Creating pediatric XXXX systems.

@entity1 @entity130
The establishment of a pediatric @entity130 system is an exercise in regionalization. The first step in program development is the acquisition of data necessary to understand the region. What are its boundaries? How many @entity1 are injured each year? How many die? What facilities already exist for the care of these @entity1 ? Who controls EMS? Are any referral systems in place? Next, agreement must be reached among the @entity1 regarding which @entity1 will be transferred. Who will make the transfer decision? Will it be made in the field or in the hospital? Will a numerical scoring system be used, or accident descriptors, or both? How and by whom will @entity1 be transported? What method of communication will be used to link the components of the system? The linchpin of effective @entity130 systems is public involvement, yet in most parts of the United States and Canada the public is unaware of the @entity130 problem, and the importance of @entity130 as the number one @entity1 health problem remains unrecognized. Since @entity130 is as much a societal problem as a medical one, the enthusiasm of individuals and public service organizations should be cultivated and a coalition formed to create a regional system. The educational, research, and prevention programs of a pediatric @entity130 center are not usually self-supporting, making progress in these areas dependent upon outside support. In several cities, grants and endowments have been received from service organizations, foundations, public-spirited companies, and individual philanthropy. Some assurance of a continuing source of funds usually is necessary before hospitals will accept part of the financial risk.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
