A coalition of medical experts is advocating for enhanced safeguards and protections for children within the healthcare system. The Patient Safety Action Alliance (APS) highlighted the urgent need for prioritized child safety measures in a statement released Monday.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals concerning statistics, indicating that up to 70% of severe adverse events affecting newborns could be prevented through diligent adherence to safety protocols. The WHO further emphasizes that inadequate teamwork can triple the risk of harm in neonatal care. Approximately 40% of serious complications exhibit discernible warning signs hours prior, requiring timely recognition and accurate interpretation.
“Children are not small adults” stated Ruth Hecker, APS Chair. “This isn’t simply a medical truism; it’s a directive”. She stressed the necessity of tailoring care to account for a child’s age, size, developmental stage and communication abilities. Parents have been identified as crucial partners in this process, often serving as a vital link between the medical team and the child and frequently detecting subtle changes overlooked by medical professionals. “Their observations deserve careful consideration” Hecker affirmed.
Experts point to long-standing structural issues within pediatric medicine that have been consistently overlooked. Christian Deindl, APS Deputy Chair and a pediatric surgeon, criticized the inequitable distribution of resources within the healthcare system. He argues that quality pediatric care demands not only expertise but also significant time and personnel. While early childhood often incurs substantial healthcare expenses for preventative screenings and immunization programs, the ultimate economic and societal benefits are realized later in life. “Ensuring the safety of healthcare for infants, young children and adolescents requires age-specific expertise and dedicated resources” Deindl concluded.