Pediatrics

Biography

Biography: Atnena Luster-Tucker

Abstract

Initially founded to serve those with unexpected, life-threatening illnesses, emergency departments across the country now care for a variety of patients including those without urgent medical conditions. With doors that never close and providers who administer care without regard to ability to pay, the emergency department has become the "safety net" of medicine. This "safety net" is especially important for vulnerable populations such as pediatrics. In addition to traditional emergency conditions, pediatric patients often have limited communication skills, lack of established immunity, minimal health histories, and are at the mercy of their caregivers. The combination of these factors increase the risk for developing unexpected health care needs and the emergency department is the only solution that is available whenever a problem occurs. Emergency departments provide critical healthcare services but they do not provide the same degree of comprehensiveness as primary care providers. Patients and caregivers may believe care is complete when they leave the emergency department but in reality, this is where care actually begins. It is the responsibility of providers, nurses, case managers, educators, and all members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure appropriate follow up care and continuity following an emergeny department encounter. To facilitate this practice amongst healthcare practitioners, this session will discuss the history of the emergency department, standard emergency department resources, standards of care, pediatric preventative health, legal requirements, and best practices.