Child Fatality Review
Erich K. Batra, Kyran Quinlan, Vincent J. Palusci, Howard Needelman, Abby C. Collier, AAP SECTION ON CHILD DEATH REVIEW AND PREVENTION, Howard Needelman, Erich K. Batra, Kirsten Bechtel, Carol D. Berkowitz, Vincent J. Palusci, Lynn K. Sheets, Abby C. Collier, Matthew Nestander, Benjamin Hoffman, Alison J. Culyba, James Dodington, Brian Johnston, Sadiqa Kendi, Andrew Kiragu, Lois K. Lee, Terri McFadden, Kevin C. Osterhoudt, Milton Tenenbein, Kyran Quinlan, Suzanne Beno, Cinnamon Dixon, Laura B. Dunn, Jonathan Midgett, Bethany Miller, Judith R. Qualters, Bonnie Kozial, Suzanne B. Haney, Andrea G. Asnes, Amy R. Gavril, Amanda Bird Hoffert Gilmartin, Rebecca G. Girardet, Nancy Dayzie Heavilin, Jennifer L. Matjasko, Elaine Stedt, Jeff Hudson
Abstract
Understanding why children die is necessary to implement strategies to prevent future deaths and improve the health of any community. Child fatality review teams (CFRTs) have existed since the 1970s and provide a necessary framework to ensure that proper questions are asked about a child's death. CFRTs provide a vital function in a community to ensure that preventable causes of deaths are identified. Pediatricians are necessary members of CFRTs because they provide medical expertise and context around a child's death. All CFRTs should have pediatric physician representation, and results from team meetings should inform public policy at all levels of government. Pediatricians should be supported in their efforts to be present on CFRTs, and they should use data from team meetings to help advocate for implementing prevention strategies.