The potential for errors in children with special health care needs

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) are at risk for suboptimal treatment when presenting for emergent care to unfamiliar health care providers. Errors in their management may stem from failure to recognize occult conditions, lack of familiarity with rare or complex medical problems, or lack of prior knowledge of baseline physical findings. An emergency information form (EIF) that contains patient-specific information on essential diagnostic and therapeutic interventions may provide a ready personal reference for the emergent care of CSHCN. Coupled with the use of medical identification jewelry and an electronic transmission system, an EIF has the potential to eliminate management errors in the care of these patients.