Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids (TREKK)

Co-development of Cannabis and Fever resources with emergency healthcare providers

Abstract

Background / Introduction

In Canada, many sick and injured children receive care in emergency departments (EDs) outside of specialized children’s hospitals, where access to pediatric-specific resources and training can be limited. This knowledge gap led to the creation of Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids (TREKK) in 2011, a national non-profit initiative dedicated to improving emergency care for children. TREKK co-develops and mobilizes evidence-based, practical resources, such as bottom-line recommendations and treatment algorithms, to healthcare providers (HCPs) across Canada, ensuring children receive optimal care regardless of where they are treated.

Methods / Implementation

TREKK’s resource development process begins by identifying gaps in pediatric emergency care through consultations with emergency healthcare providers, researchers, national organizations, and the public. By integrating diverse perspectives, TREKK ensures that the resources produced are comprehensive, relevant, and based on the latest evidence. The synthesized evidence is then transformed into practical, concise tools with input from pediatric researchers, clinicians, and parents. These resources undergo a national review and approval process before being disseminated to healthcare providers. To maintain relevance, they are updated every two years.

Results / Evaluation

To date, TREKK has co-created 105 resources covering 40 pediatric emergency topics, with over 165,000 downloads from trekk.ca. The co-development process has demonstrated national reach and engagement. The 2025 updates focus on two high-priority areas: Fever and Cannabis. These topics are of particular importance for emergency nurses because they are frequently encountered in pediatric emergency care and require timely, evidence-based management.

Implications / Lessons Learned

This work highlights the importance of national collaboration in closing knowledge-to-practice gaps in pediatric emergency care. By co-developing and updating resources with frontline providers, researchers, and families, TREKK ensures that evidence-based tools remain practical, accessible, and relevant. The updated Fever and Cannabis resources will better support emergency nurses in delivering safe, timely, and effective care for children. Future work will continue expanding resources and sustaining their national uptake.