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Sexton JR, Truog AW, Kelly-Weeder S, Loftin C. The Effects of Moral Distress on Resilience in Pediatric Emergency Department Nurses. J Emerg Nurs 2024; 50:626-634. [PMID: 38300203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Moral distress is widespread in health care, and nurses working in high-pressure environments, such as emergency departments, experience stress at high rates. Understanding how moral distress affects pediatric emergency nursing care is essential to moderate its negative impacts. Increased resilience has been promoted as a tool to mitigate moral distress. The purpose of this study, conducted prior to the pandemic, was to examine patterns of moral distress and the impact of moral distress on resilience among pediatric emergency nurses. METHODS A cross-sectional exploratory study of pediatric emergency nurses was performed. Moral Distress Scale-Revised (Pediatric) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 25© scores were collected and calculated. Exploratory factor analysis with principal components was used to identify patterns of moral distress that impact resilience. RESULTS Four distinct patterns of moral distress that impact resilience were identified: (1) incompetent practice, (2) incongruent truth-telling, (3) potentially inappropriate care, and (4) discordant health care teams. DISCUSSION Our study was the first to identify 4 patterns of moral distress in pediatric emergency nurses. As a result, actions to promote resilience include: (1) supporting competent practice, (2) upholding appropriate truth-telling, (3) recognizing and addressing potentially inappropriate care, and (4) building concordant health care teams and systems. This pre-pandemic data provides a foundational understanding of the relationship between moral distress and resilience in pediatric emergency nurses. Identifying factors of moral distress that impact resilience has significant implications for pediatric emergency nursing, including the development of future initiatives, education, and research.
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Ziemnik L, Parker N, Bufi K, Waters K, Almeda J, Stolfi A. Low-Acuity Pediatric Emergency Department Utilization: Caregiver Motivations. Pediatr Emerg Care 2024; 40:668-673. [PMID: 38534003 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000003195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Proper emergency department (ED) utilization is a hallmark of population health. Emergency department overcrowding due to nonurgent visits causes increased stress to healthcare staff, higher costs, and longer wait times for more urgent cases. This study sought to better understand post pandemic reasons caregivers have when bringing in their children for nonurgent visits and devise effective interventions to improve caregiver choice for non-ED care for nonurgent conditions. METHODS Surveys were conducted at an urban pediatric hospital for Emergency Severity Index (ESI) level 3 to 5 visits. A total of 602 surveys were completed with 8 being excluded from analysis. Survey responses and anonymized demographic information were collected. Responses were compared between surveys grouped by respondent age category, relation to child, child's race, insurance type, and ESI levels. RESULTS Primary reasons given for nonurgent ED visits were perceived urgency (74.2%, n = 441), ED superiority to other locations (23.9%, n = 142), and referral to the ED by a third party (17.7%, n = 105). Of those who cited perceived urgency as a reason, 80.5% (n = 355) wanted to lessen their child's pain/discomfort as soon as possible, but only 13.6% said that their child was too ill to be seen anywhere else (n = 60). Demographic differences occurred in the proportions of respondents citing some of the primary and secondary reasons for bringing their child to the ED. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights 3 key findings. An immediate desire for care plays a key role in caregiver decision making for low-acuity visits. There is potential socioeconomic and racial bias in where care is recommended that needs to be further explored in this region. Cross community interventions that target key reasons for seeking low-acuity care have the highest likelihood of impacting the use of the ED for low-acuity conditions.
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Cantrell A, Booth A, Chambers D. Signposting services for people with health and care needs: a rapid realist review. HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE DELIVERY RESEARCH 2024; 12:1-86. [PMID: 39239879 DOI: 10.3310/gart5103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Background Signposting typically refers to an informal process that involves giving information to patients to enable them to access external services and support. It is perceived to reduce demand on primary care and other urgent care services. Methods This focused realist review was conducted rapidly within time constraints. Searches to identify theory were undertaken on MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Social Sciences Citation Index in June 2022 for research published in English from 2016. We selected 22 publications and extracted programme theories from these to develop three priority questions: Question 1: What do people with health and social care needs require from a signposting service to believe it is valuable? Question 2: What resources do providers require to confidently deliver an effective signposting service? Question 3: Under what circumstances should commissioners commission generic or specialist signposting services? Purposive searching was conducted to find a rich sample of studies. UK studies were prioritised to optimise the applicability of synthesis findings. Results The review included 27 items, 4 reviews and 23 studies, a mix of qualitative, evaluations and case studies. Service users value a joined-up response that helps them to navigate the available resources. Key features include an understanding of their needs, suggestion of different options and a summary of recommended actions. Only a small number of service user needs are met by signposting services alone; people with complex health and social care needs often require extended input and time. Front-line providers of signposting services require appropriate training, ongoing support and supervision, good knowledge of relevant and available activities and an ability to match service users to appropriate resources. Front-line providers need to offer a flexible response targeted at user needs. Commissioned signposting services in England (no studies from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) are highly diverse in terms of client groups, staff delivering the service, referral routes and role descriptions. A lack of service evaluation poses a potential barrier to effective commissioning. A shortage of available services in the voluntary and community sector may limit the effectiveness of signposting services. Commissioners should ensure that referrals target intensive support at patients most likely to benefit in the longer term. Conclusions Signposting services need greater clarity of roles and service expectations to facilitate evaluation. Users with complex health and social care needs require intensive, repeat support from specialist services equipped with specific knowledge and situational understanding. A tension persists between efficient (transactional) service provision with brief referral and effective (relational) service provision, underpinned by competing narratives. Do signposting services represent 'diversion of unwanted demand from primary care/urgent care services' or 'improved quality of care through a joined-up response by health, social care and community/voluntary services'? Limitations This realist review was conducted within a tight time frame with a potential impact on methodology; for example, the use of purposive searching may have resulted in omission of relevant evidence. Future work Signposting services require service evaluation and consideration of the issue of diversity. Study registration This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42022348200. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR130588) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 12, No. 26. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
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Montoro-Pérez N, Montejano-Lozoya R, Escribano S, Richart-Martínez M. Factors associated with non-urgent presentations in the paediatric emergency department using Andersen's behavioural model: A cross-sectional descriptive study. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:3172-3187. [PMID: 38258512 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the rate of NUPs and associated factors in the PED of the 'Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe' in Valencia (Spain) using Andersen's Behavioural Model. METHODS We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using Andersen's Behavioural Model in parents visiting the PED with their children at the 'Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe' in Valencia (Spain). RESULTS The study involved a total of 530 participants, of whom 419 (79%) had made an NUP. The predisposing factors identified were: (I) paediatric patients brought in by their fathers (OR = 0.460; p = 0.005), (II) lower educational attainment (OR = 3.841; p = 0.000), (III) first-time parenthood (OR = 2.335; p = 0.000) and (IV) higher parental stress (OR = 1.974; p = 0.023). The enabling factors included: (I) responsibility for a significant part of the childcare shared with others (OR = 0.348; p = 0.041) and (II) the perception that PEDs provide better care than primary care (PC) services (OR = 1.628; p = 0.005). The need factors were: (I) existing chronic illness in the child seeking care (OR = 0.343; p = 0.000) and (II) the perceived severity of the urgency (OR = 0.440; p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS The NUP rates found in this study are similar to those found internationally. In accordance with Andersen's Behavioural Model, we identify predisposing, enabling and need factors to explain the multifactorial nature of NUPs in PEDs. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Identifying the factors associated with NUPs enables interventions to be targeted at those groups most likely to engage in NUPs, thereby optimising the functioning of the PED and improving the well-being of children and families. These interventions should focus on improving parental health literacy, providing education on making appropriate decisions about accessing health services and recognising severe symptoms in children, as well as improving access to high-quality PC services. Providing support to parents during the transition to parenthood would also be beneficial. REPORTING METHOD This paper adheres to the STROBE initiative guidelines. CONTRIBUTION FROM PATIENTS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Participants, who voluntarily agreed to take part, contributed to the study by completing a paper-based questionnaire containing all the study variables as prepared by the research team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Montoro-Pérez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Person-Centred Care and Health Outcomes Innovation Group, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
- GREIACC Research Group La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Silvia Escribano
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Person-Centred Care and Health Outcomes Innovation Group, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Miguel Richart-Martínez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Person-Centred Care and Health Outcomes Innovation Group, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
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Lorenzo M, Cory E, Cho R, Pusic M, Fish J, Adelgais KM, Boutis K. Deliberate Practice as an Effective Method for Reducing Diagnostic Error in Identifying Burn and Bruise Injuries Suspicious for an Abusive Injury. J Pediatr 2024; 274:114183. [PMID: 38964439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effectiveness of an education intervention for reducing physician diagnostic error in identifying pediatric burn and bruise injuries suspicious for abuse, and to determine case-specific variables associated with an increased risk of diagnostic error. STUDY DESIGN This was a multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of pediatricians and other front-line physicians who treat acutely injured children in the United States and Canada were eligible for participation. Using a web-based education and assessment platform, physicians deliberately practiced with a spectrum of 300 pediatric burn and bruise injury image-based cases. Participants were asked if there was a suspicion for abuse present or absent, were given corrective feedback after every case, and received summative diagnostic performance overall (accuracy), suspicion for abuse present (sensitivity), and absent (specificity). RESULTS Of the 93/137 (67.9%) physicians who completed all 300 cases, there was a significant reduction in diagnostic error (initial 16.7%, final 1.6%; delta -15.1%; 95% CI -13.5, -16.7), sensitivity error (initial 11.9%, final 0.7%; delta -11.2%; 95% CI -9.8, -12.5), and specificity error (initial 23.3%, final 6.6%; delta -16.7%; 95% CI -14.8, -18.6). Based on 35 627 case interpretations, variables associated with diagnostic error included patient age, sex, skin color, mechanism of injury, and size and pattern of injury. CONCLUSIONS The education intervention substantially reduced diagnostic error in differentiating the presence vs absence of a suspicion for abuse in children with burn and bruise injuries. Several case-based variables were associated with diagnostic error, and these data can be used to close specific skill gaps in this clinical domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Lorenzo
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Emma Cory
- Division of Pediatric Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Romy Cho
- Division of Pediatric Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Martin Pusic
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - Joel Fish
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kathleen M Adelgais
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Kathy Boutis
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Mahmood AUD, Adily P, Francis S, Eastwood J, Bein K, Chakar BA, Montgomery A. Understanding low acuity emergency department presentations in infancy: A cohort study. Emerg Med Australas 2024; 36:401-412. [PMID: 38239022 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.14364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Low acuity presentations (LAPs) contribute to large numbers of ED presentations and carry numerous consequences. The present study sought to improve the understanding of regional infant LAPs by analysing temporal patterns of presentation, discharge diagnoses and potential predictive factors. METHODS This retrospective observational study examined ED presentations among children less than 12 months old (infants) to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital between 2017 and 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to identify temporal patterns of presentation and common discharge diagnoses among LAPs. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between early life, demographic and perinatal factors and low acuity presenters. RESULTS Of 6881 infant ED presentations, 19.8% were LAPs, occurring disproportionately on weekdays (82.2%) and during hours of 08.00-17.00 (69.9%). Respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal complaints were most common overall, though non-allergic rash, feeding difficulties, eczema and developmental concerns contributed substantially among LAPs. Socio-economic status (SES) (odds ratio [OR] 1.71), overseas maternal nationality (OR 1.25) and Medicare ineligible maternal financial class (OR 0.49) were associated with low acuity presenters. Low appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration score (OR 3.53), low SES (OR 3.26), complicated delivery (OR 1.64), maternal multiparity (OR 0.50), maternal partner presence (OR 0.40) and obstetric complications (OR 0.37) were associated with repeat, multi-low acuity presenters (multi-LAPs). CONCLUSION A substantial minority of infant ED presentations are LAPs. Targeted interventions may benefit from focusing on families with a background of socioeconomic disadvantage, social isolation, cultural and linguistic diversity and perinatal complications, with a view to strengthening engagement with community-based services among these groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeb-Ud-Deen Mahmood
- Community Paediatrics, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- UNSW Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pejman Adily
- Community Paediatrics, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Database Manager for The Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephanie Francis
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Emergency Department, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- UNSW School of Women's and Children's Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Eastwood
- Community Paediatrics, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Southern District Health Board, South Island, New Zealand
| | - Kendall Bein
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Emergency Department, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- RPA Greenlight Institute for Emergency Care, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bashir A Chakar
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Emergency Department, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- RPA Greenlight Institute for Emergency Care, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alicia Montgomery
- Community Paediatrics, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Database Manager for The Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- RPA Greenlight Institute for Emergency Care, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- UNSW School of Psychiatry, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Sakamoto M, Ishikawa H, Suzuki A. Evaluation of Parents' Use of a Child Health Care Information App and Their Health Literacy: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2024; 7:e48478. [PMID: 38623727 PMCID: PMC11034361 DOI: 10.2196/48478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, digital media, including internet websites and smartphone apps, have become popular resources for parents in searching for child health care information. Higher health literacy among parents in obtaining adequate health care information and making proper decisions may lead to improved child health outcomes and a reduction in the burden on health care professionals. However, few studies have examined the association between the provision of child health care information apps and parents' health literacy. Objective This study aims to evaluate whether parents' use of an app that provides child health care information is associated with their health care knowledge, their health literacy, and emergency room visits for their children. Methods Participants were recruited during checkups for their 1.5-year-old children at health centers within Saku City in 2022. Parents who agreed to participate were included in this study; individuals were excluded if they were not the mother or father of the child or did not have a smartphone. Participants were asked if they had used the Oshiete-Doctor app, which was distributed by Saku City free of charge to improve the home nursing skills of parents and guardians. Sociodemographic data of parents and children, data on health care knowledge about children, data on the frequency of emergency room visits in the past 6 months, and health literacy scores (HLSs) of parents (measured with the HLS-EU-Q47 [European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire]) were collected from participants in this cross-sectional survey. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to examine the associations of app use with health care knowledge, health literacy, and emergency room visits. Results In total, 251 respondents completed the survey (response rate: 251/267, 94%). Although the proportion of health care workers was significantly higher among app users than among non-app users (P=.005), no other participant attributes were significantly associated with the use of the app. The proportions of participants with higher health care knowledge and participants with higher total HLSs were significantly higher among app users than among non-app users (P=.001 and P=.003, respectively). After adjusting for potentially confounding covariates, these proportions were still significantly higher among app users than among non-app users (P=.02 and P=.007, respectively). Emergency room visits were significantly more frequent among app users than among non-app users (P=.007) in the univariable analysis, but the association was not significant (P=.07) after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Conclusions This study showed a significant association between parents' use of a child health care information app and higher child health care knowledge and health literacy. The use of the app may lead to more appropriate health decisions and behaviors in children's health care. Future studies are needed to evaluate the association between app use and emergency room visits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hirono Ishikawa
- Teikyo University Graduate School of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asuka Suzuki
- Teikyo University Graduate School of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
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Cheng JW, Christakis DA, Kieran K, Niessen BA, Fernandez N, Merguerian PA, Chang EK, Shnorhavorian M. Association between YouTube® videos and health literacy with postoperative healthcare utilization following pediatric urologic surgery: A randomized trial. J Pediatr Urol 2024; 20:226.e1-226.e9. [PMID: 38071113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2023.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Limited caregiver health literacy has been associated with poorer health outcomes in pediatric patients and may limit caregiver understanding of printed education resources. Postoperative healthcare utilization may be related to confusion about instructions or complications. OBJECTIVE To correlate caregiver health literacy and educational video intervention with postoperative healthcare utilization following ambulatory pediatric urologic surgery. STUDY DESIGN From July through December 2021, a randomized double-blinded trial assessed postoperative healthcare utilization following pediatric urologic surgery. Caregivers were randomized to receive standardized postoperative counseling and printed instructions (control) or access to English-language educational YouTube® videos with standardized postoperative counseling and printed instructions (intervention). Medical record abstraction was completed 30 days following surgery to identify postoperative healthcare utilization with calls, messages, add-on clinic visits, or presentation for urgent or emergent care, and postoperative complications. RESULTS Target enrollment was achieved with 400 caregivers with 204 in the intervention and 196 in the control groups. There was a 32.5 % overall rate of postoperative healthcare utilization. Health literacy was inversely associated with total postoperative healthcare utilization (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative healthcare utilization between the control and intervention groups (p = 0.623). However, on sub-analysis of caregivers with postoperative healthcare utilization (Summary Figure), there were fewer total occurrences in the intervention group (intervention median 1, IQR 1,2.3; control median 2, IQR 1,3; p < 0.001). For caregivers with limited health literacy, there was a greater associated reduction in median calls from 2 (IQR 0,2) to 0 (IQR 0,0.5) with video intervention (p = 0.016). On multivariate analysis, total postoperative healthcare utilization was significantly associated with limited caregiver health literacy (OR 1.08; p = 0.004), English as preferred language (OR 0.68; p = 0.018), and older patient age (OR 0.95; p = 0.001). DISCUSSION Current resources for postoperative education are limited as resources can be written above recommended reading levels and families can have difficulty recalling information discussed during postoperative counseling. Video intervention is an underutilized resource that can provide an additional resource to families with visual and auditory aids and be accessed as needed. CONCLUSION Caregiver health literacy was inversely associated with postoperative healthcare utilization. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative healthcare utilization with video intervention. However, on subgroup analysis, supplemental videos were associated with fewer occurrences of postoperative healthcare utilization, especially in caregivers with limited health literacy. On multivariate regression, health literacy, preferred language, and patient age were significantly associated with total postoperative healthcare utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie W Cheng
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Division of Urology, United States; University of Washington, Department of Urology, United States; Oregon Health and Science University, Department of Urology, United States.
| | | | - Kathleen Kieran
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Division of Urology, United States; University of Washington, Department of Urology, United States.
| | - Brett A Niessen
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Patient and Family Education and Communication, United States.
| | - Nicolas Fernandez
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Division of Urology, United States; University of Washington, Department of Urology, United States.
| | - Paul A Merguerian
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Division of Urology, United States; University of Washington, Department of Urology, United States.
| | - Edward K Chang
- University of Washington, Department of Urology, United States.
| | - Margarett Shnorhavorian
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Division of Urology, United States; University of Washington, Department of Urology, United States.
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Tyris J, Gourishankar A, Kachroo N, Teach SJ, Parikh K. The Child Opportunity Index and asthma morbidity among children younger than 5 years old in Washington, DC. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:103-110.e5. [PMID: 37877904 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Place-based social determinants of health are associated with pediatric asthma morbidity. However, there is little evidence on how social determinants of health correlate to the disproportionately high rates of asthma morbidity experienced by children <5 years old. OBJECTIVES This study sought to evaluate census tract associations between the Child Opportunity Index ±COI) and at-risk rates (ARRs) for pediatric asthma-related emergency department (ED) encounters and hospitalizations in Washington, DC. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of children <5 years old with physician-diagnosed asthma included in the DC Asthma Registry between January 2018 and December 2019. Census tract COI score (1-100) and its 3 domains (social/economic, health/environmental, and educational) were the exposures (source: www.diversitydatakids.org). ED and hospitalization ARRs (outcomes) were created by dividing counts of ED encounters and hospitalizations by populations with asthma for each census tract and adjusted for population-level demographic (age, sex, insurance), clinical (asthma severity), and community (violent crime and limited English proficiency) covariates. RESULTS Within a study population of 3806 children with a mean age of 2.4 ± 1.4 years, 2132 (56%) had 5852 ED encounters, and 821 (22%) had 1418 hospitalizations. Greater census tract overall COI, social/economic COI, and educational COI were associated with fewer ED ARRs. There were no associations between the health/environmental COI and ED ARRs or between the COI and hospitalization ARRs. CONCLUSION Improving community-level social, economic, and educational opportunity within specific census tracts may reduce ED ARRs in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Tyris
- Children's National Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington.
| | - Anand Gourishankar
- Children's National Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington
| | - Nikita Kachroo
- Children's National Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington
| | - Stephen J Teach
- Children's National Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington
| | - Kavita Parikh
- Children's National Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington
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Benoit JR, Hartling L, Scott SD. Bridging evidence-to-care gaps with mHealth: Designing a symptom checker for parents accessing knowledge translation resources on acute children's illnesses in a smartphone application. PEC INNOVATION 2023; 2:100152. [PMID: 37214490 PMCID: PMC10194162 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Smartphone applications offer a novel platform for delivering health information to parents. This study created and evaluated an app-based symptom checker that recommends educational tools to parents based on their child's symptoms. Methods Symptoms extracted from 23 knowledge translation (KT) tools for 10 children's illnesses comprised a set of plain-language symptoms. The symptom checker works by producing confusion matrices evaluating a child's reported symptoms against possible illnesses, comparing precision scores to examine how well each illness matched reported symptoms, and ordering possible illnesses by performance score. Performance was evaluated by extracting symptoms from 8 clinical vignettes, and examining correct first-try matches. Results We created a final list of 54 plain-language symptoms. Visualizations of the symptom set creation process and logic mapping are presented, as well as images of the working symptom checker. The symptom checker matched 100% (8/8) of tested clinical vignettes to the appropriate illness resource. Discussion Symptom checkers are a potentially useful tool to integrate into apps that parents use for their children's health. The design of these systems has the potential to change parents' relationship with technology, affecting both their adoption and acceptance of symptom checkers. Our design choices contribute to addressing current barriers to the adoption of symptom checkers, reducing functional, critical, and interactive literacy requirements for parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R.A. Benoit
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Lisa Hartling
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Shannon D. Scott
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada
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Ali S, Maki C, Rahimi A, Ma K, Yaskina M, Wong H, Stang A, Principi T, Poonai N, Gouin S, Froese R. N. S, Clerc P, Carciumaru R, Alqurashi W, Rajagopal M, Kammerer E, Leung J, Wright B, Scott SD. Family caregivers' emotional and communication needs in Canadian pediatric emergency departments. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294597. [PMID: 37992020 PMCID: PMC10664925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the extent to which caregivers' emotional and communication needs were met during pediatric emergency department (PED) visits. Secondary objectives included describing the association of caregiver emotional needs, satisfaction with care, and comfort in caring for their child's illness at the time of discharge with demographic characteristics, caregiver experiences, and ED visit details. STUDY DESIGN Electronic surveys with medical record review were deployed at ten Canadian PEDs from October 2018 -March 2020. A convenience sample of families with children <18 years presenting to a PED were enrolled, for one week every three months, for one year per site. Caregivers completed one in-PED survey and a follow-up survey, up to seven days post-visit. RESULTS This study recruited 2005 caregivers who self-identified as mothers (74.3%, 1462/1969); mean age was 37.8 years (SD 7.7). 71.7% (1081/1507) of caregivers felt their emotional needs were met. 86.4% (1293/1496) identified communication with the doctor as good/very good and 83.4% (1249/1498) with their child's nurse. Caregiver involvement in their child's care was reported as good/very good 85.6% (1271/1485) of the time. 81.8% (1074/1313) of caregivers felt comfortable in caring for their child at home at the time of discharge. Lower caregiver anxiety scores, caregiver involvement in their child's care, satisfactory updates, and having questions adequately addressed positively impacted caregiver emotional needs and increased caregiver comfort in caring for their child's illness at home. CONCLUSION Approximately 30% of caregivers presenting to PEDs have unmet emotional needs, over 15% had unmet communication needs, and 15% felt inadequately involved in their child's care. Family caregiver involvement in care and good communication from PED staff are key elements in improving overall patient experience and satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samina Ali
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Women & Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Claudia Maki
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Asa Rahimi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Keon Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maryna Yaskina
- Women & Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Helen Wong
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Antonia Stang
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tania Principi
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Naveen Poonai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sylvia Froese R. N.
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Paul Clerc
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Redjana Carciumaru
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Waleed Alqurashi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manasi Rajagopal
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elise Kammerer
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julie Leung
- Community Engagement Stakeholder, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bruce Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Women & Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shannon D. Scott
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Pol A, Biagioli V, Adriani L, Fadda G, Gawronski O, Cirulli L, Stelitano R, Federici T, Tiozzo E, Dall'Oglio I. Non-urgent presentations to the paediatric emergency department: a literature review. Emerg Nurse 2023; 31:35-41. [PMID: 36727259 DOI: 10.7748/en.2023.e2154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that between 58% and 82% of children and young people who present to paediatric emergency department (PEDs) have a non-urgent condition. This systematic review of the literature explores why parents of children with non-urgent conditions present to the PED rather than to community healthcare services. Five databases were searched for studies on children and young people's presentations to the PED for the treatment of a non-urgent condition, as identified by a low priority triage code. This article describes and discusses the findings of the 18 included studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pol
- paediatric emergency department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Biagioli
- professional development, continuing education and research service, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Adriani
- paediatric emergency department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Fadda
- professional development, continuing education and research service, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy
| | - Orsola Gawronski
- professional development, continuing education and research service, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Cirulli
- paediatric emergency department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Stelitano
- paediatric emergency department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy
| | - Tatiana Federici
- paediatric emergency department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tiozzo
- professional development, continuing education and research service, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy
| | - Immacolata Dall'Oglio
- professional development, continuing education and research service, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy
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13
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Burns SK, Krishnamurti T, Doan TT, Kahn JM, Ray KN. Parent Care-Seeking Decisions for Pediatric Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in the United States: A Mental Models Approach. Acad Pediatr 2023; 23:1326-1336. [PMID: 36871609 PMCID: PMC10475487 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand US parent health care-seeking decisions in the context of multiple in-person and telehealth care options. As the health care landscape evolves, new research is needed to explain how parents now decide when and where to seek acute pediatric health care. METHODS We applied a mental models approach, focusing on the archetypal example of care-seeking for pediatric acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs), by first reviewing pediatric ARTI guidelines with 16 health care professionals to inform 40 subsequent semi-structured interviews with parents of young children in 2021. Interviews were qualitatively coded using thematic analysis, with code frequency and co-occurrence informing the final influence model of parent health care-seeking decisions. RESULTS Parent interviewees identified 33 decisional factors which were synthesized into seven dimensions influencing care-seeking decisions: perceived illness severity, perceived child susceptibility, parental self-efficacy, expected accessibility of care, expected affordability of care, expected quality of clinician, and expected quality of site. The first three dimensions (perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, parental self-efficacy) influenced an initial decision about whether to seek care, while all seven factors influenced a subsequent decision about where to seek care (eg, in-person primary care, primary care-based telehealth, urgent care, direct-to-consumer telehealth). Uncertainty was present within many dimensions (eg, severity, access, quality) indicating potential targets to support parent decision-making processes and optimize care-seeking behaviors. CONCLUSIONS A mental models approach identified dimensions influencing parent choice to seek care and choice of care site for children with ARTIs, suggesting targets to advance family-centered practice and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Burns
- Department of Pediatrics (SK Burns, TT Doan, and KN Ray), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA.
| | - Tamar Krishnamurti
- Department of Medicine (T Krishnamurti), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA.
| | - Tran T Doan
- Department of Pediatrics (SK Burns, TT Doan, and KN Ray), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA.
| | - Jeremy M Kahn
- Department of Health Policy & Management (JM Kahn), University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, PA; Department of Critical Care Medicine (JM Kahn), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA.
| | - Kristin N Ray
- Department of Pediatrics (SK Burns, TT Doan, and KN Ray), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA.
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14
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Coveney K, O'Donnell D, Stokes D, Kroll T. The experiences of siblings of children with chronic illness of health-related communication directed at them: a systematic review protocol and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. HRB Open Res 2023. [DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13676.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The psychological, social and financial impact that chronic illness can have on a family and in particular the siblings of children with chronic illness (SCWCI) is well documented. Siblings are at risk of a variety of psychosocial and physical problems such as suffering from anxiety, experiencing headaches, appetite loss. However, the experiences with health-related communication of SCWCI is not well known. This may leave them with suboptimal information. The aim of this systematic review described in this protocol is to understand SCWCI experience of targeted health-related communication; detailing the communication strategies utilised, how helpful the information was and what they wish would be different. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis for Protocols (PRISMA-P) checklist will be used to frame this protocol. Registration: PROSPERO (393998, 03 February 2023).
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15
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Hlahla LS, Ngoatle C, Mothiba TM. Do the parents of the youth abusing substances need to be supported? A literature review study. Curationis 2023; 46:e1-e9. [PMID: 36861925 PMCID: PMC9982485 DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v46i1.2401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance abuse negatively affects the youth who use substances, their families and especially their parents. The use of substances impairs the health of the youth and is linked to an increase in noncommunicable diseases. Parents become stressed and they need help. Parents fail to carry out daily plans and routines because they are not sure what the substance abuser can do or what can happen to the substance abuser. When the parents' well-being is taken care of, they will be able to take care of their youth when they need help. Unfortunately, little is known about the psychosocial needs of the parents, especially when their child abuses substances. OBJECTIVES This article aims to review the literature to explore the need for support for parents of youth abusing substances. METHOD The study adopted the narrative literature review (NLR) methodology. Literature was retrieved from the following databases and search engines: electronic databases, search engines and hand searches. RESULTS Substance abuse has been found to affect the youth abusing substances and their families negatively. The parents, being the most affected, need support. The involvement of health professionals can assist the parents in feeling supported. CONCLUSION Parents need support programmes that will give support and strength to their existing abilities.Contribution: Focusing on the support needs of the parents of youth abusing substances will help to ensure parents are supported and mentally healthy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina S. Hlahla
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Charity Ngoatle
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Tebogo M. Mothiba
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
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16
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Babatunde GB, Akintola O. Caregivers' health-seeking behaviour for children participating in an integrated school health programme in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2023; 15:e1-e8. [PMID: 36861919 PMCID: PMC9982495 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v15i1.3822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers are active members of the healthcare team, and the uniqueness of their role in caring for a sick child is holistic, as no other healthcare team member is consistently aware of all the facets of the child's life. The integrated school health programme (ISHP) aims to improve access to healthcare services and promote equity for school-going children by delivering comprehensive healthcare services. However, not much attention has been paid to understanding caregivers' health-seeking experiences within the context of the ISHP. AIM This study sought to understand caregivers' health-seeking behaviour for their children participating in the ISHP. SETTING Three low-resource communities were chosen within the eThekwini District of the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. METHODS This study utilised a qualitative research design. We recruited 17 caregivers using purposive sampling. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Caregivers explored multiple means of care, ranging from managing the children's health conditions based on previous experiences to visiting traditional healers and administering traditional medicines. Caregivers delayed health seeking due to low literacy levels and financial barriers. CONCLUSION Although ISHP has expanded its coverage and the range of services provided, the study suggests the need to implement interventions focused on providing support to caregivers of sick children within the ISHP context.Contribution: The findings of the study highlight the need to develop potential schemes to address transportation barriers to accessing healthcare services for school-going children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gbotemi B. Babatunde
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Olagoke Akintola
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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17
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Montoro-Pérez N, Richart-Martínez M, Montejano-Lozoya R. Factors associated with the inappropriate use of the pediatric emergency department. A systematic review. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 69:38-46. [PMID: 36657264 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric emergency department (PED) admissions have risen in recent years, a trend not justified by the severity of the pathologies presented. The aim of this study is to analyse factors related to the inappropriate use of pediatric emergency departments. METHODS This is a systematic review reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct databases, using keywords extracted from MeSH, and conducted a reverse search using Google Scholar and Open Grey, for the period January 2017 to August 2022. The quality of the papers was assessed using STROBE, CASPe, AMSTAR-2, GRADE, Levels Of Evidence and Grades Of Recommendation. RESULTS A total of 20 studies were selected. Factors related to inappropriate use included the younger age of children, black caregivers, lower socioeconomic status, lower parental educational attainment, perceived urgent demand for care, parental emotions in response to their children's health problems, psychological distress, the ineffective exercise of the parental role, the advantages of the PED and the nature of health insurance. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The results illustrate the heterogeneous nature of the phenomenon under investigation. Gaining an understanding of the factors related to the inappropriate demand of PEDs, from the perspective of health professionals, can help in developing interventions to reduce unnecessary consultations and relieve pressure on these healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Montoro-Pérez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, University of Alicante, Spain; GREIACC Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.
| | | | - Raimunda Montejano-Lozoya
- "La Fe" School of Nursing, Affiliated centre of the University of Valencia, Spain; GREIACC Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.
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18
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Edwards G, Fleming S, Verbakel JY, van den Bruel A, Hayward G. Accuracy of parents’ subjective assessment of paediatric fever with thermometer measured fever in a primary care setting. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:30. [PMID: 35189829 PMCID: PMC8862558 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01638-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Fever is a common symptom of benign childhood illness but a high fever may be a sign of a serious infection. Temperature is often used by parents to check for illness in their children, and the presence of a high temperature can act as a prompt to consult a healthcare professional. It would be helpful for GPs to understand how well parental assessment of the presence of fever correlates with temperature measurement in the clinic in order to incorporate the history of the child’s fever into their clinical assessment. Methods Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional diagnostic method comparison study. Parents were asked whether they thought their child had fever before their temperature was measured by a researcher. Fever was defined as a temperature of 38 °C and higher using either an axillary or tympanic thermometer. Results Of 399 children recruited, 119 (29.8%) were believed by their parents to be febrile at the time of questioning and 23 (6.3%) had a fever as measured by a researcher in the clinic. 23.5% of children with a parental assessment of fever were found to have a fever in the clinic. Less than 1% of children whose parents thought they did not have a fever were found to be febrile in the clinic. Having more than one child did not improve accuracy of parents assessing fever in their child. Conclusions In the GP surgery setting, a child identified as afebrile by their parent is highly likely to be measured as such in the clinic. A child identified as febrile by their parent is less likely to be measured as febrile. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-022-01638-6.
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Pianucci L, Longacre ML. Nonurgent Emergency Department Use by Pediatric Patients in the United States: A Systematic Literature Review. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:540-544. [PMID: 35580154 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pediatric use of the emergency department (ED) for nonurgent reasons is common in the United States. Patients with nonurgent conditions can receive more appropriate, cost-efficient care in other settings. We conducted a systematic literature review to understand the breadth of factors that contribute to use of the ED for nonurgent conditions by pediatric patients in the United States. METHODS The literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and was guided by the social-ecological model for synthesis of articles. Published articles were identified through a search of Academic Search Ultimate, Google Scholar, and PubMed. All articles were organized and managed using Endnote software and screened for eligibility criteria before full-text review. RESULTS The initial search yielded 679 articles with 530 articles remaining after the removal of duplicates. Of these, 31 articles were reviewed in full text with 19 remaining for the final analysis. All articles assessed individual-level factors, including parental perceptions of ED and health literacy. Additional findings of nonurgent use of the ED were shown to pertain to the organizational and public policy levels of the model, including primary care clinic and insurance characteristics. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review suggest tailored interventions to address parents'/caregivers' ED perceptions and health literacy in addition to access (ie, public policy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Pianucci
- From the Department of Public Health, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA
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20
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Yousaf A, Mutalib M. Burden of Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder in an Emergency Department-A Single-Center Experience. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:e1512-e1516. [PMID: 35969269 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are recurrent or chronic gastrointestinal signs and symptoms in the absence of anatomical or biochemical alterations. They are commonly treated in outpatient setting but often present to emergency departments. We aimed to estimate the burden of pediatric FGID on a busy accident and emergency (A&E) department. METHODS Electronic patient records were used to retrospectively analyze the A&E attendances of 3866 patients presenting with either constipation or abdominal pain. Those found not to have a surgical/organic cause were assessed in terms of various parameters, that is, arrival times, wait times, and investigations performed. RESULTS A total of 91.31% of the attendances relating to constipation or nonsurgical, nonorganic causes of abdominal pain were self-referred with only 3.64% arriving via ambulance, an average wait time ranging between 138 and 156 minutes, and a total of 1008 investigations carried out on patients presenting with these symptoms. A total of 63.65% of the patients were discharged without follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Functional gastrointestinal disorders place considerable burden on the A&E, in terms of resource usage, time of clinicians, and financial strain. More education should be provided to families of those experiencing FGID in an outpatient setting to minimize A&E resource utilization. More research is needed to ascertain the true burden of FGIDs, both financially and in terms of time and resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afroze Yousaf
- From the Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London
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21
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To embrace and be present: The lived experiences of nurse-led consultations in Sweden from the perspective of pediatric nurses. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 65:e28-e34. [PMID: 35184937 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study describes the lived experiences of nurse-led consultations in pediatric emergency departments from the perspective of pediatric nurses. DESIGN AND METHODS A descriptive qualitative study with a reflective lifeworld research approach was used to explore nurses' experiences of nurse-led consultations. The study was conducted through meaning-oriented individual interviews with ten pediatric nurses. RESULTS The results are grouped into four themes: (a) embracing the encounter and being touched by it; (b) having time to be present and committed; (c) having the ability and trusting in one's intuition; and (d) negotiating between families' wishes and the organization's guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that nurse-led consultations conducted in separate nurse-led reception areas promote a positive experience of the consultations from the perspective of pediatric nurses. In a nurse-led consultation, a nurse's confidence in their ability to provide care is connected to time, broad skills and knowledge, and a supportive organization. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS As the rising global population increases the demand for healthcare services, pediatric emergency departments must streamline their services to provide patient-safe, high-quality health care. Nurse-led consultations are an effective means of meeting these growing demands. This study contributes to an understanding of pediatric nurses' experiences at both the individual level and a more structured level, namely that families' wishes and an organization's guidelines do not always coincide.
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22
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Pehlivanturk-Kizilkan M, Ozsezen B, Batu ED. Factors Affecting Nonurgent Pediatric Emergency Department Visits and Parental Emergency Overestimation. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:264-268. [PMID: 35507379 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Understanding the factors causing nonurgent visits to the pediatric emergency departments (PED) is essential for developing effective interventions. Sociodemographic factors might have a direct effect, or they might be associated with other potential causal factors such as access, perceived severity, and convenience. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the factors that might have an effect on nonurgent PED visits and parental overestimation of emergency severity. METHODS Data of a total of 974 patients who have been administered to the PED of a district state hospital were collected with a cross-sectional, self-administered survey. Level 5 was accepted as nonurgent cases according to the Pediatric Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale. Parents' assessment of their child's emergency status was assessed along with the age and sex of the child, the number of children, presence of a chronic illness, presence of fever, admission time, parental age, education status and occupation, transportation method, and living distance to emergency department. RESULTS Sixty-eight percent of visits were nonurgent. Among these visits, 51.6% were perceived as urgent, and 11.5% as extremely urgent by the parents. We identified that infancy age group (P = 0.001), father's unemployment status (P = 0.038), presence of a chronic disease (P = 0.020), and a previous visit to the PED in the last week (P = 0.008) are associated with urgent visits. Having a fever (P = 0.002), younger mother (P = 0.046) and father age (P = 0.007), mother not having an income (P = 0.034), and father's lower level of education (P = 0.036) increased the likelihood of overestimating the emergency severity. CONCLUSIONS Nonurgent visits constitute most of the PED admissions. Several factors were found to be associated with nonurgent visits either by causing a direct effect or by indirectly impacting the perceived severity. Health literacy-based interventions targeting common symptoms like fever and especially younger parent groups might be beneficial in lowering the patient burden of PEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ezgi Deniz Batu
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
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Snyder DA, Schuller J, Ameen Z, Toth C, Kemper AR. Improving Patient-Provider Continuity in a Large Urban Academic Primary Care Network. Acad Pediatr 2022; 22:305-312. [PMID: 34780999 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although patient-provider continuity improves care delivery and satisfaction, poor continuity with primary care providers (PCP) often exists in academic centers. We aimed to increase patient empanelment from 0% to 90% and then increase the percent of well-child care (WCC) visits scheduled with the PCP from 25.6% to 50%, without decreasing timely access that might result if patients waited for PCP availability. METHODS Nationwide Children's Hospital Primary Care Network cares for >120,000 mostly Medicaid-enrolled patients across 13 offices. Before 2017, patients were empaneled to an office, not individual PCPs. We empaneled patients to PCPs, reduced provider floating, implemented continuity-promoting scheduling guidelines, scheduled future WCC visits for patients ≤15 months during check-in for their current one, and encouraged online scheduling. We tracked the percentage of all WCC visits that were scheduled with the patient's PCP and the percentage of subsequent WCC visits for patients ≤15 months that were scheduled during the current visit, and provided feedback to schedulers. We followed emergency department (ED) utilization and visit show rates. WCC visit completion rates were tracked using HEDIS metrics. RESULTS Patient empanelment increased from 0% to >90% (P < .001). Patient-provider WCC continuity increased from 25.6% to 54.7% (P < .001). A 20.5% decrease in ED utilization rate was associated with continuity project initiation. Empaneled patients demonstrated higher show rates (76.9%) versus unempaneled patients (71.4%; P < .001). WCC completion rates increased from 52.6% to 60.7%. CONCLUSIONS WCC continuity more than doubled after interventions and was associated with decreased ED utilization, higher show rates, and increased timely WCC completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dane A Snyder
- Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital (DA Synder, J Schuller, Z Ameen, and AR Kemper), Columbus, Ohio.
| | - Jonathon Schuller
- Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital (DA Synder, J Schuller, Z Ameen, and AR Kemper), Columbus, Ohio
| | - Zeenath Ameen
- Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital (DA Synder, J Schuller, Z Ameen, and AR Kemper), Columbus, Ohio
| | - Christina Toth
- Quality Improvement Services, Nationwide Children's Hospital (C Toth), Columbus, Ohio
| | - Alex R Kemper
- Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital (DA Synder, J Schuller, Z Ameen, and AR Kemper), Columbus, Ohio
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Pulcini CD, Coller RJ, Macy ML, Alpern E, Harris D, Rodean J, Hall M, Chung PJ, Berry JG. Low-Resource Emergency Department Visits for Children With Complex Chronic Conditions. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:e856-e862. [PMID: 34009894 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reducing emergency department (ED) use in children with complex chronic conditions (CCC) is a national health system priority. Emergency department visits with minimal clinical intervention may be the most avoidable. We assessed characteristics associated with experiencing such a low-resource ED visit among children with a CCC. METHODS A retrospective study of 271,806 ED visits between 2014 and 2017 among patients with a CCC in the Pediatric Health Information System database was performed. The main outcome was a low-resource ED visit, where no medications, laboratory, procedures, or diagnostic tests were administered and the patient was not admitted to the hospital. χ2 Tests and generalized linear models were used to assess bivariable and multivariable relationships of patients' demographic, clinical, and health service characteristics with the likelihood of a low- versus higher-resource ED visit. RESULTS Sixteen percent (n = 44,111) of ED visits among children with CCCs were low-resource. In multivariable analysis, the highest odds of experiencing a low- versus higher-resource ED visit occurred in patients aged 0 year (vs 16+ years; odds ratio [OR], 3.9 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.7-4.1]), living <5 (vs 20+) miles from the ED (OR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.7-1.8]), and who presented to the ED in the day and evening versus overnight (1.5 [95% CI, 1.4-1.5]). CONCLUSIONS Infant age, living close to the ED, and day/evening-time visits were associated with the greatest likelihood of experiencing a low-resource ED visit in children with CCCs. Further investigation is needed to assess key drivers for ED use in these children and identify opportunities for diversion of ED care to outpatient and community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian D Pulcini
- From the Department of Surgery and Pediatrics, University of Vermont Medical Center and Children's Hospital, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
| | - Ryan J Coller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Michelle L Macy
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Elizabeth Alpern
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | | | | | | | - Paul J Chung
- Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Health Policy & Management, UCLA RAND Health, RAND Corporation, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jay G Berry
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Biagioli V, Pol A, Gawronski O, Carlin C, Cirulli L, Piga S, Stelitano R, Offidani C, Raucci U, Reale A, Tiozzo E, Villani A, Dall'Oglio I. Pediatric patients accessing Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) for non-urgent treatment: Why do parents take their children to the A&E? Int Emerg Nurs 2021; 58:101053. [PMID: 34520965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2021.101053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION About 20-30% of children access the Pediatric Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) for non-urgent health care that should normally follow other health care paths. This study aimed to investigate why parents take their children to the A&E for non-urgent visits rather than using primary care services. METHODS A one-year cross-sectional study was conducted in a large pediatric A&E in Italy. A paper-and-pencil 40-item questionnaire was administered to parents of children aged between 3 months to 6 years who accessed the A&E for non-urgent visits between July 2018 and June 2019. RESULTS Parents of 238 children completed the questionnaire (mean age = 2.6 years; male 58%). The most common symptoms were fever (n = 105; 44.1%) and skin rash (n = 63; 26.5%); symptoms usually started more than 24 h earlier (n = 163; 69.4%). Reasons for accessing the A&E for non-urgent visits included the availability of rapid medical tests (n = 71; 29.8%), deterioration of the clinical conditions after the pediatrician's visit (n = 67; 28.2%), and the perceived need for urgent care (n = 65; 27.3%). Besides, 26.6% (n = 63) of parents reported not being able to contact their pediatrician before accessing A&E. CONCLUSION Parents may need further education to distinguish between urgent and non-urgent pediatric health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Biagioli
- Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Pol
- Professional Development, Continuing Education and Research Service, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| | - Orsola Gawronski
- Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| | - Claudia Carlin
- Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| | - Luisa Cirulli
- Professional Development, Continuing Education and Research Service, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| | - Simone Piga
- Bachelor for Pediatric Nursing, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Rocco Stelitano
- Professional Development, Continuing Education and Research Service, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| | - Caterina Offidani
- Paediatric Emergency Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| | - Umberto Raucci
- Professional Development, Continuing Education and Research Service, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonino Reale
- Professional Development, Continuing Education and Research Service, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Tiozzo
- Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alberto Villani
- Professional Development, Continuing Education and Research Service, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| | - Immacolata Dall'Oglio
- Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
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Edwards C, Bolling-Walker K, Deupree J. Actionability and Usability of a Fever Management Tool for Pediatric Caregivers. J Contin Educ Nurs 2021; 51:338-344. [PMID: 32579230 DOI: 10.3928/00220124-20200611-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective fever management in children relies on caregivers having adequate general and numerical literacy. Nationally, nine of 10 adults have difficulty understanding health information. Lack of understanding basic information about fever management is a primary reason given for nonurgent pediatric emergency department visits. The Assess-Communicate-Treat (A.C.T.) tool was created by nurses 18 years ago to help parents better understand fever management. METHOD This article describes a quality improvement project that used an expert health care provider panel and parents who attended focus groups to reevaluate the A.C.T. tool. The Simply Put manual, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook readability formula (SMOG) tool, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) readability test, and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT-P) were used to evaluate the A.C.T. tool. RESULTS Following focus groups, 45 of 72 items on the A.C.T. tool were revised using a 4-point Likert scale. After revision, the tool rated 88% for understandability and 83% actionability using the PEMAT-P tool. CONCLUSION Recognizing caregivers' health literacy needs is critical to optimizing health outcomes and reducing health care costs in the pediatric population. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2020;51(7):338-344.].
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Kirby S, Wooten W, Spanier AJ. Pediatric Primary Care Relationships and Non-Urgent Emergency Department Use in Children. Acad Pediatr 2021; 21:900-906. [PMID: 33813066 PMCID: PMC8263464 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2021.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Non-urgent emergency department (ED) use contributes to healthcare costs and disrupts continuity of care. Factors influencing patient/guardian decision-making in non-urgent situations are poorly understood. We sought to determine the association of patient/guardian - primary care provider (PCP) relationship with non-urgent ED usage and explore related factors. METHODS In an urban practice, we recruited 218 parent-child pairs and administered a survey with the PCP relationship (PDRQ-9), caregiver knowledge of office resources, and care-seeking behavior. We performed a 12-month retrospective chart review to document non-urgent ED visits. We evaluated the association of PDRQ9 and non-urgent ED usage by regression analysis. RESULTS Mean child age was 7.0 ± 5 years, and 32.6% of children had at least one non-urgent ED visit. Mean PDRQ9 score was 39.8 ± 7.3 and was not associated with non-urgent ED use (P = .46). Lower child age (P < .001) and shorter time coming to the PCP practice (P < .001) were both associated with increased non-urgent ED use. Only 36.4% reported usually going to their PCP when they are sick. Knowledge of office resources was limited, and when prompted with acute, non-urgent medical scenarios, in 4 of 5 scenarios, 50% or more of participants chose to go to the ED over communicating with or going to their PCP. CONCLUSIONS We did not find an association between patient-doctor relationship strength and non-urgent ED usage. Many patients/guardians were unaware of the practice's resources and selected the ED as first choice for acute, non-urgent medical scenarios. Additional work is needed to determine interventions to reduce non-urgent ED use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Kirby
- Medical Student, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 655 West Baltimore St, Suite M-019, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - William Wooten
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 660 W. Redwood St, Howard Hall Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Adam J. Spanier
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 22 S. Greene Street, Rm N5E17, Baltimore, MD 21201
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Milne-Ives M, Neill S, Bayes N, Blair M, Blewitt J, Bray L, Carrol ED, Carter B, Dawson R, Dimitri P, Lakhanpaul M, Roland D, Tavare A, Meinert E. Impact of Digital Educational Interventions to Support Parents Caring for Acutely Ill Children at Home and Factors That Affect Their Use: Protocol for a Systematic Review. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e27504. [PMID: 34228628 PMCID: PMC8280832 DOI: 10.2196/27504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Urgent and emergency care health services are overburdened, and the use of these services by acutely ill infants and children is increasing. A large proportion of these visits could be sufficiently addressed by other health care professionals. Uncertainty about the severity of a child’s symptoms is one of many factors that play a role in parents’ decisions to take their children to emergency services, demonstrating the need for improved support for health literacy. Digital interventions are a potential tool to improve parents’ knowledge, confidence, and self-efficacy at managing acute childhood illness. However, existing systematic reviews related to this topic need to be updated and expanded to provide a contemporary review of the impact, usability, and limitations of these solutions. Objective The purpose of this systematic review protocol is to present the method for an evaluation of the impact, usability, and limitations of different types of digital educational interventions to support parents caring for acutely ill children at home. Methods The review will be structured using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) and Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) frameworks. Five databases will be systematically searched for studies published in English during and after 2014: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, APA PsycNet, and Web of Science. Two reviewers will independently screen references’ titles and abstracts, select studies for inclusion based on the eligibility criteria, and extract the data into a standardized form. Any disagreements will be discussed and resolved by a third reviewer if necessary. Risk of bias of all studies will be assessed using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and a descriptive analysis will be used to evaluate the outcomes reported. Results The systematic review will commence during 2021. Conclusions This systematic review will summarize the impact, usability, and limitations of digital interventions for parents with acutely ill children. It will provide an overview of the field; identify reported impacts on health and behavioral outcomes as well as parental knowledge, satisfaction, and decision making; and identify the factors that affect use to help inform the development of more effective and sustainable interventions. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/27504
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Milne-Ives
- Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Neill
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Natasha Bayes
- Faculty of Health and Society, University of Northampton, Northampton, United Kingdom.,School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Mitch Blair
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lucy Bray
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom
| | - Enitan D Carrol
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bernie Carter
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Dawson
- Meningitis Research Foundation, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Dimitri
- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Monica Lakhanpaul
- UCL - Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Damian Roland
- SAPPHIRE Group, Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Paediatric Emergency Medicine Leicester Academic group, Children's Emergency Department, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Tavare
- West of England Academic Health Science Network, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Meinert
- Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.,Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Ravi N, Gitz KM, Burton DR, Ray KN. Pediatric non-urgent emergency department visits and prior care-seeking at primary care. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:466. [PMID: 34001093 PMCID: PMC8128083 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06480-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to examine how caregiver perceptions of primary care affects care-seeking prior to pediatric non-urgent ED visits. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional survey of caregivers of children presenting to a pediatric ED during weekday business hours and triaged as low acuity. We first compared caregiver sociodemographic characteristics, perceptions of primary care, and stated preference in care sites (ED vs PCP) for caregivers who had sought care from their child's PCP office versus had not sought care from their child's PCP office prior to their ED visit. We then examined odds of having sought care from their PCP office prior to their ED visit using multivariable logistic regression models sequentially including caregiver primary care perceptions and stated care site preferences along with caregiver sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS Of 140 respondents, 64 (46%) sought care from their child's PCP office prior to presenting to the ED. In unadjusted analysis, children insured by Medicaid or CHIP, caregivers identifying as Black, and caregivers with lower educational attainment were less likely to have sought PCP care before presenting to the ED (p < 0.005, each). Caregivers who had sought PCP care were more likely to prefer their PCP relative to the ED in terms of ease of travel, cost, and wait times (p < 0.001, all). When including these stated preferences in a multivariable model, child insurance, caregiver race, and caregiver education were no longer significantly associated with odds of having sought PCP care prior to their ED visit. CONCLUSIONS Differential access to primary care may underlie observed demographic differences in non-urgent pediatric ED utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithin Ravi
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue,AOB - Suite 5400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA.
| | - Katherine M Gitz
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue,AOB - Suite 5400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles Medical Group, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Danielle R Burton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kristin N Ray
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue,AOB - Suite 5400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Johnson A, Murcko A, Castro Thompson A, Merica C, Stephan M. A Culturally Relevant Care Model to Reduce Health Disparities Among Medicaid Recipients. HISPANIC HEALTH CARE INTERNATIONAL 2021; 20:10-14. [PMID: 33896260 DOI: 10.1177/15404153211005403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Health disparities among Hispanics are associated with poorer health status across multiple health conditions, greater use of high-acuity services, and lower use of care continuity and preventive services. A new integrated delivery organization (IDO) designed around culturally responsive care aims to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes among the Hispanic community by deploying a multifeatured approach. The IDO combines the universal administration of a culturally sensitive health risk screening tool, the delivery of culturally appropriate medical, behavioral and spiritual health, and creative support of provider practices with training and informational resources, financial incentives, actionable data, technology, and cultural sensitivity training for providers and staff. The IDO further distinguishes its unique approach by partnering with a university informatics program to establish a local learning health care system destined to enrich the evidence base for culturally appropriate interventions that reduce health disparities. Longitudinal research is currently underway that focuses on the impact of culturally motivated interventions on resource utilization, retention, and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Johnson
- Biomedical Informatics Program, College of Health Solutions, 7864Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Anita Murcko
- Biomedical Informatics Program, College of Health Solutions, 7864Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Ray KN, Yahner KA, Bey J, Martin KC, Planey AM, Culyba AJ, Miller E. Understanding Variation In Nonurgent Pediatric Emergency Department Use In Communities With Concentrated Disadvantage. Health Aff (Millwood) 2021; 40:156-164. [PMID: 33400581 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2020.00675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Children in communities with concentrated socioeconomic and structural disadvantage tend to have elevated rates of nonurgent visits to emergency departments (EDs). Using a spatial regression model of 264 census block groups in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we investigated sociodemographic and structural factors associated with lower-than-expected ("low utilization") versus higher-than-expected ("high utilization") nonurgent ED visit rates among children in block groups with concentrated disadvantage. Compared with high-utilization block groups, low-utilization block groups had higher percentages of households with two adults, high school graduates, access to vehicles, sound housing quality, and owner-occupied housing. Notably, low-utilization block groups did not differ significantly from high-utilization block groups either in the percentage of households located within very close proximity to public transit or primary care or in children's health insurance coverage rates. Stakeholders wishing to reduce pediatric nonurgent ED visits among families in communities of concentrated disadvantage should consider strategies to mitigate financial, time, transportation, and health literacy constraints that may affect families' access to primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin N Ray
- Kristin N. Ray is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristin A Yahner
- Kristin A. Yahner is the General Academic Pediatrics Division data center coordinator, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Jamil Bey
- Jamil Bey is the president and CEO of the UrbanKind Institute, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Katherine C Martin
- Katherine C. Martin is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Arrianna M Planey
- Arrianna M. Planey is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Alison J Culyba
- Alison J. Culyba is an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- Elizabeth Miller is a professor in the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
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Nicholson E, McDonnell T, De Brún A, Barrett M, Bury G, Collins C, Hensey C, McAuliffe E. Factors that influence family and parental preferences and decision making for unscheduled paediatric healthcare - systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:663. [PMID: 32680518 PMCID: PMC7366445 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05527-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health systems offer access to unscheduled care through numerous routes; however, it is typically provided by general practitioners (GPs), by emergency medicine doctors in in emergency departments (EDs) and by GPs in out-of-hours GP services such as practitioner cooperatives. Unscheduled healthcare constitutes a substantial portion of healthcare delivery. A systematic review was conducted to establish the factors that influence parents' decision making when seeking unscheduled healthcare for their children. The systematic review question was "What are the factors that influence the decision making of parents and families seeking unscheduled paediatric healthcare?" METHOD Five databases (CINAHL, PubMed, SCOPUS, PsycInfo, EconLit) and four grey literature databases (Proquest, Lenus, OpenGrey, Google Scholar) were searched. The titles and abstracts of 3746 articles were screened and full-text screening was performed on 177 of these articles. Fifty-six papers were selected for inclusion in the review. Data relating to different types of unscheduled health services (namely primary care, the emergency department and out-of-hours services) were extracted from these articles. A narrative approach was used to synthesise the extracted data. RESULTS Several factors were identified as influencing parental preferences and decision making when seeking unscheduled healthcare for their children. A number of the included studies identified pre-disposing factors such as race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) as impacting the healthcare-seeking behaviour of parents. Unscheduled healthcare use was often initiated by the parent's perception that the child's condition was urgent and their need for reassurance. The choice of unscheduled service was influenced by a myriad of factors such as: waiting times, availability of GP appointments, location of the ED, and the relationship that the parent or caregiver had with their GP. CONCLUSION Policy and planning initiatives do not always reflect how patients negotiate the health system as a single entity with numerous entry points. Altering patients' behaviour through public health initiatives that seek to improve, for instance, health literacy or reducing emergency hospital admissions through preventative primary care requires an understanding of the relative importance of factors that influence behaviour and decision making, and the interactions between these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Nicholson
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (IRIS) UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - T. McDonnell
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (IRIS) UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - A. De Brún
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (IRIS) UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - M. Barrett
- Department of Emergency Medicine/National Children’s Research Centre, Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - G. Bury
- UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - C. Collins
- Irish College of General Practitioners, 4/5 Lincoln Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - C. Hensey
- Children’s Health Ireland at Temple St, Temple St, Rotunda, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - E. McAuliffe
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (IRIS) UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Morrow A, Dongarwar D, Salihu HM. Health Disparities and Constipation Management among Pediatric Patients in the Emergency Department. J Natl Med Assoc 2020; 112:541-549. [PMID: 32624239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2020.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Constipation is a common cause of abdominal pain in children. Prior studies have demonstrated that nearly half of the children with constipation receive enemas; however, studies regarding constipation management based on race and ethnicity have not been pursued. The goal of this investigation is to determine if demographic disparities namely, race and ethnicity and insurance status affect emergency department (ED) management of constipation and prescription of enema. METHODS This was a retrospective cross-sectional study utilizing ED 2005-2016 data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) in children <21 years old. Groups were analyzed according to race and also by insurance status. We performed adjusted survey binomial regression to evaluate the association between patient characteristics and receipt of enema among patients with constipation. RESULTS 3,168,240 children with constipation were seen in a sampling of EDs during the study period. 12.9% (408,937) received an enema. There was no statistically significant difference for Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients to receive enema (OR: 0.92, CI: [0.47-1.82] and OR: 0.81, CI: [0.34-1.91], respectively) as compared to Non-Hispanic White patients. While Medicare patients were more likely to receive an enema (OR 187.76, CI [2,35-149.65]) compared to Medicaid patients, there was no difference between Medicaid patients and private payers. DISCUSSION Racial and health disparities do not appear to impact a physician's decision on giving an enema to children with constipation presenting to the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Morrow
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Emergency Medicine, USA
| | - Deepa Dongarwar
- Baylor College of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training and Research, USA.
| | - Hamisu M Salihu
- Baylor College of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training and Research, USA
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Lightfoot MA, Cheng JW, Hu X, Tschokert M, McCracken C, Kirsch AJ, Smith EA, Cerwinka WH, Arlen AM, Chamberlin DA, Garcia-Roig ML. Assessment of health literacy in adolescents with spina bifida and their caregivers: a multi-institutional study. J Pediatr Urol 2020; 16:167.e1-167.e6. [PMID: 32037145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2019.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION and Objective: Health literacy is defined as the ability to obtain, integrate, and appraise health-related knowledge. It is known to correlate with disparities in clinical outcomes in adults with chronic disease. Patients with spina bifida represent a potentially vulnerable cohort as they often have multiple comorbidities. The authors aimed to characterize health literacy in adolescent patients with spina bifida and their caregivers. STUDY DESIGN The Newest Vital Sign (NVS), a validated assessment of health literacy and numeracy, was administered to patients (aged ≥10 years) and caregivers in outpatient pediatric urology and multidisciplinary spina bifida clinics. Subjects not fluent in English or Spanish and those with cognitive delay were excluded. Survey responses and demographic information were analyzed and compared between the spina bifida and control groups. RESULTS Three hundred eleven caregivers (caregivers for patients with spina bifida: 185, caregivers for the controls: 126) and 84 adolescents (those with spina bifida: 46, controls: 38) completed the NVS. Although there was no difference in health literacy between caregivers (p = 0.98), adolescents with spina bifida demonstrated lower NVS scores (spina bifida 1 [0-3] vs. control 2 [2-4]; p = 0.02) (Figure). Health literacy of patients with spina bifida and controls increased with age (p = 0.002). Adjusting for age and gender, the odds of having limited literacy were 5.5 times higher in patients with spina bifida than in the controls (p = 0.004). Inadequate caregiver health literacy was associated with a lower education level (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION Spina bifida is among the most complex birth defects compatible with life and affects a multitude of systems. Although it is well established that limited health literacy in adults with chronic disease is associated with adverse outcomes, there are considerably fewer data in the pediatric population. The authors found that caregivers of patients with spina bifida exhibited health literacy and numeracy comparable with parents in the control group, despite lower education levels. In contrast, adolescents with spina bifida demonstrated poorer health literacy than the controls. Multidisciplinary care is necessary, given the medical complexity of spina bifida; therefore, impaired understanding of adults' own needs may pose a barrier to successful transition to their care and subsequent outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The majority of surveyed caregivers for patients with spina bifida exhibited adequate health literacy, especially those with some college education; however inadequate health literacy was more likely among adolescents with spina bifida when compared with the controls. Screening for health literacy may be useful to assess readiness for transition to more independent self-care among patients with spina bifida.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie W Cheng
- Loma Linda University Health, Department of Urology, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Xiaowen Hu
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Merete Tschokert
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Courtney McCracken
- Emory University Department of Pediatrics Biostatistics Core, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrew J Kirsch
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Edwin A Smith
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - David A Chamberlin
- Loma Linda University Health, Department of Urology, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words: Pictographs to Improve Understanding of Discharge Instructions. J Emerg Nurs 2019; 45:531-537. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Ohns MJ. Identifying the Preferred Method to Educate Low Income Caregivers About Common Childhood Illnesses: A Step Toward Health Literacy Through a Focus Group Study. J Pediatr Nurs 2019; 47:131-135. [PMID: 31128419 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this focus group was to identify the preferred method of education for low-income caregivers to learn about common childhood illnesses in an effort to meet their health literacy needs. METHODS Focus group participants were recruited from two sources; caregivers who qualified for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Food and Nutrition Services and those attending a monthly prenatal health education program for low-income pregnant women. Participants were asked to rank in order of preference five educational options. The five options included a commonly used diagnosis-specific handout, a booklet of the most common childhood illnesses and symptoms, a comprehensive book of common childhood illness and symptoms, a 24-hour nurse call line, and a mobile application developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. All options provided accurate information from professional sources. RESULTS The ranking of the five educational options identified the mobile application developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, KidsDoc, to be the preferred method with the commonly used diagnosis-specific handout as the least favorite option. CONCLUSION/PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The United States Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) has identified a need to change the way health information is designed and delivered. Identifying that materials should be redesigned using best practices to reduce health literacy demands and match consumer preferences, the USDHHS calls for periodic testing of materials with the intended consumers. This focus group provides valuable information and a step toward future research to address health literacy using materials identified by low-income consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Jean Ohns
- Toledo Children's Hospital, Emergency Department, OH, United States of America; University of Toledo College of Nursing, OH, United States of America.
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Characteristics of Non-Emergent Visits in Emergency Departments: Profiles and Longitudinal Pattern Changes in Taiwan, 2000-2010. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16111999. [PMID: 31195627 PMCID: PMC6603954 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16111999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of emergency department (ED) visits have posed a challenge to health systems in many countries, but an understanding of non-emergent ED visits has remained limited and contentious. This retrospective study analyzed ED visits using three representative cohorts from routine data to explore the profiles and longitudinal pattern changes of non-emergent ED visits in Taiwan. Systematic-, personal-, and ED visit-level data were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Average marginal effects were calculated to compare the effects of each factor. The annual ED visit rate increased up to 261.3 per 1000 population in 2010, and a significant one-third of visits were considered as non-emergent. The rapidly growing utilization of ED visits underwent a watershed change after cost-sharing payments between patients and medical institutions were increased in 2005. In addition to cohort effects resulting from cost-sharing payment changes, all factors were significantly associated with non-emergent ED visits with different levels of impact. We concluded that non-emergent ED visits were associated with multifaceted factors, but the change to cost-sharing payment, being female, younger age, and geographical residence were the most predictive factors. This information would enhance the implementation of evidence-based strategies to optimize ED use.
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Abstract
Health literacy is an important issue to consider in the provision of health-care to children. Similar to the adult population, most parents face health literacy challenges. Of particular concern, 1 in 4 parents have low health literacy, greatly affecting their ability to use health information to make health decisions for their child. High expectations are placed on parents and children to achieve effective disease management and positive health outcomes in the context of complex health-care systems and disease treatment regimens. Low health literacy affects parent acquisition of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as child health outcomes across the domains of disease prevention, acute illness care, and chronic illness care. The effect of low health literacy is wide ranging, including 1) poor nutrition knowledge and behaviors, 2) higher obesity rates, 3) more medication errors, 4) more emergency department use, and 5) poor asthma knowledge, behaviors, and outcomes. Health-care providers can mitigate the effects of health literacy by seeking to align health-care demands with the health literacy skills of families. Effective health literacy-informed interventions provide insights into methods that can be used by providers and health systems to improve health outcomes. Health literacy-informed communication strategies should be used with all families in a "universal precautions approach" because all parents likely benefit from clear communication. As scientific advances are made in disease prevention and management, unless families understand how to follow provider recommendations, the benefit of these advances will not be realized and disparities in outcomes will be exacerbated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Morrison
- Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | | | - H Shonna Yin
- Department of Pediatrics and.,Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine/NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
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Morrison AK, Brousseau DC. Seeking Care for Pediatric Illness: Health System Perspective. Acad Pediatr 2019; 19:355-356. [PMID: 30904583 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Morrison
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
| | - David C Brousseau
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
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Gievers LL, Sedler J, Phillipi CA, Dukhovny D, Geddes J, Graven P, Chan B, Khaki S. Implementation of the sepsis risk score for chorioamnionitis-exposed newborns. J Perinatol 2018; 38:1581-1587. [PMID: 30158677 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-018-0207-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To prevent early onset sepsis (EOS), ~10% of neonates receive antibiotics based on CDC recommendations regarding chorioamnionitis exposure. A sepsis risk score (SRS) predicts EOS and spares unnecessary evaluation and treatment. LOCAL PROBLEM Chorioamnionitis-exposed neonates utilize significant resources. METHODS An SRS algorithm was implemented to decrease resource utilization in chorioamnionitis-exposed neonates ≥35 weeks'. Outcome measures included antibiotic exposure, time in NICU, laboratory evaluations, and length of stay (LOS). Balancing measures were missed cases of EOS and readmissions. Data were assessed using run charts. INTERVENTIONS Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were utilized to process map, implement and reinforce the algorithm. RESULTS A number of 356 patients met inclusion criteria. After algorithm implementation, antibiotic exposure reduced from 95 to 9%, laboratory evaluation from 96 to 22%, NICU observation from 73 to 10%. LOS remained unchanged. No missed cases of EOS, nor sepsis readmissions. CONCLUSIONS Algorithm implementation decreased antibiotic and resource utilization without missing cases of EOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladawna L Gievers
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | | | - Carrie A Phillipi
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Dmitry Dukhovny
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jonah Geddes
- Center for Health Systems Effectiveness, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Peter Graven
- Center for Health Systems Effectiveness, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Benjamin Chan
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sheevaun Khaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Ladley A, Hieger AW, Arthur J, Broom M. Educational Text Messages Decreased Emergency Department Utilization Among Infant Caregivers: A Randomized Trial. Acad Pediatr 2018; 18:636-641. [PMID: 29432907 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of text messages as an educational tool to reduce the prevalence of nonurgent emergency department (ED) visits among a population with high levels of low health literacy. METHODS This prospective, randomized experiment conducted in a large, urban, academic pediatric primary care practice enrolled 231 caregivers of infants into 2 groups: enhanced standard of care materials at well-child visits through 6 months (n = 99 completing), and enhanced standard of care and 4 text messages a week through 6 months (n = 108 completing). Use of the ED and visit urgency were compared between groups via chart review at 1 year of age. RESULTS Of the 230 included in the analysis, 84.2% (n = 194 of 230) were racial or ethnic minorities, 69.7% (n = 142 of 204) reported yearly incomes of less than $20,000 per year, and 70.4% (n = 142 of 204) were identified as having likely or probable limited health literacy. Participants who received text messages had fewer visits to the ED in their first year (2.14 visits in the control group to 1.47 visits in the intervention group who received text messages; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Sending educational text messages to caregivers is effective in reducing the number of visits to the ED. Given the accessibility and small expense of sending text messages, these findings have direct implications on the cost of health care, in addition to improving continuity and quality of care for pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ladley
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo
| | - Amanda Waltos Hieger
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo
| | - Joshua Arthur
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo
| | - Matthew Broom
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo.
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Liu T, Lingam R, Lycett K, Mensah FK, Muller J, Hiscock H, Huque MH, Wake M. Parent-reported prevalence and persistence of 19 common child health conditions. Arch Dis Child 2018; 103:548-556. [PMID: 29453208 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-313191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate prevalence and persistence of 19 common paediatric conditions from infancy to 14-15 years. DESIGN Population-based prospective cohort study. SETTING Australia. PARTICIPANTS Parallel cohorts assessed biennially from 2004 to 2014 from ages 0-1 and 4-5 years to 10-11 and 14-15 years, respectively, in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES 19 health conditions: 17 parent-reported, 2 (overweight/obesity, obesity) directly assessed. Two general measures: health status, special health care needs. ANALYSIS (1) prevalence estimated in 2-year age-bands and (2) persistence rates calculated at each subsequent time point for each condition among affected children. RESULTS 10 090 children participated in Wave 1 and 6717 in all waves. From age 2, more than 60% of children were experiencing at least one health condition at any age. Distinct prevalence patterns by age-bands comprised eight conditions that steadily rose (overweight/obesity, obesity, injury, anxiety/depression, frequent headaches, abdominal pain, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). Six conditions fell with age (eczema, sleep problems, day-wetting, soiling, constipation, recurrent tonsillitis), three remained stable (asthma, diabetes, epilepsy) and two peaked in mid-childhood (dental decay, recurrent ear infections). Conditions were more likely to persist if present for 2 years; persistence was especially high for obesity beyond 6-7 (91.3%-95.1% persisting at 14-15). CONCLUSIONS Beyond infancy, most Australian children are experiencing at least one ongoing health condition at any given time. This study's age-specific estimates of prevalence and persistence should assist families and clinicians to plan care. Conditions showing little resolution (obesity, asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) require long-term planning and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Liu
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Raghu Lingam
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kate Lycett
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona K Mensah
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joshua Muller
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harriet Hiscock
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Health Services Research Unit, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Md Hamidul Huque
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa Wake
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics and Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Clark RE, Weinreb L, Flahive JM, Seifert RW. Health Care Utilization and Expenditures of Homeless Family Members Before and After Emergency Housing. Am J Public Health 2018; 108:808-814. [PMID: 29672141 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2018.304370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe longitudinal health service utilization and expenditures for homeless family members before and after entering an emergency shelter. METHODS We linked Massachusetts emergency housing assistance data with Medicaid claims between July 2008 and June 2015, constructing episodes of health care 12 months before and 12 months after families entered a shelter. We modeled emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and expenditures over the 24-month period separately for children and adults. RESULTS Emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and expenditures rose steadily before shelter entry and declined gradually afterward, ending, in most cases, near the starting point. Infants, pregnant women, and individuals with depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder had significantly higher rates of all outcomes. Many children's emergency department visits were potentially preventable. CONCLUSIONS Increased service utilization and expenditures begin months before families become homeless and are potentially preventable with early intervention. Infants are at greater risk. Public Health Implications. Early identification and intervention to prevent homeless episodes, focusing on family members with behavioral health disorders, who are pregnant, or who have young children, may save money and improve family health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E Clark
- Robin E. Clark and Linda Weinreb are with the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester. Robin E. Clark and Julie M. Flahive are with the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School. Robert W. Seifert is with the Center for Health Law and Economics, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | - Linda Weinreb
- Robin E. Clark and Linda Weinreb are with the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester. Robin E. Clark and Julie M. Flahive are with the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School. Robert W. Seifert is with the Center for Health Law and Economics, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | - Julie M Flahive
- Robin E. Clark and Linda Weinreb are with the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester. Robin E. Clark and Julie M. Flahive are with the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School. Robert W. Seifert is with the Center for Health Law and Economics, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | - Robert W Seifert
- Robin E. Clark and Linda Weinreb are with the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester. Robin E. Clark and Julie M. Flahive are with the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School. Robert W. Seifert is with the Center for Health Law and Economics, University of Massachusetts Medical School
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Berens EM, Vogt D, Ganahl K, Weishaar H, Pelikan J, Schaeffer D. Health Literacy and Health Service Use in Germany. Health Lit Res Pract 2018; 2:e115-e122. [PMID: 31294284 PMCID: PMC6607802 DOI: 10.3928/24748307-20180503-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy (HL) is defined as the ability to process health-related information to make decisions to maintain health and improve quality of life. A growing number of studies demonstrate that people with lower HL are less likely to use preventive services but more likely to use curative, emergency, or hospital care. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the relationship between HL and the use of different types of health services in a sample of the general German population, as we expected that the effect of HL on the frequency of use differs by type of health service. METHODS A nationally representative sample of 2,000 people in Germany was interviewed in person in 2014. Analyses of the data included frequencies of contacts with doctors, other health professionals, hospitals, and emergency services. Analysis also included a HL measure (European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire), as well as sociodemographic and health status indicators. To test whether and how HL is related to the frequency of use of the different types of curative health services, regression analyses were performed. KEY RESULTS Respondents with lower HL scores reported more frequent use of all four included types of curative health services. Although multiple regression analysis showed a direct significant effect of HL only on doctor (β = -.066) and other health professionals visits (β = -.103), no significant direct effect of HL on hospital and emergency services use was found when sociodemographic and health-related factors were controlled for. CONCLUSIONS Health professionals should be aware that their patients are likely to have difficulties in understanding and processing health-related information. Interventions to strengthen HL should aim at improving health care literacy and, moreover, not only address individuals but also consider demands related to the health care system and health professionals' communication skills. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This study investigates the relationship between health literacy and health service use in Germany. The results show that health services are used more often by individuals with low health literacy. Thus, health professionals need to take low health literacy into account in their communication with patients. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2018;2(2):e115-e122.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Berens
- Address correspondence to Eva-Maria Berens, DrPH, Bielefeld University, School of Public Health, Universitaetsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany;
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MacGeorge CA, Simpson KN, Basco WT, Bundy DG. Constipation-Related Emergency Department Use, and Associated Office Visits and Payments Among Commercially Insured Children. Acad Pediatr 2018; 18:952-956. [PMID: 29673883 PMCID: PMC6322666 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pediatric constipation is common, costly, and often managed in the Emergency Department (ED). The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of constipation-related ED visits in a large commercially insured population, the frequency of an office visit in the month before and after these visits, demographic characteristics associated with these office visits, and the ED-associated payments. METHODS Data were extracted from the Truven MarketScan database for commercially insured children from 2012 to 2013. Data on the presence and timing of clinic visits within 30 days before and after an ED constipation visit and demographic variables were extracted. Logistic regression was used to predict an outcome of presence of a visit with independent variables of age, sex, and region of the country. RESULTS In a population of 17 million children aged 0 to 17 years, 448,440 (2.6%) were identified with constipation in at least 1 setting, with 65,163 (14.5%) having an ED visit for constipation. Of all children with a constipation-related ED visit, 45% had no office visit in the 30 days before or after the ED visit. Increasing age was associated with absence of an office visit. The median payment by insurance for an ED constipation visit was $523, the median out-of-pocket payment was $100, for a total of $623 per visit. CONCLUSION One in 7 children with constipation in this commercially insured population received ED care for constipation, many without an outpatient visit in the month before or after. Efforts to improve primary care utilization for this condition should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A MacGeorge
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
| | - Kit N Simpson
- Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - William T Basco
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - David G Bundy
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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