Emergency care for children has evolved over the past 50 years, focusing on optimising their evaluation and treatment in EDs. Research focusing on the unique needs of children and their families has improved patient outcomes in the ED, outpatient and inpatient settings.

In the ED setting, research on improving sedation and procedural care for paediatric patients has emphasised medication efficacy and safety, standardised protocols, incorporating non-pharmacological interventions and reducing acute adverse events. However, little research has been done on optimising patient outcomes after ED discharge. In fact, the vast majority of children are discharged home after receiving ED care, but there are very few investigations of patient outcomes in the at-home setting to ensure optimal post-ED patient outcomes. The study by Martin and colleagues1 highlights the frequency of poor outcomes following ED discharge. The high rate of maladaptive behavioural changes they observed underscores the urgent need to investigate at-home …