Pediatric Urgent Care-New and Evolving Paradigms of Acute Care

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2018 Dec;65(6):1257-1268. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2018.07.014.

Abstract

Parents of pediatric patients seek appropriate high-quality care in a timely, cost-effective, and convenient manner. Pediatric urgent care offers a new and evolving delivery model that serves a growing demand by complementing services provided by the medical home and by pediatric emergency departments. Pediatric urgent care services are used by both nonprofit and for-profit sectors and include hospital and satellite clinics, free-standing clinics, retail-based clinics, and telemedicine services. The clinical scope is variable and there are distinct and unique operational considerations. Training models are evolving and further research is warranted.

Keywords: Acute care; Clinics; Emergency medicine; Medical home; Pediatrics; Urgent care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care / methods*
  • Child
  • Child Health Services*
  • Critical Care / methods*
  • Humans
  • Pediatrics / methods*