NPRP: Next national assessment coming in 2026!

Work is underway to prepare for the launch of the next National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) Assessment, currently slated for 2026. The NPRP helps emergency departments (EDs) to understand and improve their ability to deliver high-quality care for children, also known as being “Pediatric Ready.” The national assessment is based on a joint policy statement, which is currently being reviewed and updated by experts within key NPRP partner organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the American College of Surgeons Committee of Trauma, and the Emergency Nurses Association. The revised policy statement and a new technical report are anticipated for publication this summer, after which the NPRP toolkit will also undergo updates.

EDs can prepare now for the 2026 national data collection period by completing the current NPRP open assessment and receiving an updated readiness score. Visit www.pedsready.org to participate. Be sure to print or save your gap report and share with your leadership to support your EDs’ internal quality improvement efforts.



New study highlights challenges in pediatric trauma care

When children experience major injuries, timely surgical assessment and care is essential for survival. A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring injured children, especially those in rural areas, have access to this life-saving care.

The research found that only 65% of children are within an hour from a pediatric-specific trauma center (under ideal conditions with the use of air transport), while 73% are within an hour from an adult trauma center that meets most NPRP criteria. Children in rural areas had disproportionately lower access, with 50% lacking timely access compared to 18% of children in urban areas. Additionally, these numbers drop even further if conditions (such as bad weather) do not allow helicopters to fly.

Researchers emphasize the need to enhance Pediatric Readiness at all trauma centers, citing evidence that improved readiness reduces mortality by 15-20%. Learn more.

State Spotlight: Celebrating 30 years with EMSC

Evelyn Lyons, RN, MPH, a longtime manager of the EMSC State Partnership Program, has retired after 30 years of impactful work in pediatric emergency care. Her legacy includes developing Illinois’ pediatric hospital recognition program and enhancing Pediatric Readiness. Even in retirement, Evelyn will mentor her successor and continue advancing key initiatives.

The EMSC community thanks her for her exceptional service. She reflects on her remarkable journey with EMSC in a recent interview. Read more.

Two EMSC collaboratives cross finish line

ED clinicians and State Partnership managers wrapped up participation in two EMSC quality improvement collaboratives this December. Collaboratives are specialized forums that bring together teams to share ideas while implementing strategies to address specific gaps in care. 

Driving Pediatric Emergency Clinical Care Excellence: The Pediatric Readiness Quality Improvement Collaborative (PRQC), which ran from June 2023 to December 2024, united ED teams nationwide to improve Pediatric Readiness by focusing on four high-priority areas: pain assessment, abnormal vital sign reassessment, suicide assessment, and weighing and recording weight in kilograms only. Participants leveraged the free National Pediatric Readiness Quality Initiative data platform to implement their improvement projects. Throughout the collaborative, participants reported increased awareness of Pediatric Readiness within their EDs, the development of more robust quality improvement plans, and increases in the presence of pediatric emergency care coordinators. The work of the PRQC will continue through a community of practice set to launch soon.

Advancing Standardization in Pediatric Emergency Care: The Pediatric Readiness Recognition Programs Collaborative (PRRPC), which ran from September 2023 to December 2024, brought together EMSC State Partnership Program managers and teams to develop new recognition programs, enhance criteria in existing programs, or expand recognition to new EDs or EMS agencies. The group worked to establish consensus on recommended minimum and stretch criteria for both ED and prehospital recognition programs and shared their experiences with engaging and verifying EDs and EMS agencies. The efforts will continue with the PRRPC “exchange” this year, an open forum for managers to continue to meet and learn from one another. Learn more about recognition programs here.

Learn more about EMSC collaboratives.