Hackensack University Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department

Hackensack, New Jersey

The Unit-Based Council of the pediatric emergency department aimed to improve population health by creating a sensory-friendly ED. In July 2023, the UBC organized a multidisciplinary journal club to discuss the experiences and challenges that neurodiverse children face during ED visits. The journal club, titled “Creating a Sensory-Friendly ED,” concluded that current practices were not supported by evidence and recommended a change in the 23-bed department.

Subsequently, the facility sought assistance from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. The IBCCES provided evidence-based training for both clinical and non-clinical staff and conducted an onsite assessment to make recommendations for creating a sensory- friendly environment in the ED. The training program involved four hours for ED providers, three for nurses and one for PCTs and clerical associates. The training commenced in January 2024, and within three weeks, the team reached the required education completion rate. As a result, HUMC Pediatric became the first emergency department in New Jersey to achieve Certified Autism Center Certification.