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Hinderer KA, Klima DW, Kellogg MB, Morello C, Myers K, Wentland BA. Our New Normal: Pediatric Nurse Residents' Experiences with Transition to Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1159. [PMID: 38921274 PMCID: PMC11202708 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121159] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This phenomenological qualitative study examined the lived experience of pediatric nurse residents' transition to practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purposive sample included nine pediatric nurses, participating in a nurse residency program, who entered the nursing profession during the first year of the pandemic. The setting was a free-standing, Magnet-recognized, pediatric academic medical center in the Northeastern U.S. Individual interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Narratives were analyzed using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Five themes emerged from the data: Our New Normal; The Rules Keep Changing; I'm Not Ready for This (transition to practice); The Toll of COVID; and Shattered Family-Centered Care. Sub-themes emerged in The Toll of COVID theme: COVID and the Nursing Care Environment, Emotional Toll of COVID, Burnout: A Universal Truth, and The Pandemic within the Pandemic. The nurse residents' narratives uncovered the essence of their uncertainty, sorrow, growth, and resilience. Through the eyes of pediatric nurse residents, this study illuminated the experiences of these novices as they entered the nursing profession amid a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. Hinderer
- Institute for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Connecticut Children’s, Hartford, CT 06106, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Dennis W. Klima
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA;
| | - Marni B. Kellogg
- Shriners Children’s, Corporate Headquarters, Tampa, FL 33607, USA;
| | - Cecelia Morello
- Departments of Psychology and Public Policy & Law, Trinity College, Hartford, CT 06106, USA;
| | - Karen Myers
- College of Nursing, University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA;
| | - Beth A. Wentland
- Institute for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Connecticut Children’s, Hartford, CT 06106, USA;
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Dasso N, Catania G, Zanini M, Rossi S, Aleo G, Signori A, Scelsi S, Petralia P, Watson R, Hayter M, Sasso L, Bagnasco A. Informal carers' experiences with their children's care during hospitalization in Italy: Child HCAHPS results from RN4CAST@IT-Ped cross-sectional study. J Pediatr Nurs 2024; 74:10-16. [PMID: 37980795 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.11.003] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine informal carers' experiences during their child's hospitalization and evaluate the associations with care received and care context. DESIGN AND METHODS What is described in this article is only a part of the larger study, RN4CAST@IT-Ped, a multicenter cross-sectional study, with multi-level data collection through convenience sampling, the Child Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey was used to collect data from informal carers of pediatric patients, applying the "top box" approach. RESULTS Nine hospitals, 1472 nurses, and 635 children's parents were involved. A correlation was found between patient safety and satisfaction outcomes and nursing staff characteristics. Adequate workloads for nurses improved carers' assessment of their experience in the hospital. CONCLUSION Adequate staffing management could significantly improve informal carers' satisfaction with the care provided to their children during hospitalization. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Children's informal carers greatly value the care they receive in pediatric hospitals. Adequate workloads for nurses improve carers' overall evaluation of the care their children receive during hospitalization. Nursing management should consider improving these aspects to ensure high-quality care in children's hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Dasso
- Health Professional Direction, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Catania
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore, 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Milko Zanini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore, 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Silvia Rossi
- Health Professional Direction, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Aleo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via A. Pastore, 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland..
| | - Alessio Signori
- Department of Health Sciences, Biostatistics, Via A. Pastore 1, I-16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Silvia Scelsi
- Health Professional Direction, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Paolo Petralia
- Italian Association of Paediatric Hospitals (AOPI), General Director, ASL 4 S.S.R. Ligure, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Mark Hayter
- Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Loredana Sasso
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore, 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Bagnasco
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore, 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
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Park JH, Lee MJ, Tsai MH, Shih HJ, Chang J. Rural, Regional, Racial Disparities in Telemedicine Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among US Adults: 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Patient Prefer Adherence 2023; 17:3477-3487. [PMID: 38143946 PMCID: PMC10749101 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s439437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of telemedicine utilization patterns among adult populations residing in both rural and urban areas and evaluate the probability of telemedicine adoption among adults dwelling in both rural and urban areas amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Our study has attained sample populations (n = 279,260, National Weighted Estimates = 2,391,188,373) through the secondary analysis of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for the year 2021. We examined the relationship between the rural, regional, and racial variables using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression associated with telemedicine use in our multivariable analysis. Results Telemedicine use by population decreased with decreasing urbanization level, from 40.2% among adults living in large central metropolitan to 29.7% among adults living in rural area (p<0.0001). Regarding household income, adults with 400% or more of the federal poverty level (FPL) were significantly more likely to use telemedicine than adults with less than 100% of the FPL. Females were more likely than males to utilize telemedicine. In terms of region, adults living in the West were 1.25 times more likely to use telemedicine than adults living in the Northeast, and minority race/ethnicity groups (eg, Non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and other) are less likely to use the telemedicine rather than Non-Hispanic White. Conclusion Health equity is attained when all demographic groups enjoy uniform access to healthcare services, but disparities emerge when there are discernible variations in access to treatment. Considering this study's findings, it becomes evident that the distinctions in poverty rates, median income levels, and healthcare utilization patterns across racial and regional lines may serve as indicators of potential health equity concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Hui Park
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Min Jee Lee
- Population Science and Policy, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Meng-Han Tsai
- Georgia Prevention Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Cancer Prevention, Control, & Population Health Program, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Huan-Ju Shih
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Jongwha Chang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Hicks LE. Multiple Case Study Exploring the Impact of Visitor Restrictions in Hospitals on Childbirth Support during the COVID-19 Pandemic. REPRODUCTIVE, FEMALE AND CHILD HEALTH 2023; 2:271-278. [PMID: 38188699 PMCID: PMC10768814 DOI: 10.1002/rfc2.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Objective Childbirth is a life-changing experience for new mothers, birth partners, and families. The COVID-19 pandemic restricted laboring mothers' access to support in hospitals through visitor restrictions. The goal of this research was to describe childbirth support in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A qualitative study using a multiple case study design describes childbirth support in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of the new mother, birth partner, and obstetric hospital staff, including doulas, nurses, and obstetric providers. The setting was a large metropolitan area in South Texas. Sixteen participants were interviewed including four new mothers, three birth partners, three doulas, three obstetric nurses, and three obstetric providers. Results Themes that emerged from the data include: under a spotlight, unmet expectations, discovering serenity, and quality childbirth support. Conclusion During the pandemic, new mothers and birth partners experienced fewer distractions, better communication with the hospital staff, and had better opportunities to bond with the newborn during labor and after birth, but did report missing the presence of their family and friends. Doulas, obstetric nurses, and obstetric providers found they were able to provide better quality and safer care to laboring mothers and birth partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Hicks
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 120 N. Medical Dr., #3601, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514
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Abubakar U, Awaisu A, Khan AH, Alam K. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare-Associated Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1600. [PMID: 37998802 PMCID: PMC10668951 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12111600] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated how the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the rate of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched to identify potentially eligible studies published from December 2019 to September 2022. A random effect model was used to determine the changes in the rate of HAIs during the pandemic. Thirty-seven studies, mostly from the United States (n = 13), were included. Fifteen studies described how the pandemic affected the rate of CLABSIs and CAUTIs, and eight of them showed a significant increase in CLABSIs. The risk of CLABSIs and CDIs was 27% (pooled odds ratio [OR]: 0.73; confidence interval [CI]: 0.61-0.89; p < 0.001) and 20% (pooled OR: 1.20; CI: 1.10-1.31; p < 0.001) higher during the pandemic compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic period, respectively. However, the overall risk of HAIs was unaffected by the pandemic (pooled OR: 1.00; 95 CI: 0.80-1.24; p = 0.990). Furthermore, there were no significant changes in the risk of CAUTIs (pooled OR: 1.01; 95 CI: 0.88-1.16; p = 0.890), and SSIs (pooled OR: 1.27; CI: 0.91-1.76; p = 0.16) between the two periods. The COVID-19 pandemic had no effect on the overall risk of HAIs among hospitalized patients, but an increased risk of CLABSIs and CDI were observed during the pandemic. Therefore, more stringent infection control and prevention measures and prudent interventions to promote the rational use of antibiotics are warranted across all healthcare facilities to reduce the burden of HAIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Abubakar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Awaisu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Amer Hayat Khan
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town 11800, Malaysia
| | - Khurshid Alam
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town 11800, Malaysia
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Sonney J, Peck JL. The Cost of Caring During COVID-19: A Clarion Call to Action to Support the Pediatric Advanced Practice Nursing Workforce. J Pediatr Health Care 2023; 37:658-672. [PMID: 37725029 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2023.08.003] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study reexamined the holistic impacts of COVID-19 on the pediatric advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) workforce two years after the 2020 assessment. METHOD This cross-sectional descriptive study used a convenience sample of pediatric APRNs affiliated with the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). A modified NAPNAP survey explored numerous impacts of COVID-19 on the pediatric APRN workforce. RESULTS Study participants (n = 1,087) reported widespread pandemic impacts across personal and professional domains. Alarmingly, 87% reported professional burnout, and 80% expressed concern over their overall mental health. The impacts of the pandemic on child health are ominous, with 94% of participants reporting pediatric mental health concerns, a devastating increase from the previous study. DISCUSSION The pediatric APRN workforce is in crisis amid a national pediatric mental health emergency. Multilevel interventions are critically emergent to sustain the APRN workforce and promote the health and well-being of children and families.
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Wray J, Ndokera R, Pierce CM, Oldham G. The impact of restrictions to visiting in paediatric intensive care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurs Crit Care 2023; 28:818-825. [PMID: 36593739 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restrictions to hospital visiting were mandated during the COVID-19 pandemic, with variability in the degree of restriction imposed. At times, paediatric intensive care units (ICU) restricted visiting to one parent/carer. Views of parents/carers and ICU staff about changes in the visiting policy are not well understood. STUDY DESIGN This is a Service evaluation involving questionnaire survey incorporating rating scales and free-text comments. Inner-city specialist children's hospital. Parents/carers of children on ICU between December 2020-March 2021 and staff who were working on ICU during May-June 2021. Parents and staff on ICU were invited to complete a questionnaire focusing on their experience of being or working on ICU. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and free-text comments were thematically analysed. RESULTS Completed questionnaires were received from 81/103 (79%) parents/carers and 217/550 (39%) staff. The majority of parents (n = 60;77%) and staff (n = 191;89%) understood the need for the one-parent visiting policy but acknowledged it was a source of considerable stress. More staff than parents agreed it was appropriate other relatives/friends visiting was not permitted (Z = 3.715;p < .001). There was no association between parents' satisfaction with their child's care and views about the visiting policy. However, staff were more likely to report an impact on their ability to deliver family centred care if they disagreed with the policy. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 visiting policy had a clear impact on parents and staff. In the event of any future threat to open-access visiting to children in hospital, the potentially damaging effect on children, parents, and staff must be considered. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Visiting policies need to take account of parents being partners in their child's care, rather than purely visitors to the unit where their child is being cared for. Visiting for two carers should always be facilitated, including during a crisis such as a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Wray
- Heart and Lung Directorate, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rufaro Ndokera
- Heart and Lung Directorate, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Christine M Pierce
- Heart and Lung Directorate, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Geralyn Oldham
- DRIVE, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Zhang Y, Johnston L. Barriers to, and facilitators of, eHealth utilisation by parents of high-risk newborn infants in the NICU: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068759. [PMID: 37202133 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parental presence in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has been demonstrated to enhance infant growth and development, reduce parental anxiety and stress and strengthen parent-infant bonding. Since eHealth technology emerged, research on its utilisation in NICUs has risen substantially. There is some evidence that incorporating such technologies in the NICU can reduce parental stress and enhance parent confidence in caring for their infant.Several countries, including China, restrict parental attendance in NICUs, citing infection control challenges, issues of privacy and confidentiality and perceived additional workload for healthcare professionals. Due to COVID-19 pandemic-related shortages of personal protective equipment and uncertain mode of transmission, many NICUs around the world closed to parental visiting and engagement in neonatal care.There is anecdotal evidence that, given pandemic-related restrictions, eHealth technologies, have increasingly been used in NICUs as a potential substitute for in-person parental presence.However, the constraints and enablers of technologies in these situations have not been exhaustively examined. This scoping review aims to update the literature on eHealth technology utilisation in the NICU and to explore the literature on the challenges and facilitators of eHealth technology implementation to inform future research. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The five-stage Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology will serve as the foundation for this scoping review. Eight databases will be searched for the relevant literature published between January 2000 and August 2022 in either English or Chinese. Grey literature will be manually searched. Data extraction and eligibility screening will be carried out by two impartial reviewers. There will be periods of both quantitative and qualitative analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Since all data and information will be taken from publicly accessible literature, ethical approval would not be necessary. A peer-reviewed publication will be published with the results of this scoping review. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER This scoping review protocol was registered in Open Science Framework and can be found here: https://osf.io/AQV5P/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linda Johnston
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Jenkins C, Geisthardt C, Day JK. Supporting Children and Families in Medical Settings: Insights from Child Life Specialists During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2023; 32:1599-1616. [PMID: 36714377 PMCID: PMC9860232 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-023-02537-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Medical settings can be frightening and stressful places for pediatric patients and their families. During the COVID-19 pandemic fear and anxiety associated with receiving medical care increased as medical facilities dramatically altered the way they functioned in attempts to stop the spread of the virus. Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLSs) are medical professionals who provide psychosocial support for pediatric patients and their families by helping them understand and cope with medical procedures and the medical environment. In this role, CCLSs are likely to have important insights into the experiences and needs of pediatric patients and their families during COVID-19. Using a mixed-methods design, 101 CCLSs completed an online survey and 15 participated in follow-up interviews examining their experiences with and observations of children and families in medical environments during the pandemic. Participants emphasized a need to maintain a focus on child- and family-centered care for the well-being of patients and their families. While recognizing the need to socially distance to limit the spread of COVID, participants expressed concern about restrictive policies that did not balance the physical and mental health needs of patients and families. Participants also discussed the important role of child life services during the pandemic and the unique and multifaceted contributions CCLSs made to support patients, families, other medical professionals, and communities. Recommendations for supporting children and families in medical environments moving forward are discussed in light of lessons learned during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Jenkins
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Central Michigan University, 228 Education and Human Services, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 USA
| | - Cheryl Geisthardt
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Central Michigan University, 228 Education and Human Services, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 USA
| | - Jack K. Day
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Central Michigan University, 228 Education and Human Services, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 USA
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Rush M, Khan A, Barber J, Bloom M, Anspacher M, Fratantoni K, Parikh K. Length of Stay and Barriers to Discharge for Technology-Dependent Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Hosp Pediatr 2023; 13:80-87. [PMID: 36519266 PMCID: PMC9808615 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2021-006506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, technology-dependent children are at risk of encountering barriers to hospital discharge because of limits to in-home services. Transition difficulties could increase length of stay (LOS). With this study, we aim to (1) evaluate change in LOS and (2) describe barriers to hospital discharge between prepandemic and early pandemic periods for technology-dependent children. METHODS A retrospective chart review of technology-dependent children discharged from an acute and specialty pediatric hospital within a single urban area between January 1 and May 28, 2020 was conducted. Technology dependence was defined by using a validated complex chronic condition coding system. Patients discharged prepandemic and during the pandemic were compared. Outcomes included LOS and the number and type of discharge barriers (a factor not related to a medical condition that delays discharge). Multivariate regression modeling and parametric and nonparametric analysis were used to compare cohorts. RESULTS Prepandemic, 163 patients were discharged, and 119 were discharged during the early stages of the pandemic. The most common technology dependence was a feeding tube. The unadjusted median LOS was 7 days in both groups. After adjusting for patient-level factors, discharge during the pandemic resulted in a 32.2% longer LOS (confidence interval 2.1%-71.2%). The number of discharge barriers was high but unchanged between cohorts. Lack of a trained caregiver was more frequent during the pandemic (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS Barriers to discharge were frequent for both cohorts. Discharge during the pandemic was associated with longer LOS. It was more difficult to identify a trained caregiver during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Rush
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
- George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Amina Khan
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
- George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - John Barber
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Miriam Bloom
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
- George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Melanie Anspacher
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
- George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Karen Fratantoni
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
- George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kavita Parikh
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
- George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
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Bludau A, Heinemann S, Mardiko AA, Kaba HEJ, Leha A, von Maltzahn N, Mutters NT, Leistner R, Mattner F, Scheithauer S. Infection control strategies for patients and accompanying persons during the COVID-19 pandemic in German hospitals: a cross-sectional study in March-April 2021. J Hosp Infect 2022; 125:28-36. [PMID: 35413422 PMCID: PMC8994401 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients are at risk of nosocomial COVID-19 infection. The role of accompanying persons/visitors as potential infection donors is not yet well researched, but the risk will be influenced by prevention measures recommended by infection control practitioners. AIM To collect information about COVID-19 infection control strategies for patients and accompanying persons from infection control practitioners in German hospitals. METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire was developed, ethically approved, pre-tested and formatted as an online tool. Infection control practitioners in 987 randomly selected German hospitals were invited to participate in March and April 2021. For statistical analysis, the hospitals were categorized as small (0-499 beds) or large (≥500 beds). FINDINGS One hundred surveys were completed (response rate: 10%). A higher proportion of large (71%) than small (49%) hospitals let patients decide freely whether to wear medical or FFP2 masks. Most hospitals reported spatial separation for COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 cases (38%) or additionally for suspected COVID-19 cases (53%). A separation of healthcare teams for these areas existed in 54% of the hospitals. Accompaniment bans were more prevalent in large (52%) than in small hospitals (29%), but large hospitals granted more exemptions. CONCLUSION The decision as to whether to separate areas and teams seemed to depend on the hospital's structural conditions, therefore impairing the implementation of recommendations. Accompaniment regulations differ between hospital sizes and may depend on patient numbers, case type/severity and patients' requirements. In the dynamic situation of a pandemic, it can be difficult to stay up to date with findings and recommendations on infection control.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bludau
- Institute of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - S Heinemann
- Local Task Force of the Network University Medicine (NUM), University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - A A Mardiko
- Institute of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - H E J Kaba
- Institute of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - A Leha
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - N von Maltzahn
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - N T Mutters
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - R Leistner
- Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - F Mattner
- Institute for Hygiene, Cologne Merheim Medical Centre, University Witten-Herdecke, Cologne, Germany
| | - S Scheithauer
- Institute of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Betz CL. COVID-19 Special Collection. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 62:A9-A10. [PMID: 35125171 PMCID: PMC8812819 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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