++
Care of the hospitalized child has evolved dramatically since publication of the first edition of The Philadelphia Guide: Inpatient Pediatrics. Conditions that previously required prolonged hospitalization are now often treated exclusively in the outpatient setting or with only a brief hospitalization. Advances in medical technology have improved the survival rate of premature infants and those with chronic medical conditions. Further, changes in healthcare delivery have placed renewed emphasis on value, with an expectation of better outcomes at lower cost. As a result, the type of physician caring for these patients has also changed. At many institutions, hospital-based specialists, or “hospitalists,” now provide care for the majority of patients admitted to general pediatric wards, leading to the evolution of pediatric hospital medicine as a new specialty.
++
As we prepared the second edition, Hospital Medicine remained our core focus. We believe that Inpatient Pediatrics should provide clinicians with the vital information necessary to make management decisions in the care of hospitalized children. Once again, we were fortunate that over 75 leading experts in pediatric hospital medicine and pediatric subspecialty care, many with roots at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, share their collective wisdom by contributing to this book.
++
Designed to be an invaluable resource on the hospital wards, Inpatient Pediatrics features:
++
Practical diagnostic strategies
Extensive differential diagnosis suggestions
Up-to-date treatment and management guidelines
Alphabetical organization within chapters for rapid access
Structured format with consistent headings throughout
Bulleted format for efficient and effective presentation of relevant information
Print and electronic versions to maximize portability and ensure access to information whenever and wherever necessary
++
Appendices cover normal vital signs, neonatal codes, and PALS algorithms as well as rapid access to pediatric dosages for emergency, airway, and rapid sequence intubation medications, and cardioversion.
++
A formulary was omitted with the understanding that pediatric dosing information is now accessible through most institutional formularies and widely available mobile apps.
++
As many clinicians are involved in the care of children, this book is ideal for practitioners of all levels, from students to attending physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, pediatric nurses, and health practitioners from all disciplines involved in the care of the hospitalized child.
++
The goal of this book is to provide a single reference with sufficient detail to guide diagnostic and therapeutic decisions for a wide range of conditions. We believe that the consistent format, detailed focus on diagnosis and management, and comprehensive coverage of topics have accomplished that goal, enabling you to give the best possible care to your patients. We hope you think so, too.
++
++
++
++
++