Approach — Global Pediatric Emergency Equity Lab

The idea: How can we develop pediatric emergency care that fulfills the promise of wellbeing for all?

Guided by the idea of the “right to health”, we have the opportunity to change current global models, so that all children can become their healthiest selves. Our strategies

involve the development of resilient and sustainable systems of pediatric emergency care, held to a high standard of quality care that is always evolving.

Guided by the idea of the “right to health”, we have the opportunity to change current global models, so that all children can become their healthiest selves. Our strategies involve the development of resilient and sustainable systems of pediatric emergency care, held to a high standard of quality care that is always evolving.

Goals

Operationalize the right to health

Create knowledge products to quantify health equity

Introduce new strategies in pediatric emergency care

A Theory of Change

Emergency care is an essential element of any strong and responsive healthcare system. In many communities, emergency care is the primary line of defense in caring for critically ill children-especially in underserved countries where preventive care efforts have classically taken greater priority. When emergency care services are less robust, already vulnerable children suffer and may fall through the gaps This oversight stems not only from problems in access to care, but also from inequity in the care received.

Our goal is to standardize what constitutes quality care, and use a rights-based approach to pediatric emergency care to transform global healthcare systems. Together, we can ensure that countries are develop (and maintain) health systems which provide quality care that is financially and physically accessible, as well as culturally appropriate and adapted to their populations’ needs.

Strategies for change

Introduce a rights-based approach to pediatric emergency care

Every child should have the right to quality care. Where possible, we use this “rights-based” approach to enact change through legal avenues and with local governments to fight for access to the quality care all populations are owed.

Build resilient and sustainable systems for pediatric emergency care

Any healthcare system requires a level of resilience and sustainability to ensure that today’s challenges—from epidemics to climate change—don’t disrupt access to quality care. This is even more true in low- and middle-income countries and underserved populations. We work to ensure that new systems of care are not only functional, but adaptable and resilient to foreseeable challenges.

Prioritize knowledge translation in pediatric emergency care

The struggle for access to quality care is something we all share. When we are able to share findings, challenges and successes around the world, we can improve our chances of creating measurable, profound change. Creating a network of communication with our global peers helps us translate advances in medical knowledge to the frontlines. When we are able to share findings, challenges and successes around the world, we can improve our chances of creating measurable, profound change.

Develop systems of engagement and accountability in pediatric emergency care

We will empower citizens to hold their governments accountable, while increasing populations’ engagement with their own health data and everyday care.