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Stewart CA, Jeong Kim S, Phillips D, Bhatia V, Janzen N, Gerber JA. Urologic practice patterns of pediatricians: a survey from a large multisite pediatric care center. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1278782. [PMID: 38125822 PMCID: PMC10731033 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1278782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the practice patterns of pediatricians as they relate to common urologic concerns. Materials and methods An anonymous 15-question survey was created and distributed to all pediatricians at our institution, a large multisite care center. This study was deemed exempt by the institutional review board. Results 55 of the 122 (45%) providers queried responded. 93% of the participants were female, and 7.3% were male. 55% recommended testicular self-examination at adolescence, while 39% did not recommend at any age. 78% stated that they were "Fairly confident" in the exam for undescended testicle (UTD). One-third referred patients with UDT to a subspecialist upon recognition at birth, 13% at 3 months of age, and 28% at 6 months of age. 10% reported obtaining a VCUG after the first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI), 26% after the second, and 36% only if there were abnormal findings on renal ultrasound. 28% of providers reported that they refer to pediatric urology after the initial febrile UTI. 19% provided antibiotics for UTI symptoms alone with negative urinalysis and urine culture. Conclusions Despite established guidelines, practice patterns varied among pediatricians. Pediatricians typically followed the AAP's guidelines regarding VCUGs (62%), with only a few adhering to urologic recommendations (9%). Despite the consistency between AAP and AUA guidelines regarding the age at which to refer a patient for cryptorchidism, about 70% of practitioners referred patients too early or too late. Harmonized, consolidated guidelines between pediatricians and pediatric urologists would improve patient care and efficiency of the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A. Stewart
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Soo Jeong Kim
- Division of Urology, Columbia University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Daniel Phillips
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Vinaya Bhatia
- Division of Urology, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nicolette Janzen
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jonathan A. Gerber
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
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Benítez TM, Kim YJ, Kong L, Wang L, Chung KC. Impact of consensus guideline publication on the timing of elective pediatric umbilical hernia repair. Surgery 2023; 174:1281-1289. [PMID: 37586892 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American Academy of Pediatrics published consensus guidelines advising observation of asymptomatic umbilical hernias until age 4 or 5, given unnecessary risks of early intervention and substantial practice variation. Yet, the impact of guidelines on early repair (age <4) or if certain groups remain at risk for avoidable intervention is unclear. METHODS This retrospective study used data from children's hospitals participating in the Pediatric Health Information System database. Children aged 17 years and younger who underwent umbilical hernia repair from July 2017 to August 2022 were eligible for inclusion. Children with recurrent hernias, an emergency, or urgent presentation were excluded. An interrupted time series using segmented multivariable logistic regression estimated the association of guideline publication in November 2019 with the odds of guideline-adherent repair (age ≥4) after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and hospital-level random effects. RESULTS 16,544 children underwent repair, of which 3,115 (18.8%) were children <4 years old. After adjustment, guideline publication was associated with an immediate increase in guideline-adherent repairs (odds ratio = 1.25 95% confidence interval = 1.05-1.49). The interrupted time series found that each month after publication was associated with a 2% increase in the odds of guideline-adherent repair (odds ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.03). Children with public insurance were nearly 20% less likely to receive guideline-adherent repair than privately insured children (odds ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval = 0.74-0.91). Children in the Midwest had lower odds of guideline-adherent repair (Midwest versus Northeast: odds ratio = 0.45. 95% confidence interval = 0.24-0.84). CONCLUSION Guideline publication was associated with greater odds of guideline-adherent repair, yet public insurance coverage and Midwest location remain significant predictors of early repair against recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trista M Benítez
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI; Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI. https://www.twitter.com/benitez_trista
| | - You J Kim
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI; Rush University Medical College, Chicago, IL. https://www.twitter.com/kim_youj
| | - Lingxuan Kong
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Kevin C Chung
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI.
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Bohnhoff JC, Guyon-Harris K, Schweiberger K, Ray KN. General and subspecialist pediatrician perspectives on barriers and strategies for referral: a latent profile analysis. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:576. [PMID: 37980515 PMCID: PMC10656818 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04400-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children in need of pediatric subspecialty care may encounter multiple barriers, and multiple strategies have been suggested to improve access. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of general and subspecialty pediatric physicians regarding barriers to subspecialty care and the value of strategies to improve subspecialty access. METHODS We surveyed a national sample of 1680 general pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists in May and June 2020 regarding 11 barriers to subspecialty care and 9 strategies to improve access to subspecialty care, selected from recent literature. Using latent profile analysis, respondents were grouped according to the degree to which they believed each of the barriers impacted access to subspecialty care. Using chi-squared tests, we compared the profiles based on respondent characteristics and perspectives on strategies to improve access. RESULTS The response rate was 17%. In 263 responses completed and eligible for inclusion, the barriers most frequently described as "major problems" were wait times (57%), lack of subspecialists (45%) and difficulty scheduling (41%). Respondents were classified into 4 profiles: "Broad concerns," "Subspecialist availability concerns," "Clinician communication concerns," and "Few concerns." These profiles varied significantly by respondent specialty (p < .001, with medical subspecialists overrepresented in the "Clinician communication" profile, psychiatrists in the "subspecialist availability" profile, and surgeons in the "few concerns" profile); and by respondents' typical wait time for appointments (p < .001, with physicians with the longest wait times overrepresented in the "subspecialist availability" profile). CONCLUSIONS We found specific profiles in clinician views regarding barriers to subspecialty care which were associated with perspectives on strategies aimed at overcoming these barriers. These results suggest that health systems aiming to improve subspecialty access should first identify the barriers and preferences specific to local clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Bohnhoff
- Department of Pediatrics, Maine Health, 1577 Congress St Fl 1, Portland, ME, 04102, USA.
- Center for Interdisciplinary Population and Health Research, Maine Health Institute of Research, Scarborough, ME, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Katherine Guyon-Harris
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kelsey Schweiberger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kristin N Ray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Referral patterns to a pediatric orthopedic clinic: pediatric orthopedic surgeons are primary care musculoskeletal medicine physicians. J Pediatr Orthop B 2022; 31:613-618. [PMID: 35608407 DOI: 10.1097/bpb.0000000000000979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In 2004, Reeder and in 2012, Schwend reported that inappropriate nonsurgical referrals to pediatric orthopedic clinics create a misuse of resources. Additional authors have called for re-emphasis and additional training in musculoskeletal medicine for primary care physicians (PCP) to improve the confidence, knowledge and performance when managing musculoskeletal conditions. The current study compares the diagnoses referred to a pediatric orthopedic clinic with diagnoses recommended for referral by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines to determine if any improvement in the quality of referrals has occurred since Reeder and Schwend's article. A chart review of new referrals to a pediatric orthopedic clinic during a 3-month-period was performed. Data were collected on age, sex, referring diagnosis, referral source, final diagnosis and treatment. In total 230 new consults were evaluated. The referral source was a PCP in 169 (73.5%) cases, 30 (13%) self-referrals by a parent, 19 (8.3%) from another orthopedic surgeon, 9 (3.9%) from a neurologist and 3 (1.3%) from another specialist. Fifty percent of referrals met the criteria outlined in the AAP guidelines for referral to a pediatric orthopedic specialist and 48% were classified as primary care musculoskeletal conditions. During the 15 years since the publication of Reeder's study and despite a limited re-emphasis on musculoskeletal education, the percent of inappropriate referrals to a pediatric orthopedic clinic remains unchanged at 50%. We support an expanded musculoskeletal educational effort aimed at the medical, resident and pediatrician level, online decision-making aids, and implementation of a standardized referral form with the specific criteria of the AAP included.
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He K, Hills-Dunlap JL, Kashtan MA, Riley H, Henry OS, Graham DA, Wynne N, Cramm SL, Rangel SJ. Frequency of Potentially Avoidable Surgical Referrals for Asymptomatic Umbilical Hernias in Children. J Surg Res 2022; 277:290-295. [PMID: 35525211 PMCID: PMC9446374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The American Association of Pediatrics released guidelines in 2019 recommending delay of surgical referral in children with asymptomatic umbilical hernias until 4-5 y of age. The purpose of this study was to assess contemporary rates of potentially avoidable referrals in this cohort of children, and to assess whether rates have decreased following guideline release. METHODS Retrospective analysis of umbilical hernias referrals evaluated at a single pediatric surgery clinic from October 2014 to August 2021. Potentially avoidable referrals (PAR) were defined as asymptomatic, non-enlarging umbilical hernia referrals in a child 3 y of age or younger without a history of incarceration. Referral indication, disposition following clinic visit, and rates of PAR were compared before and after guideline release. RESULTS A total of 803 umbilical hernia referrals were evaluated, of which 48% were in children 3 y of age or younger at time of evaluation ("early" referrals). 33% of all referrals and 68% of early referrals were categorized as a PAR, and rates were similar before and after guideline release (all referrals: 32% versus 33%, P = 0.94; early referrals: 68% versus 67%, P = 0.94). Of the 333 early referrals who were managed expectantly per guideline recommendations, 2 (0.6%) developed incarceration which was managed with successful reduction and interval repair. CONCLUSIONS One-third of all referrals for umbilical hernia evaluation are potentially avoidable, and this rate did not change following release of American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Aligning expectations between surgeons and referring providers through improved education and guideline dissemination may reduce avoidable visits, lost caregiver productivity, and exposure to potentially avoidable surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine He
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Mark A Kashtan
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Heather Riley
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Owen S Henry
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dionne A Graham
- Boston Children's Hospital, Center for Applied Pediatric Quality Analytics, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicole Wynne
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shannon L Cramm
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shawn J Rangel
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Flannery C, Dennehy R, Riordan F, Cronin F, Moriarty E, Turvey S, O'Connor K, Barry P, Jonsson A, Duggan E, O'Sullivan L, O'Reilly É, Sinnott SJ, McHugh S. Enhancing referral processes within an integrated fall prevention pathway for older people: a mixed-methods study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056182. [PMID: 35985777 PMCID: PMC9396121 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056182] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Multifactorial interventions, which involve assessing an individual's risk of falling and providing treatment or onward referral, require coordination across settings. Using a mixed-methods design, we aimed to develop a process map to examine onward referral pathways following falls risk assessment in primary care. SETTING Primary care fall risk assessment clinics in the South of Ireland. PARTICIPANTS Focus groups using participatory mapping techniques with primary care staff (public health nurses (PHNs), physiotherapists (PT),and occupational therapists (OT)) were conducted to plot the processes and onward referral pathways at each clinic (n=5). METHODS Focus groups were analysed in NVivo V.12 using inductive thematic analysis. Routine administrative data from January to March 2018 included details of client referrals, assessments and demographics sourced from referral and assessment forms. Data were analysed in Stata V.12 to estimate the number, origin and focus of onward referrals and whether older adults received follow-up interventions. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed separately and integrated to produce a map of the service. RESULTS Nine staff participated in three focus groups and one interview (PHN n=2; OT n=4; PT n=3). 85 assessments were completed at five clinics (female n=69, 81.2%, average age 77). The average number of risk factors was 5.4 out of a maximum of 10. Following assessment, clients received an average of three onward referrals. Only one-third of referrals (n=135/201, 33%) had data available on intervention receipt. Primary care staff identified variations in how formally onward referrals were managed and barriers, including a lack of client information, inappropriate referral and a lack of data management support. CONCLUSION Challenges to onward referral manifest early in an integrated care pathway, such as clients with multiple risk factors sent for initial assessment and the lack of an integrated IT system to share information across settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caragh Flannery
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Rebecca Dennehy
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Fiona Riordan
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Finola Cronin
- Corks Falls Prevention Service, Health Service Executive, Naas, Ireland
| | - Eileen Moriarty
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Services for Older Persons Team, Health Service Executive, Naas, Ireland
| | - Spencer Turvey
- Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Health Service Executive, Naas, Ireland
| | - Kieran O'Connor
- Geriatric Medicine, Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Patrick Barry
- Acute Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital Group, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Eoin Duggan
- Geriatric Medicine, Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
- Mercers Institute for Successful Ageing, Saint James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liz O'Sullivan
- Cork Kerry Community Healthcare HSE South, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Éilis O'Reilly
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sarah-Jo Sinnott
- Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sheena McHugh
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Midura D, Statter MB. Surgical Emergencies in the Pediatric Office. Pediatr Rev 2022; 43:148-159. [PMID: 35229116 DOI: 10.1542/pir.2020-004916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Infants and children often present with common signs and symptoms that may or may not be manifestations of a surgical emergency. This review expands the differential diagnosis of several common presentations to include surgical causes suggesting surgical emergencies and the need for immediate referral to a pediatric surgeon. The presenting signs and symptoms reviewed include bilious emesis, abdominal distention, acholic stools, bloody stools, and scrotal mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Midura
- Department of Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
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