Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42579062›Full record

ArticleCJEM2026

A multicomponent intervention for pediatric readiness in general emergency departments: a single-blind, matched-pair randomized controlled trial.

Leah K Crockett, Motunrayo Ajayi, Lisa Knisley, Darcy Beer, Elisabete Doyle, Karen Gripp, Kaitlin Hogue, Jose Francois, Robert Balshaw, Patricia Birk and 2 more

Abstract read
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Article in CJEM, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Leah K CrockettThe Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Motunrayo AjayiThe Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Lisa KnisleyThe Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Darcy BeerThe Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Elisabete DoyleThe Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Karen GrippThe Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Kaitlin HogueThe Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Jose FrancoisDepartment of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Robert BalshawCollege of Community and Global Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Patricia BirkThe Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Terry P KlassenThe Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Alex AregbesolaThe Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. Alex.Aregbesola@umanitoba.ca.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2596-5381

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesPediatric readiness, measured using the weighted pediatric readiness score (WPRS; 0-100), is associated with improved outcomes and lower mortality. A baseline assessment identified gaps across domains, with the lowest scores in coordination, staffing and training, and quality improvement, highlighting the need for targeted intervention. We evaluated the effectiveness of a multi-component, context-informed intervention on improving pediatric readiness in general EDs.

methodsWe conducted a single-blinded, matched pair randomized controlled trial in 17 general EDs (October 2022-May 2025). Sites were paired based on baseline WPRS, annual general ED volume, and distance from the provincial tertiary pediatric center and then randomized to a multi-component intervention or control. The intervention included a customized readiness report with discussion, pediatric resource toolkits, educational outreach, and ongoing support; control sites received the report only. Pediatric readiness was reassessed beginning six-month post-intervention using the Canadian adaptation of the National Pediatric Readiness Survey, from which WPRS is derived. The primary outcome was change in overall WPRS compared using Welch's t tests. Mixed-effects linear regression, with Bayesian analyses was conducted to strengthen confidence in the estimated intervention effects.

resultsSixteen general EDs (8 intervention, 8 control) completed follow-up. Median (IQR) post-intervention WPRS was 44.2 (14.7) for intervention sites and 53.9 (17.6) for control sites. Mean (SD) change in WPRS was - 1.2 (15.1) overall (intervention - 4.8 (16.7); control + 2.4 (13.4); p = 0.4). Post-intervention WPRS ranged from 38.2 to 79.3. Three sites achieved clinically meaningful improvement (> 10 points), nine remained stable, and four declined. No statistically significant intervention effects or covariate associations were identified. Performance was highest in the domains of patient safety and equipment and supplies, while quality improvement remained consistently lowest.

conclusionA low-intensity multi-component intervention showed varied change in mean WPRS between the randomized sites. Substantial site-level variation suggests that context-responsive and more intensive strategies may be required.

Indexed as

ImplementationPediatric readinessRCTWPRS

Identifiers

PMID42579062

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.