A Cross-Sectional Geographic Information Systems Study of a Pediatric Emergency Department Child Restraint System Distribution Program

Abstract

Introduction: A pediatric ED program sought to promote injury prevention through distribution of child restraint systems. Program funds are paid for child passenger safety technician certification of all personnel. Pediatric emergency nurses distributed child restraint systems at hospital discharge and dedicated technicians at fitting stations. Researchers described program characteristics, developed a baseline understanding of program outreach using geographic information systems, and evaluated adherence to manufacturer guidelines with a sensitivity analysis.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study used distribution forms linked to hospital records from 2013 to 2016. Testing for differences used nonparametric methods. Median values and interquartile ranges for weight and height of children were compared with manufacturer guidelines. Geographic information systems visualized recipients' street addresses and motor vehicle crashes on an underlying base map.

Results: There were 312 child restraint systems distributed: of which 179 (57.4%) at the hospital, 126 (40.4%) at fitting stations, and 7 (2.2%) missing a location. Among those on Medicaid, 64.4% received a child restraint system at the hospital compared with 35.6% at fitting stations (χ² = 5.40, P < .02). Fitting stations had limited outreach to rural residents. Finally, results from the sensitivity analysis showed that devices were issued according to manufacturer guidelines.

Discussion: Despite the workplace pressures of clinical care, pediatric emergency nurses delivered educational information and demonstrated hands-on installation at similar rates to dedicated technicians. Distribution of child restraint systems through the hospital reached a uniquely underserved population. Further research should investigate methods to improve fitting station outreach among Medicaid recipients.

Keywords: Accidents; Child restraint systems; Geographic information systems; Nurses; Pediatric emergency medicine; Program evaluation; Traffic.