Pediatric vs. Adult Hospitals
Why taking your child to a children’s hospital is crucial.
When your child needs medical attention, you want a professional that understands their specific requirements. Just like you wouldn’t take a large animal to a small animal veterinarian, your child’s needs can be more easily met at a children’s hospital.
“Children’s hospitals have tailored facilities in all capacities ready to take care of children,” says Dr. Michelle Hall at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. “In an emergency, there is no need to adjust to adult care since the hospital is ready when time matters most.”
So, why would you choose to take your child to a pediatric-specific hospital?
Adaptable to a Child’s Development
“Children are not small adults. They are still growing and developing, which is why specialized skills, procedures and equipment are so vital to all pediatric care but especially in emergency situations and emergency rooms. For example, in an emergency, pediatric medication dosing is based on each child’s weight, making precision critical. When a weight can’t be obtained, a team uses pediatric-specific tools to estimate safely and accurately. Pediatric hospitals have different disease processes and presentations than adult facilities, which allows them to recognize subtle signs, make more accurate diagnoses and begin treatment quickly.”
Pediatric Specialists
“Hospitals dedicated to only treating children have entire staff that are educated and trained for children as opposed to adult hospitals who may have some training, some experience or none at all.”
Providing Emotional Support
“Beyond clinical skills, children’s hospital’s also focus on emotional support. Children undergoing procedures typically need care and compassion at a different level than adults. Children’s hospitals have expertly trained clinical staff called child life specialists who explain procedures in child-friendly terms and provide distraction techniques to reduce fear and anxiety and make a child feel safe.”
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital provides customized care that meets your child’s needs – every interaction, every time. Let us be your partner in your child's care.
