An Inpatient Child Passenger Safety Program. (November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elliott, Lindsey Nichole; DiGirolamo, Barbara; McMahon, Maria; Damian, Frances; Brostoff, Marcie; Shermont, Herminia; Mooney, David Patrick; Lee, Lois Kaye
• Is Part Of: Clinical pediatrics. Volume 52:Number 11(2013)
• Page Start: 1022
• Page End: 1028
• Publication Date: 2013-11
• Subjects: child passenger safety -- car seats -- injury prevention; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1177/0009922813507130
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-9228

Abstract

Background . Our institution implemented an Inpatient Child Passenger Safety (CPS) program for hospitalized children to improve knowledge and compliance with the Massachusetts CPS law, requiring children less than 8 years old or 57 inches tall to be secured in a car seat when in a motor vehicle. Methods . After the Inpatient CPS Program was piloted on 3 units in 2009, the program was expanded to all inpatient units in 2010. A computerized nursing assessment tool identifies children in need of a CPS consult for education and/or car seat. Results . With the expanded Inpatient CPS Program, 3650 children have been assessed, 598 consults initiated, and 325 families have received CPS education. Car seats were distributed to 419 children; specialty car seats were loaned to 134 families. Conclusions . With a multidisciplinary approach, we implemented an Inpatient CPS Program for hospitalized children providing CPS education and car seats to families in need.