Citation

O'Donnell EP, Canares TL. Pediatr. Rev. 2021; 42(3): 109-122.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, American Academy of Pediatrics)

DOI

10.1542/pir.2019-0169

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Unintentional injuries remain a crucial public health concern as they persist as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in US children. Greatly surpassing congenital anomalies, malignancy, and suicide as leading causes of death, unintentional injuries claim the lives of 12,000 children and adolescents each year. Even more, more than 9.2 million children are treated in emergency departments (EDs) for nonfatal injuries. (1)

In recent years, health-care has shifted its focus to preventive care. With a significant economic burden attributable to medical care for fatal and nonfatal injuries, health-care providers have an increased responsibility to address injury prevention. Factors within one's physical and social environment act as key drivers affecting health, and this applies particularly to unintentional home injuries. Whereas injury prevention experts use advocacy as their primary tool, providers have a unique opportunity to provide specific education about prevention. For children and adolescents, pediatricians play an essential role in informing caregivers about age-appropriate risks and potential hazards for children in the home. By providing this information along with guidance on safety practices, providers can contribute to the reduction of unintentional …

Language: en