1
|
Marquart J, Salazar JH, Bergner C, Farazi M, Van Arendonk KJ. Location of Treatment Among Infants Requiring Complex Surgical Care. J Surg Res 2023; 292:214-221. [PMID: 37634425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.07.032] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rural children have worse health outcomes compared to urban children. One mechanism for this finding may be decreased access to specialized care at children's hospitals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hospital types where complex surgical care in infants is performed nationally. METHODS This study examined infants (<1 y old) in the Kids' Inpatient Database from 2009 to 2019 who underwent surgery for one of the following conditions: esophageal atresia, gastroschisis, omphalocele, Hirschsprung disease, anorectal malformation, pyloric stenosis, small bowel atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. The relationship between patient residence (rural versus urban) and location of surgical care (children's hospital versus other) was compared in relation to other covariates using multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS Among 29,185 infants undergoing these operations, 16.0% lived in a rural area. Rural infants were more frequently White (64.8% versus 43.4% P < 0.001), from the lowest two income quartiles (86.5% versus 52.0%, P < 0.001), and from the South or Midwest regions (P < 0.001). Surgical care was predominantly (94.1%) provided at urban teaching hospitals but frequently not at children's hospitals, especially among rural infants. After adjusting for other covariates, rural infants were significantly less likely to undergo care at a children's hospital for both 2009 (adjusted odds ratio 0.66, P < 0.001) and 2012-2019 (adjusted odds ratio 0.78, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A sizable portion of complex surgical care in infants is performed outside children's hospitals, especially among those from rural areas. Further work is necessary to ensure adequate access to children's hospitals for rural children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Marquart
- Department of Surgery, Pediatric General Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
| | - Jose H Salazar
- Department of Surgery, Pediatric General Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Carisa Bergner
- Department of Surgery, Pediatric General Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Manzur Farazi
- Department of Surgery, Pediatric General Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Kyle J Van Arendonk
- Department of Surgery, Pediatric General Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Georgeades C, Young SA, Nataliansyah MM, Van Arendonk KJ. Characterizing rural families' experiences receiving pediatric surgical care: A qualitative study. J Rural Health 2023; 39:833-843. [PMID: 37430387 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12777] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Access to pediatric surgical care is influenced by multiple factors, including proximity to care and financial resources. There is limited understanding regarding the process by which rural children acquire surgical care. We qualitatively explored rural families' experiences seeking surgical care for their children at a major children's hospital. METHODS Parents or legal guardians ≥18 years of age with children who received general surgical care at a major children's hospital and who lived in rural areas were included. Operative logs from 2020 to 2021 and postoperative clinic visits were used to identify families. Semi-structured interviews explored rural families' experiences receiving surgical care. Interviews were inductively and deductively analyzed to create codes and identify thematic domains. Twelve interviews (with 15 individuals) were conducted before thematic saturation was reached. FINDINGS Children were predominantly White (92%) and lived a median of 98.3 mi (interquartile range 49.4-147.0 mi) from the hospital. Four thematic domains were identified: (1) Accessing surgical care included difficulties with referral processes and travel/lodging burdens; (2) surgical care processes involved treatment details and provider/hospital expertise; (3) resources for navigating care encompassed families' employment status, financial burden, and technology use; and (4) social support included family situations, emotions and stress, and coping with diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS Rural families experienced difficulties with obtaining referrals, challenges with travel and employment, and the benefits of technology use. These findings can be applied to the development of tools that can ease challenges faced by rural families whose children require surgical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Georgeades
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Staci A Young
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Healthy Communities and Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mochamad Muska Nataliansyah
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kyle J Van Arendonk
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Reppucci ML, Cooper E, Nolan MM, Lyttle BD, Gallagher LT, Jujare S, Stevens J, Moulton SL, Bensard DD, Acker SN. Use of prehospital reverse shock index times Glasgow Coma Scale to identify children who require the most immediate trauma care. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2023; 95:347-353. [PMID: 36899455 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000003903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate prehospital trauma triage ensures transport of children to facilities that provide specialized trauma care. There are currently no objective and generalizable scoring tool for emergency medical services to facilitate such decisions. An abnormal reverse shock index times Glasgow Coma Scale (rSIG), which is calculated using readily available parameters, has been shown to be associated with severely injured children. This study sought to determine if rSIG could be used in the prehospital setting to identify injured children who require the highest levels of care. METHODS Patients (1-18 years old) transferred from the scene to a level 1 pediatric trauma center from 2010 to 2020 with complete prehospital and emergency department vital signs, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores were included. Reverse shock index times GCS was calculated as previously described ((systolic blood pressure/heart rate) × GCS), and the following cutoffs were used: ≤13.1, ≤16.5, and ≤20.1 for 1- to 6-, 7- to 12-, and 13- to 18-year-old patients, respectively. Trauma activation level and clinical outcomes upon arrival to the pediatric trauma center were collected. RESULTS There were 247 patients included in the analysis; 66.0% (163) had an abnormal prehospital rSIG. Patients with an abnormal rSIG had a higher rate of highest-level trauma activation compared with those with a normal rSIG (38.7% vs. 20.2%, p = 0.013). Patients with an abnormal prehospital rSIG also had higher rates of intubation (28.8% vs. 9.52%, p < 0.001), intracranial pressure monitor (9.20 vs. 1.19%, p = 0.032), need for blood (19.6% vs. 8.33%, p = 0.034), laparotomy (7.98% vs. 1.19%, p = 0.039), and intensive care unit admission (54.6% vs. 40.5%, p = 0.049). CONCLUSION Reverse shock index times GCS may assist emergency medical service providers in early identification and triage of severely injured children. An abnormal rSIG in the emergency department is associated with higher rates of intubation, need for blood transfusion, intracranial pressure monitoring, laparotomy, and intensive care unit admission. Use of this metric may help to speed the identification, care, and treatment of any injured child. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina L Reppucci
- From the Department of Surgery (M.L.R.), The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York; Children's Hospital Center for Research in Outcomes for Children's Surgery (E.C.), Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado; Pediatric Surgery (M.M.N., B.D.L., L.T.G., S.J., S.L.M., D.D.B., S.N.A.), Children's Hospital Colorado; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery (B.D.L., L.T.G., S.L.M., D.D.B., S.N.A.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Surgery (J.S.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana; and Pediatric Surgery, Denver Health (D.D.B.), Denver, Colorado
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Barnhart DC, Fallat ME, Grant CA, Houck CS, Deshpande JK, Haas L, Ko CY, Oldham KT. Evolution of the American College of Surgeons Children's Surgery Verification Program: Implications for optimizing multidisciplinary surgical care of the pediatric patient. Semin Pediatr Surg 2023; 32:151276. [PMID: 37150635 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2023.151276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The Children's Surgery Verification Program of the American College of Surgeons began in 2016 based on the standards created by the Task Force for Children's Surgery. This program seeks to improve the surgical care of children by assuring the appropriate resources and robust performance improvement programs at participating centers. Three levels of centers with defined scopes of practice and matching resources are defined. Since its inception more than 50 center have been verified. A specialty hospital program was launched in 2019. The standards for all hospitals were revised in 2021 based on lessons learned. In this article the leaders of the program discuss the development, areas of greatest impact and future directions of the program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas C Barnhart
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Primary Children's Hospital, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Mary E Fallat
- Department of Surgery, Norton Children's Hospital, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Catherine A Grant
- Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Constance S Houck
- Department of Anesthesia, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jayant K Deshpande
- Nemours Children's Hospital Orlando, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Lynn Haas
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Clifford Y Ko
- Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Keith T Oldham
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Hospital Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brown SES, Hall M, Cassidy RB, Zhao X, Kheterpal S, Feudtner C. Tracheostomy, Feeding-Tube, and In-Hospital Postoperative Mortality in Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Anesth Analg 2023; 136:1133-1142. [PMID: 37014983 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromuscular/neurologic disease confers increased risk of perioperative mortality in children. Some patients require tracheostomy and/or feeding tubes to ameliorate upper airway obstruction or respiratory failure and reduce aspiration risk. Empiric differences between patients with and without these devices and their association with postoperative mortality have not been previously assessed. METHODS This retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System measured 3- and 30-day in-hospital postsurgical mortality among children 1 month to 18 years of age with neuromuscular/neurologic disease at 44 US children's hospitals, from April 2016 to October 2018. We summarized differences between patients presenting for surgery with and without these devices using standardized differences. Then, we calculated 3- and 30-day mortality among patients with tracheostomy, feeding tube, both, and neither device, overall and stratified by important exposures, using Fisher exact test to test whether differences were significant. RESULTS There were 43,193 eligible patients. Unadjusted 3-day mortality was 1.3% (549/43,193); 30-day mortality was 2.7% (1168/43,193). Most (79.1%) used neither a feeding tube or tracheostomy, 1.2% had tracheostomy only, 15.5% had feeding tube only, and 4.2% used both devices. Compared to children with neither device, children using either or both devices were more likely to have multiple CCCs, dysphagia, chronic pulmonary disease, cerebral palsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or malnutrition, and a prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay within the previous year. They were less likely to present for high-risk surgeries (33% vs 57%). Having a feeding tube was associated with decreased 3-day mortality overall compared to having neither device (0.9% vs 1.3%, P = .003), and among children having low-risk surgery, and surgery during urgent or emergent hospitalizations. Having both devices was associated with decreased 3-day mortality among children having low-risk surgery (0.8% vs 1.9%; P = .013), and during urgent or emergent hospitalizations (1.6% vs 2.9%; P = .023). For 30-day mortality, having a feeding tube or both devices was associated with lower mortality when the data were stratified by the number of CCCs. CONCLUSIONS Patients requiring tracheostomy, feeding tube, or both are generally sicker than patients without these devices. Despite this, having a feeding tube was associated with lower 3-day mortality overall and lower 30-day mortality when the data were stratified by the number of CCCs. Having both devices was associated with lower 3-day mortality in patients presenting for low-risk surgery, and surgery during urgent or emergent hospitalizations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sydney E S Brown
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Matt Hall
- Children's Hospital Association, Lenexa, Kansas
| | - Ruth B Cassidy
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Xinyi Zhao
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sachin Kheterpal
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Chris Feudtner
- The Pediatric Advanced Care Team, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wyrick D, Cox C. Novel care in the ICU for injured children. Semin Pediatr Surg 2022; 31:151218. [PMID: 36332598 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2022.151218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
7
|
Baschat AA, Blackwell SB, Chatterjee D, Cummings JJ, Emery SP, Hirose S, Hollier LM, Johnson A, Kilpatrick SJ, Luks FI, Menard MK, McCullough LB, Moldenhauer JS, Moon-Grady AJ, Mychaliska GB, Narvey M, Norton ME, Rollins MD, Skarsgard ED, Tsao K, Warner BB, Wilpers A, Ryan G. Care Levels for Fetal Therapy Centers. Obstet Gynecol 2022; 139:1027-1042. [PMID: 35675600 PMCID: PMC9202072 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Fetal therapies undertaken to improve fetal outcome or to optimize transition to neonate life often entail some level of maternal, fetal, or neonatal risk. A fetal therapy center needs access to resources to carry out such therapies and to manage maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications that might arise, either related to the therapy per se or as part of the underlying fetal or maternal condition. Accordingly, a fetal therapy center requires a dedicated operational infrastructure and necessary resources to allow for appropriate oversight and monitoring of clinical performance and to facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration between the relevant specialties. Three care levels for fetal therapy centers are proposed to match the anticipated care complexity, with appropriate resources to achieve an optimal outcome at an institutional and regional level. A level I fetal therapy center should be capable of offering fetal interventions that may be associated with obstetric risks of preterm birth or membrane rupture but that would be very unlikely to require maternal medical subspecialty or intensive care, with neonatal risks not exceeding those of moderate prematurity. A level II center should have the incremental capacity to provide maternal intensive care and to manage extreme neonatal prematurity. A level III therapy center should offer the full range of fetal interventions (including open fetal surgery) and be able manage any of the associated maternal complications and comorbidities, as well as have access to neonatal and pediatric surgical intervention including indicated surgery for neonates with congenital anomalies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet A. Baschat
- Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology &Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Sean B Blackwell
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas, Mc Govern Medical School
| | - Debnath Chatterjee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Children’s Hospital Colorado/Colorado Fetal Care Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | | | - Stephen P. Emery
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Shinjiro Hirose
- Division of Pediatric, General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center
| | - Lisa M. Hollier
- Division of Maternal-Fetal; Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Anthony Johnson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas, Mc Govern Medical School
| | | | - Francois I Luks
- Department of Surgery, Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Hasbro Children’s Hospital
| | - M. Kathryn Menard
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
| | | | - Julie S. Moldenhauer
- Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
| | - Anita J. Moon-Grady
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Clinical Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - George B. Mychaliska
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan
| | - Michael Narvey
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Manitoba
| | - Mary E. Norton
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | - Eric D. Skarsgard
- Centre for Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia
| | - KuoJen Tsao
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas, Mc Govern Medical School
| | - Barbara B. Warner
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine
| | | | - Greg Ryan
- Ontario Fetal Care Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Evans FM, Wake PB, Gathuya ZN, McDougall RJ. Access to Safe Pediatric Anesthesia in LMICs-The Problem Is Clear; It Is Time to Solve It! Anesth Analg 2022; 134:724-727. [PMID: 35299212 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000005924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Faye M Evans
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine and Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pauline B Wake
- Discipline of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | | | - Robert J McDougall
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bouchard ME, Kwon S, Many BT, Vacek JC, Abdullah F, Ghomrawi H. Impact of the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion on tertiary pediatric surgical care. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:502-508. [PMID: 34034883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.04.012] [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: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many children gained insurance with the 2014 Affordable Care Act's (ACA) Medicaid Expansion (ME), yet its impact on access to pediatric tertiary surgical care remains unknown. We examined the effect of ME on rates of elective, ambulatory surgery (EAS), especially among publicly-insured and ethnoracial-minority patients. METHODS Surgical patients ≤18 years between 2012 and 2018 were identified using the Pediatric Health Information System. Interrupted time series analyses were conducted to predict the monthly proportion of publicly-insured patients and EAS rates in ME and nonexpansion states. RESULTS 3,270,842 patients were included. Nonexpansion states demonstrated a 1.10% (p<0.05) increase in the proportion of publicly-insured patients at ACA implementation, which then plateaued. No immediate change was observed in ME states, but there was an annual 1.08% (p<0.01) decrease in subsequent years. Publicly-insured EAS rates decreased by 1.09% (p<0.01) in nonexpansion states; no change was observed in ME states. A 3.36% (p<0.01) increase in EAS rates was observed in nonexpansion and ME states. The gap in EAS rates increased between private and publicly-insured patients in nonexpansion, but not ME states. CONCLUSIONS Increased coverage for children in ME states was not associated with more access to tertiary pediatric surgical care; however, while nonexpansion states saw an increase in insurance-based disparities, ME states did not. Though insurance coverage is critical to access, other factors may be contributing to persistent disparities in access to pediatric surgical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Bouchard
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Soyang Kwon
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Benjamin T Many
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jonathan C Vacek
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Fizan Abdullah
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hassan Ghomrawi
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tashlizky Madar R, Goldberg A, Newman N, Waisman Y, Greenberg D, Adini B. A management model for admission and treatment of pediatric trauma cases. Isr J Health Policy Res 2021; 10:73. [PMID: 34903295 PMCID: PMC8670149 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-021-00506-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric trauma, particularly major trauma cases, are often treated in less than optimal facilities by providers who lack training and experience in treating severely injured children. We aimed to develop a management model for admission and treatment of pediatric trauma using the Theory of Constraints (TOC). METHODS We conducted interviews with 17 highly experienced policy makers, senior nursing managers and medical managers in pediatrics and trauma. The interviews were analyzed by qualitative methods. The TOC was utilized to identify undesirable effects (UDEs) and core challenges, and to design a focused current reality tree (CRT). Subsequently, a management model for optimal admission and treatment of pediatric trauma was constructed. RESULTS The CRT was illustrated according to 4 identified UDEs focusing on lack of: (1) clear definitions of case manager in pediatric trauma; (2) uniform criteria regarding the appropriate site for admitting pediatric trauma, (3) standard guidelines and protocols for treatment of trauma cases and for training of trauma medical teams; and (4) standard guidelines for evacuating pediatric trauma patients. The management model for treatment and admission of pediatric trauma is based on 3 major elements: human resources, hospital policy concerning the appropriate emergency department (ED) for pediatric trauma patients and clear definitions regarding children and trauma levels. Each of the elements contains components that should be clearly defined in order for a medical center to be designated for admitting and treating pediatric trauma patients. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis suggests that the optimal ED for pediatric trauma cases is one with available operating rooms, intensive care beds, an imaging unit, laboratories and equipment suitable for treating children as well as with staff trained to treat children with trauma. To achieve optimal outcomes, medical centers in Israel should be classified according to their trauma treatment capabilities and their ability to treat varied severities of pediatric trauma cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Avishay Goldberg
- Department of Health Systems Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba, Israel
- PREPARED Center for Emergency Response Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba, Israel
| | - Nitza Newman
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Yehezkel Waisman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel
- School of Continuing Medical Education, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - David Greenberg
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Pediatrics Department, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Bruria Adini
- Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Development of a Standardized Program for the Collaboration of Adult and Children's Surgeons. J Surg Res 2021; 269:36-43. [PMID: 34517187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.07.038] [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: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children's hospitals within larger hospitals (CH/LH) have the specific clinical advantage of easily facilitated collaboration between adult and children's surgeons. These collaborations, which we have termed hybrid surgical offerings (HSOs) are often required for disease processes requiring interventions that fall outside the customary practice of children's surgeons. Formal models to describe or evaluate these practices are lacking. METHODS HSOs within a CH/LH were identified. Principles of systems-engineering were used to develop a standardized model (Children's Hybrid Enhanced Surgical Services [CHESS]) to describe and evaluate HSOs. Face validity was established via unstructured interviews of CH leaders and HSO surgeons. Areas for improved system-wide standardization and programmatic development were identified. RESULTS HSOs were identified in collaboration with adult bariatric, minimally invasive, advanced endoscopic, endocrine, thoracic, and orthopedic trauma surgical services. The CHESS framework encompassed: 1) quality improvement metrics, 2) credentialing and oversight, 3) transitions of care, 4) pediatric family-centered care, 5) maintenance of the cycle of expertise, 6) continuing medical education, 7) scholarship. While HSOs fulfilled the majority of aforementioned programmatic domains across all six HSO-providing services, areas for improvement included maintaining a cycle of expertise (33%), quality improvement metrics (50%), and pediatric family-centered care (66%). Additional noted advantages included faster translation of adult innovation to pediatric care and facilitation of emergency interdisciplinary care. CONCLUSION Formal evaluation of HSOs is necessary to standardize and improve the quality of children's surgical care. Development of a structured framework such as CHESS addresses gaps in quality oversight and provides a basis for performance improvement, patient safety, and programmatic development.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2015, the American College of Surgeons began its Children's Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program, promulgating standards intended to promote regionalization and improve pediatric surgical care. It was hypothesized that pediatric surgical care was already highly regionalized and concentrated before implementation of the program. This study aimed to demonstrate this by describing the sites and volume of nonambulatory pediatric surgery. METHODS A two-part, retrospective, cross-sectional analysis was performed. First, six all-encounter state inpatient data sets (Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, and New York from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project and Massachusetts from the Center for Health Information) were used to evaluate all procedures performed within specific hospitals in 2014. Next, a national sample data set (2016 Kids' Inpatient Database) was used to determine the generalizability of the single state results. All acute care hospital admissions for patients less than 18 yr of age were included to describe the nature and location of all surgical procedures therein by patient age, surgical specialty, procedure type, and hospital service breadth. RESULTS Within the six study states, there were 713 hospitals, of which 635 (89.1%) admitted patients less than 18 yr old, and 516 (72.4%) reported pediatric procedures. Among these, there were 9 specialty hospitals and 39 hospitals with services comparable to independent children's hospitals. Of 153,587 procedures among 1,065,655 pediatric admissions, 127,869 (83.3%) took place within these 48 centers. This fraction decreased with age (89.9% of patients less than 2 yr old and 68.5% of 15- to 17-yr-olds), varied slightly by specialty, and was similar across states. Outside of specialized centers, teenagers accounted for 47.4% of all procedures. Within the national data sample, the concentration was similar: 8.7% (328 of 3,777) of all hospitals admitting children were responsible for 90.1% (793,905 of 881,049) of all procedures, with little regional variation. CONCLUSIONS Before the American College of Surgeons Children's Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program, the vast majority of pediatric nonambulatory surgeries were already confined to a small subset of high-capability and specialty centers. EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE
Collapse
|
13
|
Abouleish AE, Vinta SR, Shabot SM, Patel NV, Hurwitz EE, Krishnamurthy P, Simon M. Improving agreement of ASA physical status class between pre-anesthesia screening and day of surgery by adding institutional-specific and ASA-approved examples: a quality improvement project. Perioper Med (Lond) 2020; 9:34. [PMID: 33292640 PMCID: PMC7677831 DOI: 10.1186/s13741-020-00162-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A successful anesthesia pre-assessment clinic needs to identify patients who need further testing, evaluation, and optimization prior to the day of surgery to avoid delays and cancelations. Although the ASA Physical Status Classification system (ASA PS) has been used widely for over 50 years, it has poor interrater agreement when only using the definitions. In 2014, ASA-approved examples for each ASA physical status class (ASA PS). In this quality improvement study, we developed and evaluated the effectiveness of institutional-specific examples on interrater reliability between anesthesia pre-anesthesia clinic (APAC) and the day of surgery evaluation (DOS). METHODS A multi-step, multi-year quality improvement project was performed. Step 1, pre-intervention, was a retrospective review to determine the percentage agreement of ASA PS assignment between APAC and DOS for adult and pediatric patients. Step 2 was a retrospective review of the step 1 cases where the ASA PS assignment differed to determine which medical conditions were valued differently and then develop institutional-specific examples for medical conditions not addressed by ASA-approved examples. Step 3 was to educate clinicians about the newly implemented examples and how they should be used as a guide. Step 4, post-intervention, was a retrospective review to determine if the examples improved agreement between APAC and DOS ASA PS assignments. Weighted Kappa coefficient was used to measure of interrater agreement excluding chance agreement. RESULTS Having only ASA PS definitions available, APAC and DOS agreement was only 74% for adults (n = 737) and 63% for pediatric patients (n = 216). For adults, 20 medical co-morbidity categories and, for pediatric patients, 9 medical co-morbidity categories accounted for > 90% the differences in ASA PS. After development and implementation of institutional-specific examples with ASA-approved examples, the percentage agreement increased for adult patients (n = 795) to 91% and for pediatric patients (n = 239) to 84%. Weighted Kappa coefficients increased significantly for all patients (from 0.62 to 0.85, p < .0001), adult patients (from 0.62 to 0.86, p < .0001), and pediatric patients (from 0.48 to 0.78, p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS ASA-approved examples do not address all medical conditions that account for differences in the assignment of ASA PS between pre-anesthesia screening and day of anesthesia evaluation at our institution. The process of developing institutional-specific examples addressed the medical conditions that caused differences in assignment at one institution. The implementation of ASA PS examples improved consistency of assignment, and therefore communication of medical conditions of patients presenting for anesthesia care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amr E. Abouleish
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd. Rt 0877, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Sandhya R. Vinta
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd. Rt 0877, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Sarah M. Shabot
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd. Rt 0877, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Nikul V. Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd. Rt 0877, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Erin E. Hurwitz
- Affiliated Anesthesiologists, LLC, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 USA
| | | | - Michelle Simon
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd. Rt 0877, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Knotts CM, Prange EJ, Orminski K, Thompson S, Richmond BK. The Provision of Acute Pediatric Surgical Care by Adult Acute Care General Surgeons : Is There a Learning Curve? Am Surg 2020; 86:1640-1646. [PMID: 32683921 DOI: 10.1177/0003134820933251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At our hospital, acute surgical care of children aged 6 and older is managed by adult acute care surgeons. Previously published data from a 10-year experience with this model demonstrated no differences in outcomes when compared with pediatric surgical benchmark data. This study assesses for the effects of a learning curve in the care of pediatric patients by comparing outcomes of patients treated in the first three years with those treated in the last 3 years during a 10-year experience with this model. DESIGN This was a retrospective study of pediatric patients aged 6 and older who underwent an emergent or urgent, nontrauma surgical procedure by a general surgeon. Data was obtained via chart review and descriptive statistics were compared between patients operated on between January 1, 2009-January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2016-January 1, 2019. RESULTS In all, 208 cases were performed in the early cohort and 192 cases in the late cohort. Appendectomy was the most common procedure in both intervals (88% early, 94.8% late). Although there was a significant decrease in open procedures in the later cohort (22.6% vs 4.7%, P < .001), there was no significant change in disease-specific complications or negative appendectomies. No consults to a fellowship-trained pediatric surgeon were required during either time period, although one was available if needed. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrated a decrease in the number of open procedures in the later cohort. This may be due to an increased comfort level with pediatric laparoscopy over time. However, no significant changes in outcomes were observed. This study supports that acute care general surgeons can provide comparable care to pediatric patients within this age demographic and that although a learning curve, appears to exist with respect to pediatric laparoscopy, it is insignificant in terms of its effect on overall outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea M Knotts
- 12355Department of Surgery, West Virginia University/Charleston Division, Charleston, WV, USA
| | - Edward J Prange
- 12355West Virginia University School of Medicine/Charleston Division, Charleston, WV, USA
| | - Krysta Orminski
- 12355West Virginia University School of Medicine/Charleston Division, Charleston, WV, USA
| | - Stephanie Thompson
- 20205Charleston Area Medical Center Health Education and Research Institute, Charleston, WV, USA
| | - Bryan K Richmond
- 12355Department of Surgery, West Virginia University/Charleston Division, Charleston, WV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang KS, Cummings J, Stark A, Houck C, Oldham K, Grant C, Fallat M. Optimizing Resources in Children's Surgical Care: An Update on the American College of Surgeons' Verification Program. Pediatrics 2020; 145:peds.2020-0708. [PMID: 32312909 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-0708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Surgical procedures are performed in the United States in a wide variety of clinical settings and with variation in clinical outcomes. In May 2012, the Task Force for Children's Surgical Care, an ad hoc multidisciplinary group comprising physicians representing specialties relevant to pediatric perioperative care, was convened to generate recommendations to optimize the delivery of children's surgical care. This group generated a white paper detailing the consensus opinions of the involved experts. Following these initial recommendations, the American College of Surgeons (ACS), Children's Hospital Association, and Task Force for Children's Surgical Care, with input from all related perioperative specialties, developed and published specific and detailed resource and quality standards designed to improve children's surgical care (https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/childrens-surgery/childrens-surgery-verification). In 2015, with the endorsement of the American Academy of Pediatrics (https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/135/6/e1538), the ACS established a pilot verification program. In January 2017, after completion of the pilot program, the ACS Children's Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program was officially launched. Verified sites are listed on the program Web site at https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/childrens-surgery/childrens-surgery-verification/centers, and more than 150 are interested in verification. This report provides an update on the ACS Children's Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program as it continues to evolve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasper S Wang
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California and Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California;
| | | | - Ann Stark
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Constance Houck
- Division of Perioperative Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Keith Oldham
- Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | | | - Mary Fallat
- Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
McEvoy CS, Ross-Li D, Held JM, Jones DA, Rice-Townsend S, Weldon CB, Ricca RL. Geographic distance to pediatric surgical care within the continental United States. J Pediatr Surg 2019; 54:1112-1117. [PMID: 30922686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Geographic proximity to pediatric surgical care has not been evaluated using the Decennial Census nor have racial, ethnic, gender, or urbanization variations been reported. This study's aim is to describe proximity of children living in the continental U.S. to a pediatric surgeon with respect to these variations. METHODS The 2010 American Pediatric Surgical Association member file and the 2010 Decennial Census were used to calculate straight-line distances between pediatric surgeons' zip code centroids and census block centroids. RESULTS In 2010, 716 practicing pediatric surgeons were identified, 6,182,882 populated Census blocks were identified, and 73,690,271 children were enumerated. Of white non-Hispanic children, 30.1% lived greater than 40 miles from care. Of Native American children, 40.5% lived more than 60 miles from care. Among children 0-5 years of age, the median (IQR) miles to closest pediatric surgeon was 14.2 (6.2, 39.6), and 3,010,698 of these children lived more than 60 miles from care. CONCLUSION More than 10 million children lived greater than 60 miles from a pediatric surgeon in 2010. Racial, ethnic, age, and urbanization variations in proximity to pediatric surgeons were present. This method is feasible to describe distance-to-care with the upcoming 2020 Decennial Census and may benefit future allocation of pediatric surgeons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian S McEvoy
- Department of Surgery, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA; Department of Heath Analysis, Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, Portsmouth, VA.
| | - Dan Ross-Li
- University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Chicago, IL
| | - Jenny M Held
- Department of Surgery, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA
| | - Darcy A Jones
- Department of Surgery, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA
| | - Samuel Rice-Townsend
- Departments of Surgery, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Christopher B Weldon
- Departments of Surgery, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Robert L Ricca
- Department of Surgery, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Emil S, Langer JC, Blair G, Miller G, Aspirot A, Brisseau G, Hancock BJ. The Canadian pediatric surgery workforce: A 5-year prospective study. J Pediatr Surg 2019; 54:1009-1012. [PMID: 30795911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2014, a survey study of the Canadian pediatric surgery workforce predicted a need for 2 new pediatric surgeons/yr. in Canada. We sought to assess these predictions and evaluate the status of the workforce. METHODS With IRB approval, a web-based survey was sent to pediatric surgery division chiefs in Canada each year (2013-2017). The survey data included: number of practicing pediatric surgeons, full time equivalent (FTE) positions, and fellowship graduates. RESULTS There was a 100% response rate (18 divisions). From 2013 to 2017, the number of practicing pediatric surgeons and FTE positions increased (73 to 78, and 64.6 to 67.5, respectively). Eleven positions were vacated (4 retirement, 7 new practice), and 18 were filled. Eight were filled by new Canadian graduates, 7 by Canadians previously working in Canada or abroad, and 3 by European surgeons. Thirty-eight fellows completed training in Canada, including 24 non-Canadians who all left Canada. Nine Canadians who started practicing immediately after fellowship took positions in Canada (5) and the US (4). CONCLUSIONS Predictions made in 2014 were largely accurate. There has been modest growth in the Canadian pediatric surgery workforce over the last 5 years. A significant mismatch continues to exist between Canadian pediatric surgery graduates and attending staff positions. TYPE OF STUDY Survey. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Emil
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGill University Faculty of Medicine &The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Jacob C Langer
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoffrey Blair
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Grant Miller
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Ann Aspirot
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guy Brisseau
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - B J Hancock
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yousef Y, St-Louis E, Baird R, Smith ER, Guadagno E, St-Vil D, Poenaru D. A systematic review of capacity assessment tools in pediatric surgery: Global Assessment in Pediatric Surgery (GAPS) Phase I. J Pediatr Surg 2019; 54:831-837. [PMID: 30638893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery highlighted global surgical need but offered little insight into the specific surgical challenges of children in low-resource settings. Efforts to strengthen the quality of global pediatric surgical care have resulted in a proliferation of partnerships between low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). Standardized tools able to reliably measure gaps in delivery and quality of care are important aids for these partnerships. We undertook a systematic review (SR) of capacity assessment tools (CATs) focused on needs assessment in pediatric surgery. METHODS A comprehensive search strategy of multiple electronic databases was conducted per PRISMA guidelines without linguistic or temporal restrictions. CATs were selected according to pre-defined inclusion criteria. Articles were assessed by two independent reviewers. Methodological quality of studies was appraised using the COSMIN checklist with 4-point scale. RESULTS The search strategy generated 16,641 original publications, of which three CATs were deemed eligible. Eligible tools were either excessively detailed or oversimplified. None used weighted scores to identify finer granularity between institutions. No CATs comprehensively included measures of resources, outcomes, accessibility/impact and training. DISCUSSION The results of this study identify the need for a CAT capable of objectively measuring key aspects of surgical capacity and performance in a weighted tool designed for pediatric surgical centers in LMICs. TYPE OF STUDY Systematic Review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Yousef
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Montreal Children's Hospital; Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Département de chirurgie générale pédiatrique.
| | - Etienne St-Louis
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Montreal Children's Hospital
| | - Robert Baird
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Montreal Children's Hospital
| | | | - Elena Guadagno
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Montreal Children's Hospital
| | - Dickens St-Vil
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Département de chirurgie générale pédiatrique
| | - Dan Poenaru
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Montreal Children's Hospital
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Impact of disease-specific volume and hospital transfer on outcomes in gastroschisis. J Pediatr Surg 2019; 54:65-69. [PMID: 30343976 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastroschisis, a surgical condition requiring complex interdisciplinary care, may benefit from treatment at higher volume centers. Recent studies on surgical volume and outcomes have conflicting findings. METHODS Data were collected prospectively on newborns ≥1500 g with gastroschisis born 2009-2015, admitted to 159 US centers, and separated into terciles based on number of annual gastroschisis repairs. Infants transferred after gastroschisis repair were excluded. RESULTS There were 4663 infants included: 307 from 53 low, 1201 from 55 medium, and 3155 from 51 high volume centers. Infants at high volume centers had higher rates of intestinal atresia (P = 0.04) and outborn status (P < 0.0001). Outborn infants (N = 1134) had higher rates of gastrostomy/jejunostomy placement (P < 0.001). Mortality was universally low (2.0% low, 2.4% medium, and 1.7% high; 2.0% outborn and 1.9% inborn). On multivariate analysis, mortality, sepsis rates, and length of stay did not differ by center volume. Outborn status was associated with longer length of stay (P = 0.001), not mortality or sepsis. CONCLUSION Infant characteristics and management vary based on gastroschisis surgical volume and transfer status. Center volume and early transfers were not associated with mortality. Further investigation to identify subsets of gastroschisis infants who would benefit from care at higher volume centers is warranted. TYPE OF STUDY Prognosis study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II.
Collapse
|
20
|
Tom CM, Won RP, Lee AD, Friedlander S, Sakai-Bizmark R, Lee SL. Outcomes and Costs of Common Surgical Procedures at Children's and Nonchildren's Hospitals. J Surg Res 2018; 232:63-71. [PMID: 30463784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variations in the management of pediatric patients at children's hospitals (CHs) and non-CHs (NCHs) have been well described, especially within the trauma literature. However, little is known about the outcomes and costs of common general surgical procedures at NCHs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of CH designation on the outcomes and costs of appendectomy and cholecystectomy. METHODS The Kids' Inpatient Database (2003-2012) was queried for patients aged under 18 y who underwent appendectomy or cholecystectomy at CHs and NCHs. Outcomes analyzed included disease severity, complications, laparoscopy, length of stay (LOS), and cost. RESULTS Most of appendectomies and cholecystectomies were performed at NCHs. Overall, CHs cared for younger children were more likely to be teaching hospitals, had higher costs, and longer LOS. On multivariate analysis for appendectomies, CHs were associated with higher rates of perforated appendicitis (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.42-1.66, P < 0.001), less complications (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.61-0.75, P < 0.001), increased laparoscopy (OR = 2.93, 95% CI = 2.36-3.64, P < 0.001), longer LOS (RR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.09-1.17, P < 0.001), and higher costs (exponentiated log $ = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.13-1.24, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis for cholecystectomies revealed that CHs were associated with less laparoscopy (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.50-0.67, P < 0.001), longer LOS (RR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.19-1.34, P < 0.001), and higher costs (exponentiated log $ = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.22-1.37, P < 0.001) with similar complications. Independent predictors of LOS and cost included CH designation, negative appendectomy, perforated appendicitis, complications, younger age, black patients, and public insurance. CONCLUSIONS Variations in surgical management, outcomes, and costs after appendectomy and cholecystectomy exist between CHs and NCHs. CHs excelled in treating complicated appendicitis. NCHs effectively performed cholecystectomies. These differences in outcomes require further investigation to identify modifiable factors to optimize care across all hospitals for these common surgical diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M Tom
- Department of Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Roy P Won
- Department of Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Alexander D Lee
- Department of Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Scott Friedlander
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California; Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, California
| | - Rie Sakai-Bizmark
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California; Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, California
| | - Steven L Lee
- Department of Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California; Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California; Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, California.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Hospital care for children is becoming more concentrated, with interhospital transfer occurring more frequently even for common conditions. Condition-specific analysis is required to determine the value, costs, and consequences of this trend. OBJECTIVES To describe the capabilities of transferring and receiving hospitals and to determine how often children transferred after an initial diagnosis of abdominal pain or appendicitis require higher levels of care. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective cohort analysis using the 2 most recent available inpatient and emergency department administrative data sets from all acute care hospitals in California from 2010 to 2011 and Florida, Massachusetts, and New York from 2013 to 2014. Data were analyzed between February and June 2018. All patients younger than 18 years with a primary diagnosis of abdominal pain or appendicitis who underwent an interhospital transfer and whose care could be matched through unique identifiers were included. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Outcomes after hospital transfers, classified into encounters with major surgical procedures, imaging diagnostics, and no major procedures. Pediatric Hospital Capability Index of transferring and receiving hospitals. RESULTS There were 465 143 pediatric hospital encounters for abdominal pain and appendicitis, including 53 517 inpatient admissions and 15 275 transfers. Among them, 4469 could be matched to encounters in receiving hospitals. The median (interquartile range) age of this cohort was 10 (7-14) years, with 54.8% female (2449 patients), 40.9% male (1830 patients), and 4.3% unreported sex (190 patients). The increase in capability at the receiving hospital compared with the transferring hospital was large (median [interquartile range] change in Pediatric Hospital Capability Index score, 0.70 [0.54-0.82]), with 9.2% of hospitals (57) with very high capability (Pediatric Hospital Capability Index score >0.77) receiving 80.8% of the total transfers (3610). Diagnostic imaging was undertaken in the care of 710 transferred patients (15.9%) and invasive procedures were performed in 2421 patients (54.2%), including 2153 appendectomies. No imaging or surgery was required in the care of 1338 transfers (29.9%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, interfacility transfers of patients with appendicitis and abdominal pain were concentrated toward high-capability hospitals, and about 30% of patients were released without apparent intervention. These findings suggest an opportunity for improving care and decreasing cost through better interfacility coordination, such as standardized management protocols and telemedicine with high-capability hospitals. Further research is needed to identify similar opportunities among other common conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urbano L. França
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael L. McManus
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tom CM, Won RP, Friedlander S, Sakai-Bizmark R, Virgilio CD, Lee SL. Impact of Children's Hospital Designation on Outcomes and Costs after Cholecystectomy in Adolescent Patients. Am Surg 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/000313481808401001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Variations in the management of adolescents at children's hospitals (CHs) and nonchildren's hospitals (NCHs) have been well described in the trauma literature. However, the effects of CH designation on outcomes after common general surgical procedures have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes and costs of adolescent cholecystectomies performed at CHs and NCHs. Within the California State Inpatient Database (2005–2011), we identified 8117 cholecystectomy patients aged 13 to 18 years at CHs and NCHs. Outcomes (laparoscopy, intraoperative cholangiogram, length of stay (LOS), and complications) and costs were analyzed. CHs cared for younger patients, more uninsured patients, and more black patients. NCHs were associated with higher laparoscopy use (95.7% vs 88.3%, P < 0.01), higher intra-operative cholangiogram rates (28.8% vs 11.9%, P < 0.001), shorter LOS (3.2 vs 5.0 days, P < 0.01), and lower costs by $5797 per patient ($11,219 vs $17,016, P < 0.01). Although there was no significant difference in overall complication rates, CHs had higher rates of infectious complications (2.0% vs 1.0%, P = 0.004). Adolescent cholecystectomies are safely performed at NCHs while achieving increased laparoscopy use, shorter LOS, and lower costs compared with CHs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M. Tom
- Department of Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Roy P. Won
- Department of Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Scott Friedlander
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, California
| | - Rie Sakai-Bizmark
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, California
| | - Christian De Virgilio
- Department of Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, California
| | - Steven L. Lee
- Department of Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, California
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Colvin JD, Hall M, Thurm C, Bettenhausen JL, Gottlieb L, Shah SS, Fieldston ES, Goldin AB, Melzer SM, Conway PH, Chung PJ. Hypothetical Network Adequacy Schemes For Children Fail To Ensure Patients’ Access To In-Network Children’s Hospital. Health Aff (Millwood) 2018; 37:873-880. [DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2017.1339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D. Colvin
- Jeffrey D. Colvin is an associate professor in the Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Children’s Mercy Hospital, in Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Matt Hall
- Matt Hall is principal biostatistician at the Children’s Hospital Association, in Overland Park, Kansas
| | - Cary Thurm
- Cary Thurm is a research analyst at the Children’s Hospital Association
| | - Jessica L. Bettenhausen
- Jessica L. Bettenhausen is an associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Children’s Mercy Hospital
| | - Laura Gottlieb
- Laura Gottlieb is an associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco
| | - Samir S. Shah
- Samir S. Shah is a professor and the James M. Ewell Endowed Chair in the Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, in Ohio
| | - Evan S. Fieldston
- Evan S. Fieldston is medical director of clinical operations, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and an assistant professor of pediatrics in the School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia
| | - Adam B. Goldin
- Adam B. Goldin is an associate professor of surgery, Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Seattle Children’s Hospital, in Washington
| | - Sanford M. Melzer
- Sanford M. Melzer is executive vice president for networks and population health, Seattle Children’s Hospital
| | - Patrick H. Conway
- Patrick H. Conway is president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, in Durham
| | - Paul J. Chung
- Paul J. Chung is a professor of pediatrics and of health policy and management, University of California Los Angeles
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kvasnovsky CL, Lumpkins K, Diaz JJ, Chun JY. Emergency pediatric surgery: Comparing the economic burden in specialized versus nonspecialized children's centers. J Pediatr Surg 2018. [PMID: 29525274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American College of Surgeons has developed a verification program for children's surgery centers. Highly specialized hospitals may be verified as Level I, while those with fewer dedicated resources as Level II or Level III, respectively. We hypothesized that more specialized children's centers would utilize more resources. STUDY DESIGN We performed a retrospective study of the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) database from 2009 to 2013. We assessed total charge, length of stay (LOS), and charge per day for all inpatients with an emergency pediatric surgery diagnosis, controlling for severity of illness (SOI). Using published resources, we assigned theoretical level designations to each hospital. RESULTS Two hospitals would qualify as Level 1 hospitals, with 4593 total emergency pediatric surgery admissions (38.5%) over the five-year study period. Charges were significantly higher for children treated at Level I hospitals (all P<0.0001). Across all SOI, children at Level I hospitals had significantly longer LOS (all P<0.0001). CONCLUSION Hospitals defined as Level II and Level III provided the majority of care and were able to do so with shorter hospitalizations and lower charges, regardless of SOI. As care shifts towards specialized centers, this charge differential may have significant impact on future health care costs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III Cost Effectiveness Study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte L Kvasnovsky
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Kimberly Lumpkins
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jose J Diaz
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Program in Trauma, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jeannie Y Chun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Providence Children's Health, Portland, OR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Litz CN, Ciesla DJ, Danielson PD, Chandler NM. Effect of hospital type on the treatment of acute appendicitis in teenagers. J Pediatr Surg 2018; 53:446-448. [PMID: 28408075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.03.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teenagers receive appendicitis care at both adult and pediatric facilities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes following treatment of acute appendicitis in teenagers based on the type of hospital facility. METHODS Patients aged 13-17years with acute appendicitis who were discharged from acute care hospitals from 2009 to 2014 were identified using a statewide discharge dataset. Hospitals were classified as pediatric or adult and outcomes were compared. RESULTS There were 5585 patients treated in adult hospitals and 1625 in pediatric hospitals. Fewer patients at adult hospitals had complicated appendicitis (20.4% vs. 33.0%, p<0.01). Open appendectomy occurred more often in adult hospitals compared to pediatric hospitals (12.6% vs. 6.0%, p<0.01). Pediatric hospitals had higher rates of non-operative management (10% vs. 3.4%, p<0.01) and percutaneous drain placement (1.2% vs. 0.4%, p<0.01). Postoperative complication rates did not significantly differ between hospital types. CONCLUSION Most teenagers undergo appendectomy at adult facilities; however, a greater proportion of younger patients and patients with complicated appendicitis is treated at pediatric hospitals. Treatment at a freestanding children's hospital results in lower rates of open procedures and no difference in complications. Opportunities may exist to standardize care across treating facilities to optimize outcomes and resource use. TYPE OF STUDY Prognosis study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristen N Litz
- Johns Hopkins All, Children's Hospital, Outpatient Care Center, 601 5(th) Street South, Dept 70-6600, 3(rd) Floor, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701.
| | - David J Ciesla
- University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 1 Tampa General Circle, G417, Tampa, FL 33606.
| | - Paul D Danielson
- Johns Hopkins All, Children's Hospital, Outpatient Care Center, 601 5(th) Street South, Dept 70-6600, 3(rd) Floor, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701.
| | - Nicole M Chandler
- Johns Hopkins All, Children's Hospital, Outpatient Care Center, 601 5(th) Street South, Dept 70-6600, 3(rd) Floor, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
O’Leary JD, Dexter F, Faraoni D, Crawford MW. Incidence of non-physiologically complex surgical procedures performed in children: an Ontario population-based study of health administrative data. Can J Anaesth 2017; 65:23-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s12630-017-0993-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
27
|
Johnson Q, McVey J. Enhancing Pediatric Perioperative Patient Safety. AORN J 2017; 106:434-442. [PMID: 29107262 DOI: 10.1016/j.aorn.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
28
|
Farmer DL. Audacious Goals - 2.0 The Global Initiative for Children's Surgery. J Pediatr Surg 2017; 53:S0022-3468(17)30629-2. [PMID: 29173774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This is the Presidential Address given at the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) held in Hollywood, Florida, from May 4-7, 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Lee Farmer
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, UC Davis Children's Hospital.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cairo S, Kakembo N, Kisa P, Muzira A, Cheung M, Healy J, Ozgediz D, Sekabira J. Disparity in access and outcomes for emergency neonatal surgery: intestinal atresia in Kampala, Uganda. Pediatr Surg Int 2017; 33:907-915. [PMID: 28677072 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-017-4120-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Intestinal atresia is one of the leading causes of neonatal intestinal obstruction (NIO). The purpose of this study was to analyze the presentation and outcome of IA and compare with those from both similar and high-income country settings. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from patient charts and pediatric surgical database for 2012-2015 was performed. Epidemiological data and patient characteristics were analyzed and outcomes were compared with those reported in other LMICs and high-income countries (HICs). Unmet need was calculated along with economic valuation or economic burden of surgical disease. RESULTS Of 98 patients, 42.9% were male. 35 patients had duodenal atresia (DA), 60 had jejunio-ileal atresia (JIA), and 3 had colonic atresia. The mean age at presentation was 7.14 days for DA and 6.7 days for JIA. Average weight for DA and JIA was 2.2 and 2.12 kg, respectively. All patients with DA and colonic atresia underwent surgery, and 88.3% of patients with JIA had surgery. Overall mortality was 43% with the majority of deaths attributable to aspiration, anastomotic leak, and sepsis. 3304 DALYs were calculated as met compared to 25,577 DALYs' unmet. CONCLUSION Patients with IA in Uganda present late in the clinical course with high morbidity and mortality attributable to a combination of late presentation, poor nutrition status, surgical complications, and likely underreporting of associated anomalies rather than surgical morbidity alone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, Case series with no comparison group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cairo
- Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Nasser Kakembo
- Department of Surgery, Mulago-Makerere University Teaching Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Phyllis Kisa
- Department of Surgery, Mulago-Makerere University Teaching Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Arlene Muzira
- Department of Surgery, Mulago-Makerere University Teaching Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maija Cheung
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - James Healy
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Doruk Ozgediz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
- Global Partners in Anesthesia and Surgery (GPAS), Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Sekabira
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate and timely triage is an essential component of a trauma system. In the state of Ohio, there are 6 verified pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) across 8 state regions. The purpose of this study was to better understand the pediatric undertriage rates in the state. METHODS We used the Ohio Trauma Registry from 2007 to 2012, consisting of 14,045 records of children younger than 16 years admitted to a hospital for more than 48 hours or who sustained a traumatic death. Pediatric undertriage was defined as not being directly transported to a PTC when one was available within 30 minutes or not being transferred to a PTC within 2 hours of injury. RESULTS The state pediatric undertriage rate was 52%, only decreasing to 35% when up to a 4-hour transfer time was allowed. Across state trauma regions, undertriage rates varied from 94% to 40%. More than 28% of injured children had access to a PTC within 30 minutes of their home. A trauma center (adult or pediatric) was within 30 minutes for 66% of the children, yet 32% of the children went to a nontrauma center first. Overall, 29% of children never made it to a PTC, and 4% of children remained at a nontrauma center, with regional variation from 5% to 0.5%. Statewide mortality was nearly 3%, with regional variations between 5% and 0.4%. Mortality rate within the appropriately triaged group was 5.3%, while mortality rate in the undertriage group was only 0.7%. Overall, 53% of transferred patients had a more than 2-hour transfer time. CONCLUSIONS Despite the significant number of PTCs in Ohio, there remains a high undertriage rate with significant regional variations and long transfer times. Continued analysis will be useful in furthering trauma system development for the injured child. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic/care management study, level IV; epidemiological, level IV.
Collapse
|
31
|
The American College of Surgeons Children's Surgery Verification and Quality Improvement Program. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2017; 30:376-382. [DOI: 10.1097/aco.0000000000000467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
32
|
Rangel SJ. Moving the needle toward high-quality pediatric surgical care: How can we achieve this goal through prioritization, measurement and more effective collaboration? J Pediatr Surg 2017; 52:669-676. [PMID: 28190557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the American College of Surgeons Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP-Pediatric) has greatly improved upon our ability to measure, benchmark and compare outcomes as they relate to pediatric surgical care. Several factors have served to mold the program's evolution and data collection paradigm over time. These have included a broader understanding of what quality measures should be captured and compared from the perspectives of different stakeholders, identification of conditions where quality and process improvement efforts may have the greatest relative impact from a public health perspective, and increasing evidence in support of collaborative networks to accelerate quality improvement through the dissemination of best practices. The purpose of today's lecture is to review these factors in the context of a comprehensive road map for optimizing the quality of pediatric surgical care, and the role that NSQIP-Pediatric has and will continue to play as the foundation supporting this road map.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn J Rangel
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Burki S, Fraser CD. Larger Centers May Produce Better Outcomes: Is Regionalization in Congenital Heart Surgery a Superior Model? Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Pediatr Card Surg Annu 2017; 19:10-3. [PMID: 27060037 DOI: 10.1053/j.pcsu.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Efforts to correlate outcomes of children undergoing heart surgery with center volume and characteristics are not novel. In the current era, outcomes are defined as, and in many cases limited to, mortality rates. Over the past two decades, several investigators have explored various aspects of the volume-mortality relationship. The association between center volume and mortality, although not uniform, is highly implicated by the current literature. Notwithstanding, varied population densities in the United States makes regionalization of specialized services, such as pediatric cardiac surgery, undeniably challenging. There may be an unfortunate reality that larger centers have some advantage in achieving, at the very least, timely measures. However, as pediatric cardiac surgery progresses as a specialty, the definition of 'outcomes' must be expanded beyond simplified, dichotomous parameters. While mortality has been our historical primary focus, as it should be, it is reasonable to propose that our focus should be increasingly refined towards patient- and family-centric measures, including morbidity, cost/value ratio, and overall hospital experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Burki
- Department of Congenital Heart Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Charles D Fraser
- Department of Congenital Heart Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Muffly MK, Medeiros D, Muffly TM, Singleton MA, Honkanen A. The Geographic Distribution of Pediatric Anesthesiologists Relative to the US Pediatric Population. Anesth Analg 2016; 125:261-267. [PMID: 27984248 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000001645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The geographic relationship between pediatric anesthesiologists and the pediatric population has potentially important clinical and policy implications. In the current study, we describe the geographic distribution of pediatric anesthesiologists relative to the US pediatric population (0-17 years) and a subset of the pediatric population (0-4 years). METHODS The percentage of the US pediatric population that lives within different driving distances to the nearest pediatric anesthesiologist (0 to 25 miles, >25 to 50 miles, >50 to 100 miles, >100 to 250 miles, and >250 miles) was determined by creating concentric driving distance service areas surrounding pediatric anesthesiologist practice locations. US Census block groups were used to determine the sum pediatric population in each anesthesiologist driving distance service area. The pediatric anesthesiologist-to-pediatric population ratio was then determined for each of the 306 hospital referral regions (HRRs) in the United States and compared with ratios of other physician groups to the pediatric population. All geographic mapping and analysis was performed using ArcGIS Desktop 10.2.2 mapping software (Redlands, CA). RESULTS A majority of the pediatric population (71.4%) lives within a 25-mile drive of a pediatric anesthesiologist; however, 10.2 million US children (0-17 years) live greater than 50 miles from the nearest pediatric anesthesiologist. More than 2.7 million children ages 0 to 4 years live greater than 50 miles from the nearest identified pediatric anesthesiologist. The median ratio of pediatric anesthesiologists to 100,000 pediatric population at the HRR level was 2.25 (interquartile range, 0-5.46). Pediatric anesthesiologist geographic distribution relative to the pediatric population by HRR is lower and less uniform than for all anesthesiologists, neonatologists, and pediatricians. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of the US pediatric population lives greater than 50 miles from the nearest pediatric anesthesiologist, and pediatric anesthesiologist-to-pediatric population ratios by HRR vary widely across the United States. These findings are important given that the new guidelines from the American College of Surgeons Children's Surgery Verification™ Quality Improvement Program state that pediatric anesthesiologists must care for a subset of pediatric patients. Because of the geographic distribution of pediatric anesthesiologists relative to the pediatric population, access to care by a pediatric anesthesiologist may not be feasible for all children, particularly for those with limited resources or in emergent situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K Muffly
- From the *Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California; †Stanford University Geospatial Center, Stanford, California; and ‡Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Vedantam A, Hansen D, Briceño V, Moreno A, Ryan SL, Jea A. Interhospital transfer of pediatric neurosurgical patients. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2016; 18:638-643. [PMID: 27447345 DOI: 10.3171/2016.5.peds16155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe patterns of transfer, resource utilization, and clinical outcomes associated with the interhospital transfer of pediatric neurosurgical patients. METHODS All consecutive, prospectively collected requests for interhospital patient transfer to the pediatric neurosurgical service at Texas Children's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed from October 2013 to September 2014. Demographic patient information, resource utilization, and outcomes were recorded and compared across predefined strata (low [< 5%], moderate [5%-30%], and high [> 30%]) of predicted probability of mortality using the Pediatric Risk of Mortality score. RESULTS Requests for pediatric neurosurgical care comprised 400 (3.7%) of a total of 10,833 calls. Of 400 transfer admissions, 96.5%, 2.8%, and 0.8% were in the low, moderate, and high mortality risk groups, respectively. The median age was 54 months, and 45% were female. The median transit time was 125 minutes. The majority of transfers were after-hours (69.8%); nearly a third occurred during the weekend (32.3%). The median intensive care unit stay for 103 patients was 3 days (range 1-269 days). Median length of hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-269 days). Ninety patients (22.5%) were discharged from the emergency room after transfer. Seventy-seven patients (19.3%) required neurosurgical intervention after transfer, with the majority requiring a cranial procedure (66.2%); 87.3% of patients were discharged home. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights patient characteristics, resource utilization, and outcomes among pediatric neurosurgical patients. Opportunities for quality improvement were identified in diagnosing and managing isolated skull fractures and neck pain after trauma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Vedantam
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Daniel Hansen
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Valentina Briceño
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Amee Moreno
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Sheila L Ryan
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Andrew Jea
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Perrin JM, Anderson LE, Van Cleave J. The rise in chronic conditions among infants, children, and youth can be met with continued health system innovations. Health Aff (Millwood) 2016; 33:2099-105. [PMID: 25489027 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2014.0832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Since the early twentieth century, medical and public health innovations have led to dramatic changes in the epidemiology of health conditions among infants, children, and youth. Infectious diseases have substantially diminished, and survival rates for children with cancer, congenital heart disease, leukemia, and other conditions have greatly improved. However, over the past fifty years chronic health conditions and disabilities among children and youth have steadily risen, primarily from four classes of common conditions: asthma, obesity, mental health conditions, and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this article we describe the epidemiological shift among infants, children, and youth and examine sociodemographic and other factors contributing to it. We describe how health systems are responding by reorganizing and innovating. For children with rare complex conditions, concentrating subspecialty care at regional centers has been effective. For the much larger numbers of children with common chronic conditions, primary care providers have expanded diagnosis, treatment, and management options in promising ways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James M Perrin
- James M. Perrin is a professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and the John C. Robinson Professor and Associate Chair at MassGeneral Hospital for Children, in Boston, Massachusetts
| | - L Elizabeth Anderson
- L. Elizabeth Anderson is a medical student at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, in Memphis
| | - Jeanne Van Cleave
- Jeanne Van Cleave is an assistant professor in general academic pediatrics at MassGeneral Hospital for Children
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Bucher BT, Duggan EM, Grubb PH, France DJ, Lally KP, Blakely ML. Does the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program pediatric provide actionable quality improvement data for surgical neonates? J Pediatr Surg 2016; 51:1440-4. [PMID: 27046303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2016.02.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The purpose of this project was to examine the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric (ACSNSQIP-P) Participant Use File (PUF) to compare risk-adjusted outcomes of neonates versus other pediatric surgical patients. METHODS In the ACS-NSQIP-P 2012-2013 PUF, patients were classified as preterm neonate, term neonate, or nonneonate at the time of surgery. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and composite morbidity. Patient characteristics significantly associated with the primary outcomes were used to build a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS The overall 30-day mortality rate for preterm neonates, term neonate, and nonneonates was 4.9%, 2.0%, 0.1%, respectively (p<0.0001). The overall 30-day morbidity rate for preterm neonates, term neonates, and nonneonates was 27.0%, 17.4%, 6.4%, respectively (p<0.0001). After adjustment for preoperative and operative risk factors, both preterm (adjusted odds ratio, 95% CI: 2.0, 1.4-3.0) and term neonates (aOR, 95% CI: 1.9, 1.2-3.1) had a significantly increased odds of 30-day mortality compared to nonneonates. CONCLUSION Surgical neonates are a cohort who are particularity susceptible to postoperative morbidity and mortality after adjusting for preoperative and operative risk factors. Collaborative efforts focusing on surgical neonates are needed to understand the unique characteristics of this cohort and identify the areas where the morbidity and mortality can be improved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Bucher
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 100 North Mario Capecchi Drive, Suite #3800, Salt Lake City, UT 84113-1103, USA.
| | - Eileen M Duggan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 7100 Doctors' Office Tower, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Peter H Grubb
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 11111 Doctors' Office Tower, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Daniel J France
- Center for Research and Innovation in Systems Safety, Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2301 Vanderbilt University Hospital, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kevin P Lally
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, UT Health Medical School and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, 6431 Fannin Street, Suite 5.258, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Martin L Blakely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 7100 Doctors' Office Tower, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ray KN, Kahn JM, Miller E, Mehrotra A. Use of Adult-Trained Medical Subspecialists by Children Seeking Medical Subspecialty Care. J Pediatr 2016; 176:173-181.e1. [PMID: 27344222 PMCID: PMC5003627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.05.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantify the use of adult-trained medical subspecialists by children and to determine the association between geographic access to pediatric subspecialty care and the use of adult-trained subspecialists. Children with limited access to pediatric subspecialty care may seek care from adult-trained subspecialists, but data on this practice are limited. STUDY DESIGN We identified children aged <16 years in 2007-2012 Pennsylvania Medicaid claims. We categorized outpatient visits to 9 selected medical subspecialties as either pediatric or adult-trained subspecialty visits. We used multinomial logistic regression to examine the adjusted association between travel times to pediatric referral centers and use of pediatric vs adult-trained medical subspecialists for children with and without complex chronic conditions (CCCs). RESULTS Among 1.1 million children, 8% visited the examined medical subspecialists, with 10% of these children using adult-trained medical subspecialists. Compared with children with a ≤30-minute travel time to a pediatric referral center, children with a >90-minute travel time were more likely to use adult-trained subspecialists (without CCCs: relative risk ratio [RRR], 1.94, 95% CI, 1.79-2.11; with CCCs: RRR, 2.33; 95% CI, 2.10-2.59) and less likely to use pediatric subspecialists (without CCCs: RRR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.63-0.68; with CCCs: RRR, 0.76, 95% CI, 0.73-0.79). CONCLUSION Among medical subspecialty fields with pediatric and adult-trained subspecialists, adult-trained subspecialists provided 10% of care to children overall and 18% of care to children living >90 minutes from pediatric referral centers. Future studies should examine consequences of adult-trained medical subspecialist use on pediatric health outcomes and identify strategies to increase access to pediatric subspecialists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin N Ray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
| | - Jeremy M Kahn
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ateev Mehrotra
- Department of Health Care Policy and Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; RAND Corporation, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Youssef F, Cheong LHA, Emil S. Gastroschisis outcomes in North America: a comparison of Canada and the United States. J Pediatr Surg 2016; 51:891-5. [PMID: 27004440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2016.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care of infants with gastroschisis is centralized in Canada and noncentralized in the United States. We conducted an outcomes comparison between the two countries and analyzed the determinants of such outcomes. METHODS Inpatient mortality and hospital stay of gastroschisis patients from the Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network prospective clinical database for the period 2005-2013 were compared with those from the US Kids Inpatient Database for the period 2003-2012. Potential outcome determinants were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS A comparison was made between 695 Canadian patients and 5216 American patients. Complex gastroschisis was found in 16.0% and 13.7% of patients in Canada and the US, respectively; P=0.11. Canada had less premature births, more normal birth weight (BW) infants, less cesarean section deliveries, and more inborn patients compared to the US. For simple gastroschisis, Canadian mortality was lower (1.4% vs. 3.4%; P=.008) and hospital stay was longer (45±38 vs. 41±32days; P=.04). US mortality correlated strongly with low BW (P=.002) and marginally with cesarean section delivery (P=.08). A longer Canadian hospital stay was associated with lower gestational age (P=0.01) and western region (P=0.04), while a longer American hospital stay was associated with medium neonatal intensive care unit gastroschisis volume (P=.03), low socioeconomic status (P=.06), low BW (P=0.06), and public insurance (P=0.07). Outcomes for complex gastroschisis did not differ between Canada and the US. CONCLUSIONS Mortality for simple gastroschisis is higher in the US than in Canada, whereas no outcome differences exist for complex gastroschisis. Outcome determinants are different between the 2 countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Youssef
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Li Hsia Alicia Cheong
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sherif Emil
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review is to provide updates on the evolution of conceptual definitions as they relate to quality in healthcare, existing measurement platforms for performance benchmarking in pediatric surgery, and available tools for quality improvement that are relevant to care of the pediatric surgical patient. RECENT FINDINGS The American College of Surgeon's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric has continued to evolve, now providing risk-adjusted safety outcomes data to over 70 hospitals and broadening its scope of quality measurement to include resource utilization and value-based metrics. Increasing use of checklists and other team-based communication tools show potential for making surgical care safer for children, and thoughtful application of quality improvement methods such as Lean methodology, six-sigma and others are helping to improve efficiency and increase healthcare value. Finally, efforts to define minimal resource standards for pediatric surgical care holds promise to improve outcomes for neonates and other children with complex surgical needs. SUMMARY Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in our ability to measure, benchmark and improve quality in pediatric surgery. Future efforts will need to facilitate broader participation in benchmarking programs and knowledge-sharing collaboratives, and to develop multidisciplinary, 'disease-specific' longitudinal care models where quality measurement extends before and beyond the 'traditional' 30-day perioperative period.
Collapse
|
41
|
Benkwitz C, Watkins SC, Donahue BS. Assessing the Risks of Noncardiac Surgery for Children With Congenital Heart Disease∗. J Am Coll Cardiol 2016; 67:802-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.11.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
42
|
Voepel-Lewis T. Just Let Kids be Kids. J Perianesth Nurs 2016; 31:1-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
43
|
Langer JC, Gordon JS, Chen LE. Subspecialization within pediatric surgical groups in North America. J Pediatr Surg 2016; 51:143-8. [PMID: 26541313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2015.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the current status of subspecialization in North American pediatric surgical practices and to evaluate factors associated with subspecialization. METHODS A survey was sent to each pediatric surgical practice in the United States and Canada. For each of 44 operation types, ranging in complexity and volume, the respondents chose one of the following responses: 1. everyone does the operation; 2. group policy--only some surgeons do the operation; 3. group policy--anyone can do it but mentorship required; 4. only some do it due to referral patterns; 5. no one in the group does it. Association of various factors with degree of subspecialization was analyzed using nonparametric statistics with p<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS Response rate was 70%. There was significant variability in subspecialization among groups. Factors found to be significantly associated with increased subspecialization included free-standing children's hospitals, pediatric surgery training programs, higher number of surgeons, higher case volume, and greater volume of tertiary/quaternary cases. CONCLUSIONS There is wide variation in the degree of subspecialization among North American pediatric surgery practices. These data will help to inform ongoing debate around strategies that may be useful in optimizing pediatric surgical care and patient outcomes in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob C Langer
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Jennifer S Gordon
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Li Ern Chen
- Department of Surgery, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
The American Academy of Pediatrics proposes guidance for the pediatric perioperative anesthesia environment. Essential components are identified to optimize the perioperative environment for the anesthetic care of infants and children. Such an environment promotes the safety and well-being of infants and children by reducing the risk of adverse events.
Collapse
|
45
|
Arca MJ, Goldin AB, Oldham KT. Optimization of care for the pediatric surgical patient: Why now? Semin Pediatr Surg 2015; 24:311-4. [PMID: 26653166 DOI: 10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In 2015, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has begun to verify hospitals and ambulatory centers which meet consensus based optimal resource standards as "Children׳s Surgical Centers." The intent is to identify children-specific resources available within an institution and using a stratification system similar to the ACS Trauma Program match these to the needs of infants and children with surgical problems. This review briefly summarizes the history, supporting data and processes which drove this initiative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie J Arca
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; Children׳s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
| | - Adam B Goldin
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Seattle Children׳s Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | - Keith T Oldham
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; Children׳s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Gooding LF, Yinger OS, Iocono J. Preoperative Music Therapy for Pediatric Ambulatory Surgery Patients: A Retrospective Case Series. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/mtp/miv031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
47
|
Influence of hospital and patient location on early postoperative outcomes after appendectomy and pyloromyotomy. J Pediatr Surg 2015; 50:1549-55. [PMID: 25962842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2015.03.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of hospital location and designation on postoperative pediatric outcomes remain unclear. We hypothesized that urban hospital outcomes would be superior to rural hospitals, and that outcomes at urban centers would differ for children from rural versus urban counties. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of children undergoing appendectomy (n=129,507) and pyloromyotomy (n=13,452) using the 2006/2009 KID databases. Hospitals were characterized by specialty designation and classified as urban/rural. County of residence was classified as urban/rural. Outcomes included complications and length of stay. Multivariate regression models were used to adjust for confounding. RESULTS Among appendectomy patients, treatment at urban hospitals was associated with reduced odds of any postoperative complication (OR=0.77, 95% C.I. 0.70-0.85) and anesthesia-related complications (OR=0.72, 95% C.I. 0.57-0.91). This association was strongest in the youngest children (<5 years) and at children's hospitals. For pyloromyotomy patients, urban hospitals were associated with reduced odds of any complication (OR=0.43, 95% C.I. 0.24-0.75), anesthesia-related complications (OR=0.14, 95% C.I. 0.05-0.37), and duodenal perforation (OR=0.46, 95% C.I. 0.19-1.07). These associations were most significant at children's hospitals. CONCLUSIONS Postoperative outcomes appear to be improved at urban specialty hospitals relative to rural hospitals for certain common pediatric procedures. Identification of the factors driving this association may help inform resource optimization efforts in pediatric surgery.
Collapse
|
48
|
Judhan RJ, Silhy R, Statler K, Khan M, Dyer B, Thompson S, Richmond B. The Integration of Adult Acute Care Surgeons into Pediatric Surgical Care Models Supplements the Workforce without Compromising Quality of Care. Am Surg 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/000313481508100916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute care of children remains a challenge due to a shortage of pediatric surgeons, particularly in rural areas. In our institutional norm, all cases in patients age six and older are managed by dedicated general surgeons. The provision of care to these children by these surgeons alleviates the impact of such shortages. We conducted a five-year retrospective analysis of all acute care pediatric surgical cases performed in patients aged 6 to 17 years by a dedicated group of adult general surgeons in a rural tertiary care hospital. Demographics, procedure, complications, outcomes, length of stay, and time of consultation/operation were obtained via chart review. Elective, trauma related, or procedures performed by a pediatric surgeon were excluded. Descriptive statistics are reported. A total of 397 cases were performed by six dedicated general surgeons during the study period. Mean age was 11.5 ± 3.1 years. In all, 100 (25.2%) were transferred from outlying facilities and 52.6 per cent of consultations/operations occurred at night (7P–7A), of which 33.2 per cent occurred during late night hours (11P–7A). On weekends, 34.0 per cent occurred. Appendectomy was the most commonly performed operation (n = 357,89.9%), of which 311 were laparoscopic (87.1%). Others included incision/drainage (4.5%), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (2.0%), bowel resection (1.5%), incarcerated hernia (0.5%), small bowel obstruction (0.5%), intraabdominal abscess drainage (0.3%), resection of intussusception (0.3%), Graham patch (0.3%), and resection omental torsion (0.3%). Median length of stay was two days. Complications occurred in 23 patients (5.8%), of which 22(5.5%) were the result of the disease process. These results parallel those published by pediatric surgeons in this age group and for the diagnoses treated. Models integrating dedicated general surgeons into pediatric call rotations can be designed such that quality of pediatric care is maintained while providing relief to an overburdened pediatric surgical workforce.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rudy J. Judhan
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University/Charleston Division, Charleston, West Virginia
| | - Raquel Silhy
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University/Charleston Division, Charleston, West Virginia
| | - Kristen Statler
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University/Charleston Division, Charleston, West Virginia
| | - Mija Khan
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Charleston, West Virginia; and
| | - Benjamin Dyer
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University/Charleston Division, Charleston, West Virginia
| | - Stephanie Thompson
- Charleston Area Medical Center Health Education and Research Institute, Charleston, West Virginia
| | - Bryan Richmond
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University/Charleston Division, Charleston, West Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Oldham KT, Fallat M, Barnhart D, Derkay C, Deshpande J, Georgeson K, Hirschl R, Houck C, Mooney D, Moss RL, Sawin R, Tuggle D. Reply to a Letter to the Editor. J Pediatr Surg 2015; 50:1434-6. [PMID: 26162971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Keith T Oldham
- American College of Surgeons Committee for Children's Surgery.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Reiter M. American Academy of Emergency Medicine Response to “Optimal Resources for Children's Surgical Care in the United States”. J Am Coll Surg 2015; 220:968-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2015.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|