PEDS will address several gaps in the market, including language, lack of time, access to the internet and increased stress. While these problems are prevalent in many different aspects of the medical field, they are heightened while working in pediatrics. This can be attributed to the unique challenges that come with working alongside small children. The work must be approached differently than it would be when working with adults.

Language and Terminologies

Medical professionals are highly educated and spend many years learning and mastering their specialties. However, many individuals do not have extensive knowledge in the medical field and the terminology and vocabulary used can be difficult for the average person to comprehend. Research has found that incomprehension or misunderstanding of medical information leads to increased anxiety, depression and indifference or decrease of involvement from patients. This problem is heightened in pediatrics as terminology and vocabulary have to be further simplified for children to understand.

Lack of Time

Another problem is the amount of time that patients and families spend with the doctor. On average, physicians spend between 13 to 28 minutes with patients. This leaves limited amounts of time for patients and families to comprehend information and ask the appropriate questions. Having limited time with a medical professional to help with understanding can contribute to incomprehension, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and indifference or decreased involvement.

Access to Internet

With limited time to digest information and ask questions, the internet becomes a go-to resource for unanswered questions. Although it seems like Google could be a powerful resource for information and coping mechanisms, a study from Harvard Medical School found that the correct diagnosis only came up first 34% of the time. This leads to increased anxiety and oftentimes to hypochondria. As pediatric patients lean on their parents or guardians for support during these times, it’s important to limit misinformation to ensure they are relaying the most accurate information possible to their loved ones.

Added Stress

All of these problems are compounded by creating heightened stress and anxiety for both patients and their families. Increased stress has been known to prolong certain illnesses and diseases and can be dangerous for patients. For young children, increased stress in their parents and guardians can decrease their comfort levels in medical situations.