Growing Pediatric & Obstetric Readiness in Rural Emergency Departments
Description: Strengthening emergency care capacity in rural hospitals and EMS by ensuring readiness for pediatric and obstetric emergencies. Partnering with Indiana Emergency Medical Services for Children (IEMSC) and Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), the initiative provides needs assessments, training, equipment and technical assistance.
Initiative 4 is moving into its next critical phase! IDOH, in partnership with IU School of Medicine and the Indiana Emergency Medical Services Commission (IEMSC), will soon be launching readiness assessments for both obstetric (OB) and pediatric (PED) emergency departments across Indiana’s rural communities. These assessments will help establish baseline readiness levels and identify gaps in equipment, training and staffing at participating rural EDs.
Rural pre-hospital entities, including EMS agencies and first responders, will also be included in this assessment process. As the first point of contact in an emergency, pre-hospital readiness is a vital component of the overall care continuum for our most vulnerable patients: mothers and children.
Watch this page for updates on assessment timelines, participation requirements, and how your facility or agency can get involved.
Activity
Track the progress and opportunities for Initiative 4.
| Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initiate standards of readiness and begin assessments for qualifying rural health entities | In Progress | |
| Develop infrastructure for training, equipment and data management | In Progress |
| Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Issue grants and contracts with key stakeholders to begin the grant disbursement process | Completed |
FAQs
What about hospitals that already provide obstetric services?
Birthing hospitals in Indiana are set to enhance the quality of maternal and newborn care by offering comprehensive education and support in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Health. As part of this initiative, each facility will have a thorough gap assessment to identify areas for improvement. This assessment will serve as a vital tool in ensuring that facilities meet the rigorous standards outlined by CMS for OB ED Readiness, ultimately promoting safer and more effective care for mothers and their babies.
How will rural hospitals be better prepared for emergencies with kids or mothers?
This program will support the development of policies and procedures, standardized training competencies, designated staff roles, and equipment to support hospitals in providing care for kids and mothers. This allows local healthcare providers and facilities to provide care to these populations and facilitate timely transportation to the most appropriate level of care.
The program, initiated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is dedicated to enhancing the preparedness of Obstetric Emergency Departments (OB ED) across various healthcare settings. Its primary objective is to promote safer and more effective care for mothers and their newborns, regardless of whether they are being treated in a birthing facility or a non-birthing emergency department. By developing a comprehensive and standardized approach to care, the program aims to ensure that every mother and infant receives consistent and high-quality treatment during critical moments in the emergency department, ultimately improving outcomes for both.
What kind of training or equipment will local EMS teams receive?
Local EMS teams may receive a combination of training and resources designed to enhance overall pediatric and obstetric readiness. This could include educational opportunities focused on best practices for emergency care, guidance on protocols, and access to equipment that supports safe and effective treatment for these populations. The specific details will vary based on local needs and available resources, but the goal is to strengthen capabilities and improve coordination across the continuum of care.
How does sharing information between hospitals and EMS make care faster and safer?
Sharing information between hospitals and EMS makes patient care faster, safer and more coordinated by closing critical information gaps before a patient reaches the hospital. Early awareness of incoming patients allows hospital care teams to be activated, ensuring diagnostic equipment and treatment resources are ready immediately. Information sharing reduces uncertainty and prevents errors. When hospitals receive accurate pre-hospital data, clinicians can avoid duplication of tests and procedures and make more informed treatment decisions upon arrival. This continuity of information helps reduced medication errors, missed diagnoses and inappropriate interventions. An improved continuity of care is achieved through information sharing. This allows for clear handoffs between EMS and emergency department staff, consistent patient histories from scene to hospital bed, and better documentation for follow-up care and quality improvement. When hospitals and EMS share timely, accurate information, patients get the right care faster with fewer risks.
Who is helping with this effort, and how will it improve care in my community?
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), and Indiana Emergency Medical Services for Children (IEMSC).
This initiative will improve the quality and level of care for kids and mothers at rural hospitals in local communities. This allows local healthcare providers and facilities to provide care to these populations and facilitate timely transportation to the most appropriate level of care.