacts, the initiative was not sustained. This study analyzes the barriers and enablers to physician participation in the initiative, and offers strategies to improve implementation and sustainability of similar future initiatives.

Methods

Forty-two PED physicians were invited to participate in a semi-structured individua

SUBMITTER: Huyer G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5973597 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature