Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) aim to deliver positive health outcomes for children while working in varying fields such as oncology, critical care, and wellness education. [1] PNPs dedicate themselves to improving treatment outcomes for children and advancing the PNP profession. In these capacities, pediatric nurse practitioners play an integral role in promoting professional development for their discipline, educating children and families about important health interventions, and improving wellness among the United States youth population. [2] These health professionals support wellness for children and their families in forums hosted by influential health leaders, politicians, and agency directors. [1] PNPs might pursue these objectives by assuming community leadership roles, serving on advocacy committees, or acting as a liaison between families and health officials.
Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend showing policymakers how pediatric R&D will benefit adult constituents. [2] Adult care provider facilities receive a disproportionate amount of attention and innovation compared to children’s facilities due in part to the fact that there are nearly 6,000 adult hospitals in the United States compared to 200 pediatric hospitals. This also results in pediatric facilities receiving a mere 6-percent of medical resources verses the 94-percent disbursed to adult institutions. Unfortunately, this ratio serves to limit the resources made available for pediatric research and development, which has encouraged a growing number of pediatric nurse practitioners to pursue research and development on their own.
To continue promoting improvements in pediatrics, nurse practitioners are looking for new and creative ways to deliver services. With this in mind, the following 5 innovations are changing the shape of pediatric care in the United States.
Genomics
Genomics research is helping scientists find cures for conditions such as heart disease and cancer. [3] To facilitate such outcomes, genetics experts are mapping the human genome so that other researchers can identify and cure illnesses. Over the next 25 years, gene sequencing experts such as Dr. Anthony Chang of the Children’s Hospital of Orange County expect pediatrics to ride on the heels of discoveries that have so far been applied to adult patients. There are many pediatric patients afflicted with unidentifiable conditions. Duly, genomics will serve as a breakthrough in the field.
3D Printing
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 3D printing technology called Materialise for patients from 7-years old through adulthood to aid orthopedists in building models that will help them to plan complex surgeries. [4] The 3D printed guides, in conjunction with 3D pre-operation planning, streamlines treatment development and boosts surgeon confidence.
Before Materialise, surgeons used x-rays and freehand sketches to prepare for pediatric operations. Today, Materialise aids surgeons in planning and executing intricate operations with increased accuracy and certainty.
Infusionarium
Some pediatric care providers have renovated their facilities to encourage social activity among teenage patients. [5] The Cook County Children’s Medical Center infusion clinic houses play areas for children and teenagers where they can engage with other children and not feel alone during treatments. The outpatient infusion clinic features large open spaces, bright lighting, and seating clusters that encourage socialization. The facility also provides cameras for children who want to document their experiences.
Extender-Based Medicine
Health care extenders are non-physician medical professionals who treat patients. This might encompass dieticians, health care educators, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and social workers. These individuals play a vital role in the treatment of pediatric patients; they safely deliver advanced treatments under the guidance of a physician. Combined with telemedicine, these professionals can deliver services virtually anywhere. This development opens more opportunities for PNPs to practice to the full extent of their capabilities.
Smart Pills
Smart pill technology involves a normal, prescription medication that’s embedded with a minute sensor that sends a signal to a patch worn on the patient’s body. The patch then forwards the information, for example, to the patient’s computer, which sends the information a care provider, allowing them to monitor prescription compliance.
Children’s Health in Dallas, Texas is the first organization to utilize the technology for pediatrics. The technology also allows pediatricians to monitor patients’ heart rates, sleep levels, and physical activity. Dr. Dev Desai, chief of transplantation at Children’s Health, expresses that smart pills are exemplary of technology that improves patient care.
As innovations emerge in pediatrics, nurse educators will incorporate developing technologies into curricula, and pediatric nurse practitioners will update their skill sets to provide the best treatments and services available. As these changes take place, educators, students, and practitioners must keep a close eye out for pediatric innovations so that they can grow along with the discipline.
Learn More
Health care is seeing an industry-wide demand for advanced practice nurses trained at the doctoral level due to the changing landscape, drive for improved patient outcomes, and a shortage of qualified nurses. If you’re an RN with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and ready to take your career to a higher level, the Regis College’s BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice online program can prepare you for advanced nursing practice.
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Sources:
[1] Society of Pediatric Nurses
[2] American Academy of Pediatrics
[3] Today’s Medical Developments
[4] New York Times