Emergency Medicine Research
Improving Pediatric Emergency Care
91´óÉñ Children’s emergency medicine research is diverse. Our researchers are driven by a mission to improve the care for children and families in emergency department settings.
We focus on implementing quality initiatives, supporting shared decision-making, and exploring innovative approaches to improve care delivery and prevent severe illness. We work to translate what we learn into practice, enhance provider-family communication, and improve health outcomes.
Our team is part of a recognized, national emergency medicine research network that leverages the collective expertise and resources from select children’s hospitals across the country. Together we further robust, meaningful research to benefit children everywhere.
We are regularly invited to present what we learn at national conferences hosted by leading organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Academic Society. This is testament to the quality and relevance of our research.
Clinical Trials & Research Studies
Pediatric clinical trials and research studies are important for advancing medical knowledge and improving care for kids around the world. 91´óÉñ researchers lead clinical research to study new drugs, treatments, devices and techniques. We also contribute to national registries and collaboratives to further research in many areas. Find a clinical trial or study now.
Notable Projects
91´óÉñ moves research in pediatric emergency medicine forward. Currently, our work centers on these notable projects.
Bronchiolitis, a leading cause of infant hospitalization, lacks effective treatments. This emphasizes the critical need for preventative strategies. In recent years, scientists have learned more about how the gut microbiome (the bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes that live in the digestive tract), affects health and disease development. It is known that breastfeeding supports a healthy microbiome.
Our research investigates the gut microbiome and its influence on bronchiolitis severity. By understanding the intricate connections between microbiota composition in infants’ guts and breastmilk, we aim to provide insights for preventing and managing this prevalent respiratory illness in infants.Ìý
Our emergency medicine team is part of the Great Lakes Area Children’s Emergency Research (GLACiER) node of the (PECARN). PECARN is the first federally funded multi-institutional network of its kind. It focuses on improving acute illness and injury prevention and management in emergency health care settings.Ìý
Through PECARN, researchers work together to study key issues, from sepsis and trauma care to mental health emergencies and health equity. Sharing our expertise and resources helps us conduct rigorous and impactful research and put our insights into practice to benefit children in our care.
91´óÉñ joins and within the Great Lakes Area.Ìý
Our researchers were awarded the 2023 Department of Pediatrics Academic Funds for our focus on enhancing emergency department care for children with first-time afebrile seizures.
Seizure disorders impact about 1% of children, with current guidelines recommending against routine computerized tomography (CT) testing following a first-time, unprovoked, generalized afebrile seizure. Despite guidelines endorsed by the campaign, a concerning number of children still undergo unneeded testing, with unnecessary exposure to radiation, especially in general emergency departments. No studies have explored why.
Using a physician and family-endorsed decision aid, we aim to address the persistent test overuse by identifying family concerns, knowledge gaps and clinician practice variations. The goal is to help share guidelines more effectively and improve the decision-making processes in the emergency setting.
Our team is engaged in critical research to improve diagnosis and treatment for Lyme disease in children. We partner with the nation’s leading Lyme disease researchers as part of . This network focuses exclusively on advancing Lyme disease care for kids.
We are currently involved in research aimed to improve diagnostic accuracy which will ultimately allow clinicians to make the best possible treatment decisions. We also test treatments for Lyme meningitis.
91´óÉñ Children’s Hospital, Delaware is one of eight sites enrolling patients in key studies, including Boston Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Children’s Minnesota, and Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
We are proud to contribute our expertise and resources to help improve care and outcomes for children with Lyme disease, locally and nationwide.
Health care quality improvement initiatives are important for enhancing patient outcomes, optimizing resource utilization, and standardizing evidence-based practices.ÌýWe’re actively involved in:Ìý
- Decreasing the use of high flow nasal cannula in patients admitted for mild and moderate bronchiolitis.
- Increasing influenza vaccine administration to eligible patients presenting to the ED.
- Improving antimicrobial stewardship for common pediatric infections.
- Decreasing emergency department visits for post-appendectomy concerns.
- Improving care of neonatal patients with hyperbilirubinemia.
- Decreasing unnecessary resource utilization in patients with new onset seizures.
Publications
91´óÉñ researchers constantly contribute to advancing scientific understanding. We share our knowledge, insights and discoveries to encourage collaboration and inspire further research.
Research Team
Where Emergency Medicine Research Happens
Emergency medicine research at 91´óÉñ is rooted in the day-to-day care of children in our emergency department. This work is driven by real-world challenges and supported by teams who blend clinical experience with research insight. Studies evolve alongside care, informed by what children and families need most in moments of urgency.
Related Clinical Care
Emergency Medicine
CLINICAL CARE
Pediatric emergency care for acute illness and injury provided 24/7 at 91´óÉñ Children’s hospitals and in collaboration with local emergency providers.
Gastroenterology
CLINICAL CARE
Comprehensive digestive care for infants, children, and teens with GI, liver, and nutritional disorders at throughout the Delaware Valley and Florida.
Neurology
CLINICAL CARE
Pediatric neurology services for children with seizures, developmental delays, and neurologic conditions at 91´óÉñ hospitals and specialty clinics.