Agencies seek research to defragment pediatric emergency care.

Grant money is available to improve research on emergency medical services for children with the goal of reducing morbidity and mortality through improved care delivery. Areas of research include:

            • Prevention research to reduce the need for emergency care;

            • Clinical research to ensure that children receive high-quality care in an emergency;

            • Health-systems research, from pre-hospital care, to the emergency department, to in-patient care and return to the community;

            • Models to improve service and cost efficiency; and

            • Studies to improve the quality of research conducted.

The grants are fueled by 2006 Institute of Medicine reports that described a “fragmented” system of emergency care with emphasis on the uneven nature of emergency care for children. Four federal agencies are involved: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Nursing Research, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The request for proposals offers several “topics of interest” for each of the agencies involved in the grant process. Here are a few samples for the NICHD:

            • Availability, effectiveness, and outcomes for emergency medical services for pediatric patients

            • Risk behaviors (e.g., substance abuse, violent or reckless behavior, self-injury, and unprotected sex) that result in emergency medical services;

            • Access to and quality of emergency care for suicidal or self-injurious children and their family members;

            • Disaster preparedness and response plans for children, including disenfranchised youth and youth with medical or psychological problems.

The size and duration of each award will vary with the nature and scope of the proposed research. A long list of organizations and institutions are eligible, including colleges and universities, nonprofits, small businesses, state agencies, and local governments. The next application due date is Sept. 19.