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Physician PrOFile

PeDiaTric
AnALgEsIA AnD sEDATIon spEcIALIsTs

Afewofthe
that require the patient to remain con-
reasons why
scious cannot be performed under general pAss was founded:
anesthesia, and sedation offers a solution

for these types of procedures, which can
include spinal taps, brain activity monitor- 1. The patients needed

ing tests such as an EEg, or radiology tests it: Too many children

such as an MRI.
were having tests
The goals of PASS are outlined in their done without

mission statement, PASS on PAIN. In ad- sedation and/
dition to being an acronym for Pediatric or adequate pain

Analgesia and Sedation Specialists, PASS control.
stands for Providing Access to Safe Seda-

tion. PAIN represents the practice’s solu- 2. Physicians wanted

Undergoing certain medical
tions for Pain (minimizing pain), Anxiety it: To help kids stay
tests can be unnerving when you know (reducing anxiety), Immobility (helping still and better

exactly what is going on and why, but for children remain still), and Napping (for tolerate all types of
children, even a routine procedure can
tests like EEgs). PASS works primarily with
procedures.
be terrifying. Remaining motionless for
the Radiology, Cardiology, and hematol-

a diagnostic test like an MRI or EEg can ogy/oncology departments and Neurologi- 3. The hospital saw the
be difficult for an adult, but it’s nearly cal Labratory, but any area of the hospital need—and wanted

impossible to ask a kid to sit still for an hour. may benefit from the use the service for the to become more
In order to help ease the anxiety of sick comfort of the patient.
efficient and shorten

children as well as improve the quality of PASS consists of a dedicated team of wait times for the

diagnostic testing, East Tennessee Children’s physicians and nurses who have specialized many tests that
hospital developed a solution to make going training in pediatrics and pediatric emer- needed sedation.

to the doctor decidedly less scary.
gency medicine. frances Craig, Md, is the
Since 2004, the Pediatric Analgesia and Medical director at PASS, and Christopher 4. We wanted to help:

Sedation Specialists (PASS) at East Ten- J. Siano, do and MPh, is the President and This concept seemed
nessee Children’s hospital has provided
Chief Manager. Three other physicians and
to be a great way
an invaluable service for patients, parents, seven dedicated nurses make up the rest
to help alleviate

and physicians. PASS was established of the core staff at PASS. The PASS team children’s fears,
because there was a need for safe sedation also includes the entire Radiology depart- anxieties and pain

services for the children of East Tennessee. ment, Specialized Radiologist Technicians, associated with
Too many children were undergoing tests front office Staff, and many more around procedures.

without sedation or adequate pain control, Children’s hospital.

and physicians wanted to offer sedation to East Tennessee Children’s hospital is
improve tolerance for and results of certain the only hospital in the region that provides

procedures. In the decade since its intro- comprehensive sedation services for chil-
duction, PASS has safely sedated thousands dren. Children are better able to deal with

of children. This not only improves the ex- the discomfort, anxiety, or confusion of

perience for the child but also returns more certain procedures when they are calm and
accurate test results as well as shortens wait relaxed, and PASS provides this invaluable

times for other patients.
service throughout the hospital. The PASS East Tennessee
Sedation is different than general team stays current on sedation practices Children’s Hospital

anesthesia. during general anesthesia, the throughout the country and brings their 2018 W Clinch Avenue
patient will be completely unconscious and knowledge home to help improve the lives
Knoxville, TN 37916
will likely need breathing assistance. Tests
of the children of East Tennessee.
(865) 541-8000

www.etch.com

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