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Dewez JE, Nijman RG, Fitchett EJA, Li EC, Luu QF, Lynch R, Emonts M, de Groot R, van der Flier M, Philipsen R, Ettelt S, Yeung S. Adoption of C-reactive protein rapid tests for the management of acute childhood infections in hospitals in the Netherlands and England: a comparative health systems analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:351. [PMID: 38504318 PMCID: PMC10949747 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10698-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adoption of C-reactive protein point-of-care tests (CRP POCTs) in hospitals varies across Europe. We aimed to understand the factors that contribute to different levels of adoption of CRP POCTs for the management of acute childhood infections in two countries. METHODS Comparative qualitative analysis of the implementation of CRP POCTs in the Netherlands and England. The study was informed by the non-adoption, abandonment, spread, scale-up, and sustainability (NASSS) framework. Data were collected through document analysis and qualitative interviews with stakeholders. Documents were identified by a scoping literature review, search of websites, and through the stakeholders. Stakeholders were sampled purposively initially, and then by snowballing. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS Forty-one documents resulted from the search and 46 interviews were conducted. Most hospital healthcare workers in the Netherlands were familiar with CRP POCTs as the tests were widely used and trusted in primary care. Moreover, although diagnostics were funded through similar Diagnosis Related Group reimbursement mechanisms in both countries, the actual funding for each hospital was more constrained in England. Compared to primary care, laboratory-based CRP tests were usually available in hospitals and their use was encouraged in both countries because they were cheaper. However, CRP POCTs were perceived as useful in some hospitals of the two countries in which the laboratory could not provide CRP measures 24/7 or within a short timeframe, and/or in emergency departments where expediting patient care was important. CONCLUSIONS CRP POCTs are more available in hospitals in the Netherlands because of the greater familiarity of Dutch healthcare workers with the tests which are widely used in primary care in their country and because there are more funding constraints in England. However, most hospitals in the Netherlands and England have not adopted CRP POCTs because the alternative CRP measurements from the hospital laboratory are available in a few hours and at a lower cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Emmanuel Dewez
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ruud G Nijman
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Edmond C Li
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Queena F Luu
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Lynch
- Wellcome Centre for Cultures and Environments of Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Marieke Emonts
- Paediatric Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Allergy, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ronald de Groot
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Michiel van der Flier
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ria Philipsen
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Ettelt
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Prognos AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- Department of Paediatrics, St Mary's Imperial College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.
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Fernando D, Ahmed AU, Williams BRG. Therapeutically targeting the unique disease landscape of pediatric high-grade gliomas. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1347694. [PMID: 38525424 PMCID: PMC10957575 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1347694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are a rare yet devastating malignancy of the central nervous system's glial support cells, affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Tumors of the central nervous system account for the leading cause of pediatric mortality of which high-grade gliomas present a significantly grim prognosis. While the past few decades have seen many pediatric cancers experiencing significant improvements in overall survival, the prospect of survival for patients diagnosed with pHGGs has conversely remained unchanged. This can be attributed in part to tumor heterogeneity and the existence of the blood-brain barrier. Advances in discovery research have substantiated the existence of unique subgroups of pHGGs displaying alternate responses to different therapeutics and varying degrees of overall survival. This highlights a necessity to approach discovery research and clinical management of the disease in an alternative subtype-dependent manner. This review covers traditional approaches to the therapeutic management of pHGGs, limitations of such methods and emerging alternatives. Novel mutations which predominate the pHGG landscape are highlighted and the therapeutic potential of targeting them in a subtype specific manner discussed. Collectively, this provides an insight into issues in need of transformative progress which arise during the management of pHGGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasun Fernando
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Afsar U. Ahmed
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Bryan R. G. Williams
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Naser AY, Al-shehri H. Postprocedural Complications Hospitalization Pattern Among Paediatric Patients at National Health Service Trusts: An Ecological Study in England and Wales. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:3545-3554. [PMID: 38024128 PMCID: PMC10661900 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s441247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the hospitalization patterns associated with postprocedural complications among the pediatric population in England and Wales over the past two decades. Patients and Methods This was an ecological study using hospital admission data extracted from the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England and the Patient Episode Database for Wales for the period between April 1999 and April 2020. Postprocedural complications related hospital admissions were identified using the 10th version of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD) system (D78, E89, H59, H95, J95, L76, M96, and N99). Results The rate of hospital admissions declined by 2.1% [from 8.32 (95% CI 7.75-8.88) per 100,000 persons in 1999 to 8.15 (95% CI 7.61-8.68) per 100,000 persons in 2020, p>0.05]. The primary reasons for hospital admissions associated with postprocedural complications were related to the respiratory system, genitourinary system, and ear and mastoid process, constituting 43.0%, 23.8%, and 23.0% of cases, respectively. Conclusion The trend of postprocedural complications among the pediatric population has been stable in the past two decades. Continuous monitoring of the hospitalization pattern for this type of complication is important due to advancements in healthcare provision and to improve patient care and safety. Future studies are needed to examine gender-based differences related to postprocedural complications and identify important preventable risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Y Naser
- Department of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hassan Al-shehri
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Haig-Ferguson A, Wallace V, Davis C. The lived experience of adults and parents: Transitioning from paediatric to adult health care with oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:1433-1442. [PMID: 35460126 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM AND OBJECTIVE To explore the experience of healthcare transition from paediatric to adult health care for adults born with oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula (OA/TOF) and parents. BACKGROUND OA/TOF is a rare and chronic health condition that can require lifelong medical follow-up and management. There is evidence to suggest that transitioning from paediatric to adult health care can be problematic for people with rare and chronic conditions, including OA/TOF. The previous literature suggests that the experience of transitioning with a rare condition is more complex than transitioning with a common chronic condition. DESIGN The current study was a qualitative, cross-sectional, survey-based study. METHODS Data were collected through an online survey. Parents of children born with OA/TOF (n = 23) and adults born with OA/TOF (n = 16) were recruited through a UK-based OA/TOF patient charity. Data from six open-ended questions were analysed using a hybrid approach combining elements of inductive and deductive thematic analyses. Throughout the research process, the SRQR were followed. RESULTS Five themes were constructed during the analysis, reflecting the experience of parents and adults transitioning from paediatric to adult health care: thrown into the unknown; a cultural shift; stepping back and stepping up; 'no transition as such'; and living with uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggested that a formalised, managed healthcare transition is not commonly experienced by people born with OA/TOF and parents. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE We recommend a formalised healthcare transition process in OA/TOF, including preparation for transition and having a named key worker to manage the multidisciplinary transition process. The results also highlighted the need for adults born with OA/TOF to have access to a specialist health service with knowledge and understanding of issues related to OA/TOF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vuokko Wallace
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Cara Davis
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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Dewez JE, Nijman RG, Fitchett EJA, Lynch R, de Groot R, van der Flier M, Philipsen R, Vreugdenhil H, Ettelt S, Yeung S. Adoption of C-reactive protein point-of-care tests for the management of acute childhood infections in primary care in the Netherlands and England: a comparative health systems analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:191. [PMID: 36823597 PMCID: PMC9947887 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09065-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of point of care (POC) tests varies across Europe, but research into what drives this variability is lacking. Focusing on CRP POC tests, we aimed to understand what factors contribute to high versus low adoption of the tests, and also to explore whether they are used in children. METHODS We used a comparative qualitative case study approach to explore the implementation of CRP POC tests in the Netherlands and England. These countries were selected because although they have similar primary healthcare systems, the availability of CRP POC tests in General Practices is very different, being very high in the former and rare in the latter. The study design and analysis were informed by the non-adoption, abandonment, spread, scale-up and sustainability (NASSS) framework. Data were collected through a review of documents and interviews with stakeholders. Documents were identified through a scoping literature review, search of websites, and stakeholder recommendation. Stakeholders were selected purposively initially, and then by snowballing. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS Sixty-five documents were reviewed and 21 interviews were conducted. The difference in the availability of CRP POC tests is mainly because of differences at the wider national context level. In the two countries, early adopters of the tests advocated for their implementation through the generation of robust evidence and by engaging with all relevant stakeholders. This led to the inclusion of CRP POC tests in clinical guidelines in both countries. In the Netherlands, this mandated their reimbursement in accordance with Dutch regulations. Moreover, the prevailing better integration of health services enabled operational support from laboratories to GP practices. In England, the funding constraints of the National Health Service and the prioritization of alternative and less expensive antimicrobial stewardship interventions prevented the development of a reimbursement scheme. In addition, the lack of integration between health services limits the operational support to GP practices. In both countries, the availability of CRP POC tests for the management of children is a by-product of the test being available for adults. The tests are less used in children mainly because of concerns regarding their accuracy in this age-group. CONCLUSIONS The engagement of early adopters combined with a more favourable and receptive macro level environment, including the role of clinical guidelines and their developers in determining which interventions are reimbursed and the operational support from laboratories to GP practices, led to the greater adoption of the tests in the Netherlands. In both countries, CRP POC tests, when available, are less used less in children. Organisations considering introducing POC tests into primary care settings need to consider how their implementation fits into the wider health system context to ensure achievable plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Emmanuel Dewez
- grid.8991.90000 0004 0425 469XClinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ruud G. Nijman
- grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111Department of Infectious Diseases, Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth J. A. Fitchett
- grid.8991.90000 0004 0425 469XClinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Lynch
- grid.8391.30000 0004 1936 8024Wellcome Centre for Cultures and Environments of Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ronald de Groot
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel van der Flier
- grid.461578.9Paediatric Infectious diseases and Immunology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,grid.417100.30000 0004 0620 3132Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ria Philipsen
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Harriet Vreugdenhil
- grid.7692.a0000000090126352Utrecht General Practice Training Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Ettelt
- grid.8991.90000 0004 0425 469XDepartment of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK ,grid.506777.40000 0001 2295 4495Prognos AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK. .,Department of Paediatrics, St Mary's Imperial College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.
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Jarvis S, Richardson G, Flemming K, Fraser L. Estimation of age of transition from paediatric to adult healthcare for young people with long term conditions using linked routinely collected healthcare data. Int J Popul Data Sci 2021; 6:1685. [PMID: 34805553 PMCID: PMC8576739 DOI: 10.23889/ijpds.v6i1.1685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Healthcare transitions, including from paediatric to adult services, can be disruptive and cause a lack of continuity in care. Existing research on the paediatric-adult healthcare transition often uses a simple age cut-off to assign transition status. This risks misclassification bias, reducing observed changes at transition (adults are included in the paediatric group and vice versa) possibly to differing extents between groups that transition at different ages. Objective To develop and assess methods for estimating the transition point from paediatric to adult healthcare from routine healthcare records. Methods A retrospective cohort of young people (12 to 23 years) with long term conditions was constructed from linked primary and secondary care data in England. Inpatient and outpatient records were classified as paediatric or adult based on treatment and clinician specialities. Transition point was estimated using three methods based on record classification (First Adult: the date of first adult record; Last Paediatric: date of last paediatric record; Fitted: a date determined by statistical fitting). Estimated transition age was compared between methods. A simulation explored impacts of estimation approaches compared to a simple age cut-off when assessing associations between transition status and healthcare events. Results Simulations showed using an age-based cut-off at 16 or 18 years as transition point, common in research on transition, may underestimate transition-associated changes. Many health records for those aged <14 years were classified as adult, limiting utility of the First Adult approach. The Last Paediatric approach is least sensitive to this possible misclassification and may best reflect experience of the transition. Conclusions Estimating transition point from routine healthcare data is possible and offers advantages over a simple age cut-off. These methods, adapted as necessary for data from other countries, should be used to reduce risk of misclassification bias in studies of transition in nationally representative data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Jarvis
- Martin House Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences University of York, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kate Flemming
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Fraser
- Martin House Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences University of York, United Kingdom
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de Vries M, Cader S, Colleer L, Batteux E, Yasdiman MB, Tan YJ, Sheppard E. University Students' Notion of Autism Spectrum Conditions: A Cross-Cultural Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:1281-1294. [PMID: 31901119 PMCID: PMC7101294 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04343-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cultural background might influence knowledge and attitudes regarding autism, influencing willingness to interact. We studied whether beliefs, knowledge, contact, and attitude differed between the UK and Malaysia. With mediation analyses, we studied how these factors influenced willingness to interact. Autism was more often linked to food in the UK, and to upbringing in Malaysia. Knowledge, contact, and acceptance were greater in the UK. When excluding psychology students, Malaysian students were less willing to interact with autistic people. Knowledge and contact appeared to improve acceptance, but acceptance did not mediate the relation between country, beliefs, knowledge, and experience; and willingness to interact. Knowledge and contact regarding autism might improve acceptance in different cultures, but how acceptance could improve interaction is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke de Vries
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Sabrina Cader
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lucy Colleer
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
| | - Eleonore Batteux
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
| | | | - Yih Jiun Tan
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
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Price A, Newlove-Delgado T, Eke H, Paul M, Young S, Ford T, Janssens A. In transition with ADHD: the role of information, in facilitating or impeding young people's transition into adult services. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:404. [PMID: 31847827 PMCID: PMC6918680 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2284-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many national and regional clinical guidelines emphasise the need for good communication of information to young people and their parent/carers about what to expect during transition into adult services. Recent research indicates only a minority of young people in need of transition for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience continuity of care into adulthood, with additional concerns about quality of transition. This qualitative study explored the role that information plays in experiences of transition from the perspectives of parent/carers and young people. METHODS Participants were recruited from 10 National Health Service Trusts, located across England, with varying service configurations. Ninety two qualitative interviews were conducted: 64 with young people with ADHD at different stages relative to transition, and 28 with parent/carers. Thematic analysis of data was completed using the Framework Method. RESULTS Interviewees reported a range of experiences; however reliance on parent/carers to gather and translate key information, and negative experiences associated with poor communication of information, were universal. Three themes emerged: Navigating information with help from parents; Information on ADHD into adulthood; Information about the transition process. The first revealed the essential role of parent in the translation and application of information, the other two explored distinct types of information necessary for a smooth transition. Interviewees made recommendations for clinical practice similar to UK (United Kingdom) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, with an additional emphasis on providing nuanced information on ADHD as a potentially long term condition. It was important to interviewees that General Practitioners had a basic understanding of adult ADHD and also had access to information about service provision. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illustrate that the availability and communication of information to young people and their parent/carers is an essential component of the transition process between child and adult ADHD services. How and when it is provided may support or impede transition. This study constitutes a substantial contribution to the evidence base, drawing on interviews from a range of participants across England and from Trusts offering different types of services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Price
- University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s Campus, Exeter, EX1 2LU UK
| | | | - Helen Eke
- University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s Campus, Exeter, EX1 2LU UK
| | - Moli Paul
- Stratford CAMHS, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust, Stratford Healthcare, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6NQ UK
- Honorary Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK
| | | | - Tamsin Ford
- University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s Campus, Exeter, EX1 2LU UK
| | - Astrid Janssens
- University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s Campus, Exeter, EX1 2LU UK
- Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 9B, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
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Steele L, Coote N, Klaber R, Watson M, Coren M. Understanding case mix across three paediatric services: could integration of primary and secondary general paediatrics alter walk-in emergency attendances? Arch Dis Child 2019; 104:432-436. [PMID: 29728418 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-314306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the case mix of three different paediatric services, reasons for using an acute paediatric service in a region of developing integrated care and where acute attendances could alternatively have been managed. METHODS Mixed methods service evaluation, including retrospective review of referrals to general paediatric outpatients (n=534) and a virtual integrated service (email advice line) (n=474), as well as a prospective survey of paediatric ambulatory unit (PAU) attendees (n=95) and review by a paediatric consultant/registrar to decide where these cases could alternatively have been managed. RESULTS The case mix of outpatient referrals and the email advice line was similar, but the case mix for PAU was more acute. The most common parental reasons for attending PAU were referral by a community health professional (27.2%), not being able to get a general practitioner (GP) appointment when desired (21.7%), wanting to avoid accident and emergency (17.4%) and wanting specialist paediatric input (14.1%). More than half of PAU presentations were deemed most appropriate for community management by a GP or midwife. The proportion of cases suitable for community management varied by the reason for attendance, with it highestl for parents reporting not being able to get a GP appointment (85%), and lowest for those referred by community health professionals (29%). CONCLUSIONS One in two attendances to acute paediatric services could have been managed in the community. Integration of paediatric services could help address parental reasons for attending acute services, as well as facilitating the community management of chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd Steele
- Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Nicky Coote
- Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Robert Klaber
- Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Mando Watson
- Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael Coren
- Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Zylbersztejn A, Gilbert R, Hjern A, Wijlaars L, Hardelid P. Child mortality in England compared with Sweden: a birth cohort study. Lancet 2018; 391:2008-2018. [PMID: 29731173 PMCID: PMC5958228 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(18)30670-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child mortality is almost twice as high in England compared with Sweden. We aimed to establish the extent to which adverse birth characteristics and socioeconomic factors explain this difference. METHODS We developed nationally representative cohorts of singleton livebirths between Jan 1, 2003, and Dec 31, 2012, using the Hospital Episode Statistics in England, and the Swedish Medical Birth Register in Sweden, with longitudinal follow-up from linked hospital admissions and mortality records. We analysed mortality as the outcome, based on deaths from any cause at age 2-27 days, 28-364 days, and 1-4 years. We fitted Cox proportional hazard regression models to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for England compared with Sweden in all three age groups. The models were adjusted for birth characteristics (gestational age, birthweight, sex, and congenital anomalies), and for socioeconomic factors (maternal age and socioeconomic status). FINDINGS The English cohort comprised 3 932 886 births and 11 392 deaths and the Swedish cohort comprised 1 013 360 births and 1927 deaths. The unadjusted HRs for England compared with Sweden were 1·66 (95% CI 1·53-1·81) at 2-27 days, 1·59 (1·47-1·71) at 28-364 days, and 1·27 (1·15-1·40) at 1-4 years. At 2-27 days, 77% of the excess risk of death in England was explained by birth characteristics and a further 3% by socioeconomic factors. At 28-364 days, 68% of the excess risk of death in England was explained by birth characteristics and a further 11% by socioeconomic factors. At 1-4 years, the adjusted HR did not indicate a significant difference between countries. INTERPRETATION Excess child mortality in England compared with Sweden was largely explained by the unfavourable distribution of birth characteristics in England. Socioeconomic factors contributed to these differences through associations with adverse birth characteristics and increased mortality after 1 month of age. Policies to reduce child mortality in England could have most impact by reducing adverse birth characteristics through improving the health of women before and during pregnancy and reducing socioeconomic disadvantage. FUNDING The Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research (through the Medical Research Council, Arthritis Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Chief Scientist Office, Economic and Social Research Council, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, National Institute for Social Care and Health Research, and the Wellcome Trust).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ania Zylbersztejn
- The Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research, London, UK; Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
| | - Ruth Gilbert
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Children's Policy Research Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Anders Hjern
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Wijlaars
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Pia Hardelid
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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Spicer J. On improving child health: a commentary on the Scottish GP paediatric scholars project. EDUCATION FOR PRIMARY CARE 2018; 29:170. [DOI: 10.1080/14739879.2018.1446365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John Spicer
- Head of Primary Care Education, Health Education South London
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