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Vidavalur R, Hussain N. Interstate Practice Variation and Factors Associated with Antibiotic Use for Suspected Neonatal Sepsis in the United States. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e1689-e1697. [PMID: 36963432 DOI: 10.1055/a-2061-8620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate national time trends of overall and statewise antibiotic utilization (AU) rates for suspected neonatal sepsis (SNS) in the United States. STUDY DESIGN In this cross-sectional study, we used retrospective linked birth cohort and vital records data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research database for the years 2016 to 2020 and analyzed data containing antibiotic use for SNS. The primary outcome was proportional national and state-specific AU rates per 1,000 live births during the birth hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included overall trends and association between maternal education, race, sex, chorioamnionitis, mode of delivery, gestational age at birth, Apgar's scores, and insurance status with antibiotics exposure for SNS among newborns. Contingency tables, two-tailed t-test, and chi-square for independence tests were performed with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS For a birth cohort of >18 million, 2.2% of infants received antibiotics during birth hospitalization nationwide. There were wide variations in AU among U.S. states and territories, whereas overall treatment rates decreased by 16.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.2-17.0; p < 0.001). Compared with White newborns, Black newborns had higher AU rates (odds ratio [OR]: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.32-1.34), and Asians had the lowest rates (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.95-0.97). There was a significant difference in mean AU rates by race (p < 0.001). Chorioamnionitis at birth significantly increased the odds for AU (OR: 14.5 ;95% CI: 14.4-14.6), although AU rates for chorioamnionitis showed a significant downward trend (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.50-0.53) during the study period. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that there has been a gradual decline in AU for SNS in more than a third of states in last 5 years. While risk-based management approaches achieve widespread implementation, state- and nationwide quality improvement collaborates might have contributed to the relative decline in antibiotic use in newborns. Further studies are warranted to understand factors related to practice variation in the management of SNS in the United States KEY POINTS: · Early and prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to altered gut microbiome and adverse long-term neonatal outcomes.. · There is considerable clinical practice variation in antibiotic-prescribing practices for suspected neonatal sepsis.. · This cross-sectional study reports the differences in neonatal antibiotic usage patterns by region and maternal factors.. · Antibiotic use should be limited to newborns at high risk of infection and proven sepsis.. · Judicious use of antibiotics can be promoted by following evidence-based approaches to sepsis risk assessment..
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Vidavalur
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Cayuga Medical Center/Weill Cornell Medicine, Ithaca, New York
| | - Naveed Hussain
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
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Goodman DC, Stuchlik P, Ganduglia-Cazaban C, Tyson JE, Leyenaar J, Avritscher EBC, Rysavy M, Gautham KS, Lynch D, Stukel TA. Hospital-Level NICU Capacity, Utilization, and 30-Day Outcomes in Texas. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2355982. [PMID: 38353952 PMCID: PMC10867701 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.55982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Risk-adjusted neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) utilization and outcomes vary markedly across regions and hospitals. The causes of this variation are poorly understood. Objective To assess the association of hospital-level NICU bed capacity with utilization and outcomes in newborn cohorts with differing levels of health risk. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based retrospective cohort study included all Medicaid-insured live births in Texas from 2010 to 2014 using linked vital records and maternal and newborn claims data. Participants were Medicaid-insured singleton live births (LBs) with birth weights of at least 400 g and gestational ages between 22 and 44 weeks. Newborns were grouped into 3 cohorts: very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g), late preterm (LPT; 34-36 weeks' gestation), and nonpreterm newborns (NPT; ≥37 weeks' gestation). Data analysis was conducted from January 2022 to October 2023. Exposure Hospital NICU capacity measured as reported NICU beds/100 LBs, adjusted (ie, allocated) for transfers. Main Outcomes and Measures NICU admissions and special care days; inpatient mortality and 30-day postdischarge adverse events (ie, mortality, emergency department visit, admission, observation stay). Results The overall cohort of 874 280 single LBs included 9938 VLBW (5054 [50.9%] female; mean [SD] birth weight, 1028.9 [289.6] g; mean [SD] gestational age, 27.6 [2.6] wk), 63 160 LPT (33 684 [53.3%] female; mean [SD] birth weight, 2664.0 [409.4] g; mean [SD] gestational age, 35.4 [0.8] wk), and 801 182 NPT (407 977 [50.9%] female; mean [SD] birth weight, 3318.7 [383.4] g; mean [SD] gestational age, 38.9 [1.0] wk) LBs. Median (IQR) NICU capacity was 0.84 (0.57-1.30) allocated beds/100 LB/year. For VLBW newborns, NICU capacity was not associated with the risk of NICU admission or number of special care days. For LPT newborns, birth in hospitals with the highest compared with the lowest category of capacity was associated with a 17% higher risk of NICU admission (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01-1.33). For NPT newborns, risk of NICU admission was 55% higher (aRR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.22-1.97) in the highest- vs the lowest-capacity hospitals. The number of special care days for LPT and NPT newborns was 21% (aRR, 1.21; 95% CI,1.08-1.36) and 37% (aRR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.08-1.74) higher in the highest vs lowest capacity hospitals, respectively. Among LPT and NPT newborns, NICU capacity was associated with higher inpatient mortality and 30-day postdischarge adverse events. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of Medicaid-insured newborns in Texas, greater hospital NICU bed supply was associated with increased NICU utilization in newborns born LPT and NPT. Higher capacity was not associated with lower risk of adverse events. These findings raise important questions about how the NICU is used for newborns with lower risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Goodman
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Patrick Stuchlik
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Cecilia Ganduglia-Cazaban
- Center for Health Care Data and Department of Management, Policy, and Community Health, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Jon E. Tyson
- Institute for Clinical Research and Learning Health Care, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - JoAnna Leyenaar
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Elenir B. C. Avritscher
- Institute for Clinical Research and Learning Health Care, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Mathew Rysavy
- Institute for Clinical Research and Learning Health Care, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Kanekal S. Gautham
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children’s Health, Orlando, Florida
| | | | - Therese A. Stukel
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ismail L, Markowsky A, Adusei-Baah C, Gallizzi G, Hall M, Kalburgi S, McQuistion K, Morgan J, Tamaskar N, Parikh K. Variation in Length of Stay by Level of Neonatal Care Among Moderate and Late Preterm Infants. Hosp Pediatr 2024; 14:37-44. [PMID: 38058236 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2023-007252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Moderate and late preterm infants are a growing subgroup of neonates with increased care needs after birth, yet standard protocols are lacking. We aim to describe variation in length of stay (LOS) by gestational age (GA) across hospitals within the same level of neonatal care and between different levels of neonatal care. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of hospitalizations for moderate (32-33 weeks GA) and late (34-36 weeks GA) preterm infants in 2019 Kid's Inpatient Database. We compared adjusted LOS in this cohort and evaluated variation within hospitals of the same level and across different levels of neonatal care. RESULTS This study includes 217 051 moderate (26.2%) and late (73.8%) preterm infants from level II (19.7%), III (66.3%), and IV (11.1%) hospitals. Patient-level (race and ethnicity, primary payor, delivery type, multiple gestation, birth weight) and hospital-level (birth region, level of neonatal care) factors were significantly associated with LOS. Adjusted mean LOS varied for hospitals within the same level of neonatal care with level II hospitals showing the greatest variability among 34- to 36- week GA infants when compared with level III and IV hospitals (P < .01). LOS also varied significantly between levels of neonatal care with the greatest variation (0.9 days) seen in 32-week GA between level III and level IV hospitals. CONCLUSIONS For moderate and late preterm infants, the level of neonatal care was associated with variation in LOS after adjusting for clinical severity. Hospitals providing level II neonatal care showed the greatest variation and may provide an opportunity to standardize care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Ismail
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | | | - Gina Gallizzi
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Sonal Kalburgi
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Joy Morgan
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Nisha Tamaskar
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kavita Parikh
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
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Pang EM, Liu J, Lu T, Joshi NS, Gould J, Lee HC. Evaluating Epidemiologic Trends and Variations in NICU Admissions in California, 2008 to 2018. Hosp Pediatr 2023; 13:976-983. [PMID: 37867440 PMCID: PMC10593864 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2023-007190] [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: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous research suggests increasing numbers of and variation in NICU admissions. We explored whether these trends were reflected in California by examining NICU admissions and birth data in aggregate and among patient and hospital subpopulations more susceptible to variations in care. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated NICU utilization between 2008 and 2018 for all live births at hospitals that provide data to the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative. We compared hospital- and admission-level data across birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA), and illness acuity categories. Trends were analyzed by using linear regression models. RESULTS We identified 472 402 inborn NICU admissions and 3 960 441 live births across 144 hospitals. Yearly trends in NICU admissions remained stable among all births and higher acuity births (mean admission rates 11.9% and 4.1%, respectively). However, analysis of the higher acuity births revealed significant increases in NICU admission rates for neonates with higher BW and GA (BW ≥ 2500g: 1.8% in 2008, 2.1% in 2018; GA ≥ 37 weeks: 1.5% in 2010, 1.8% in 2018). Kaiser hospitals had a decreasing trend of NICU admissions compared to non-Kaiser hospitals (Kaiser: 13.9% in 2008, 10.1% in 2018; non-Kaiser: 11.3% in 2008, 12.3% in 2018). CONCLUSIONS Overall NICU admission rates in California were stable from 2008-2018. However, trends similar to national patterns emerged when stratified by infant GA, BW, and illness acuity as well as Kaiser or non-Kaiser hospitals, with increasing admission rates for infants born at higher BW and GA and within non-Kaiser hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Pang
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jessica Liu
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics
- California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative (CPQCC)
| | - Tianyao Lu
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics
- California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative (CPQCC)
| | - Neha S. Joshi
- Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Jeffrey Gould
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics
- California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative (CPQCC)
| | - Henry C. Lee
- California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative (CPQCC)
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
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5
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Sarathy L, Roumiantsev S, Lerou PH. Who Needs the NICU? Trends and Opportunities for Improvement. Hosp Pediatr 2023; 13:e345-e347. [PMID: 37867434 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2023-007473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leela Sarathy
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School/Mass General for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sergei Roumiantsev
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School/Mass General for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Paul H Lerou
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School/Mass General for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
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6
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Lockyear C, Coe K, Greenberg RG, Clark RH, Aleem S. Trends in morbidities of late preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. J Perinatol 2023; 43:1379-1384. [PMID: 37393396 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01705-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize demographics and trends in length of stay (LOS), morbidities, and mortality in late preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study of infants born between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks gestation between 1999 and 2018 without major congenital anomalies at Pediatrix Medical Group neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). RESULTS 307,967 infants from 410 NICUs met inclusion criteria. The median (25th-75th percentile) LOS was 11 (8-16) days in the entire period. Postmenstrual age (PMA) at discharge increased during the cohort for all gestational ages (p < 0.001). There was a decrease in invasive ventilation, receipt of phototherapy, and reflux medications observed (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION In this large cohort, given 20 years of time for medical advancement, there was no significant improvement in the LOS of late preterm infants. All infants had an increased PMA at discharge, despite multiple practice changes that were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristi Coe
- Duke School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rachel G Greenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Reese H Clark
- Pediatrix Center for Research, Education, Quality, and Safety, Sunrise, FL, USA
| | - Samia Aleem
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Braun D, Kaempf JW, Ho NJ, Nguyen MH, Passi R, Burgos AE, Volodarskiy M, Villosis MFB, Gupta M, Habeshian TS, Tam HK, Litam KB, Hong QL, Dong CC, Getahun D. Discontinuation of Car Seat Tolerance Screening and Postdischarge Adverse Outcomes in Infants Born Preterm. J Pediatr 2023; 261:113577. [PMID: 37353144 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113577] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the association between discontinuing predischarge car seat tolerance screening (CSTS) with 30-day postdischarge adverse outcomes in infants born preterm. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study involving all infants born preterm from 2010 through 2021 who survived to discharge to home in a 14-hospital integrated health care system. The exposure was discontinuation of CSTS. The primary outcome was a composite rate of death, 911 call-triggered transports, or readmissions associated with diagnostic codes of respiratory disorders, apnea, apparent life-threatening event, or brief resolved unexplained events within 30 days of discharge. Outcomes of infants born in the periods of CSTS and after discontinuation were compared. RESULTS Twelve of 14 hospitals initially utilized CSTS and contributed patients to the CSTS period; 71.4% of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients and 26.9% of non-NICU infants were screened. All hospitals participated in the discontinuation period; 0.1% was screened. Rates of the unadjusted primary outcome were 1.02% in infants in the CSTS period (n = 21 122) and 1.06% after discontinuation (n = 20 142) (P = .76). The aOR (95% CI) was 0.95 (0.75, 1.19). Statistically insignificant differences between periods were observed in components of the primary outcome, gestational age strata, NICU admission status groups, and other secondary analyses. CONCLUSIONS Discontinuation of CSTS in a large integrated health care network was not associated with a change in 30-day postdischarge adverse outcomes. CSTS's value as a standard predischarge assessment deserves further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Braun
- Department of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA; Department of Research and Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA.
| | - Joseph W Kaempf
- Women and Children's Services Institute, Providence Health System, Portland, OR
| | - Ngoc J Ho
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA
| | - Marielle H Nguyen
- Department of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA
| | - Rohit Passi
- Department of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA; Department of Clinical Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA
| | - Anthony E Burgos
- Department of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA; Department of Clinical Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA
| | - Marianna Volodarskiy
- Department of Patient Care Services, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - Maria Fe B Villosis
- Department of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA; Department of Clinical Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA
| | - Mandhir Gupta
- Department of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA
| | - Talar S Habeshian
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA
| | - Henry K Tam
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA
| | - Kevin B Litam
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA
| | - Quinn L Hong
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA
| | - Calvin C Dong
- Department of Regional Ambulance Operations, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Downey, CA
| | - Darios Getahun
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA; Department of Health Care Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA
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King B, Patel RM. Using Quality Improvement to Improve Value and Reduce Waste. Clin Perinatol 2023; 50:489-506. [PMID: 37201993 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Value is defined as health outcomes achieved per dollar spent. Addressing value in quality improvement (QI) efforts can help optimize patient outcomes while reducing unnecessary spending. In this article, we discuss how QI focused on reducing morbidities frequently reduces costs, and how proper cost accounting can help demonstrate improvements in value. We provide examples of high-yield opportunities for value improvement in neonatology and review the literature associated with these topics. Opportunities include reducing neonatal intensive care admissions for low-acuity infants, sepsis evaluations in low-risk infants, unnecessary total parental nutrition use, and utilization of laboratory and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian King
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburg School of Medicine.
| | - Ravi M Patel
- Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Zupancic JAF, Hudak ML, Edwards EM, Horbar JD, Mao WY, Miedema D, Keels E, Pursley DM. Using the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Wisely: A National Survey of Clinicians Regarding Practices for Lower-Acuity Care. J Pediatr 2023; 253:165-172.e1. [PMID: 36181871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.09.036] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to document the practices and preferences of neonatal care stakeholders regarding location and duration of care for newborns with low illness acuity. STUDY DESIGN We developed a survey instrument that comprised 14 questions across 2 global scenarios and 7 specific clinical conditions. The latter included apnea of prematurity, gestational age for neonatal intensive care unit admission, jaundice, neonatal opioid withdrawal, thermoregulation, and sepsis evaluation. Respondents reported their current practice and preferences for an alternative approach. We administered the survey to individuals in the membership email distribution lists of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, the National Association of Neonatal Nurses, and the Vermont Oxford Network. RESULTS Of 2284 respondents, 53% believed that infants were, in general, admitted to a higher level of care than was required, and only 13% reported that the level of care was too low. Length of stay was perceived to be generally too long by 46% of respondents and too short by 21%. Across 10 specific clinical questions, there was substantial variability in current practice and up to 35% of respondents reported discordance between current and preferred practice. These respondents preferred a lower level of care in 8 of 10 scenarios. CONCLUSIONS A multidisciplinary sample of US clinicians reported significant variation in the level and duration of care for infants with low illness acuity. Among individuals reporting discordance between current and preferred practice, a majority believed that current management could be accomplished in a lower level of care location.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A F Zupancic
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | - Mark L Hudak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Erika M Edwards
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, VT; Department of Pediatrics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Jeffrey D Horbar
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, VT; Department of Pediatrics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Wen Yang Mao
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - David Miedema
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Erin Keels
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - DeWayne M Pursley
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Vance A, Bell S, Tilea A, Beck D, Tabb K, Zivin K. Identifying neonatal intensive care (NICU) admissions using administrative claims data. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2023; 16:709-716. [PMID: 38073398 PMCID: PMC10916318 DOI: 10.3233/npm-230014] [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] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To define a method for identifying neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions using administrative claims data. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study using claims from Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database (CDM) from 2016 -2020. We developed a definition to identify NICU admissions using a list of codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and revenue codes frequently associated with NICU admissions. We compared agreement between codes using Kappa statistics and calculated positive predictive values (PPV) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS On average, revenue codes (3.3%) alone identified more NICU hospitalizations compared to CPT codes alone (1.5%), whereas the use of CPT and revenue (8.9%) and CPT or revenue codes (13.7%) captured the most NICU hospitalizations, which aligns with rates of preterm birth. Gestational age alone (4.2%) and birthweight codes alone (2.0%) identified the least number of potential NICU hospitalizations. Setting CPT codes as the standard and revenue codes as the "test,", revenue codes resulted in identifying 86% of NICU admissions (sensitivity) and 97% of non-NICU admissions (specificity). CONCLUSIONS Using administrative data, we developed a robust definition for identifying neonatal admissions. The identified definition of NICU codes is easily adaptable, repeatable, and flexible for use in other datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.J. Vance
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - S. Bell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - A. Tilea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - D. Beck
- UCLA School of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - K.M. Tabb
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, School of Social Work, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - K. Zivin
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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11
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Kair LR, Goyal NK. Hospital Readmission Among Late Preterm Infants: New Insights and Remaining Questions. Hosp Pediatr 2022; 12:e273-e274. [PMID: 35694875 PMCID: PMC9793413 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2022-006640] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Late preterm infants (LPIs), those born at 34 to 36 6/7 weeks' gestation, account for the majority of preterm births (73%).1 Given their physiologic immaturity, LPIs are at increased risk of respiratory distress, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia, and other complications in the neonatal period, and are at increased risk of hospital readmission in the first month of life.2 As Amsalu and colleagues describe in this month's issue of Hospital Pediatrics,3 identification of a predictive model to differentiate LPI at higher risk of complications would help inform tailored discharge plans and prevent readmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura R Kair
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Neera K Goyal
- Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, Delaware; and
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Goodman DC, Price TJ, Braun D. Accuracy and Completeness of Intermediate-Level Nursery Descriptions on Hospital Websites. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2215596. [PMID: 35666499 PMCID: PMC9171562 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.15596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Birth at hospitals with an appropriate level of neonatal intensive care units is associated with better neonatal outcomes. The primary sources for information about hospital neonatal unit levels for prospective parents, referring physicians, and the public are hospital websites, but the accuracy of neonatal unit capacity is unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine if hospital websites accurately report the capabilities of intermediate (ie, level II) units, which are intended for care of newborns with low to moderate illness levels or the stabilization of newborns prior to transfer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study compared descriptions of level II unit capabilities on hospital web pages in 10 large states with their respective state-level designation. Analyzed units were located in the 10 states with the highest number of live births in 2019 (excluding states with no level II regulations) and had active websites as of May 2021. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Hospital websites were assessed for whether there was any mention of the unit, the description of the unit was provided, the unit was identified as a level III or both levels II and III, the terms "neonatal intensive care unit" or "NICU" were used without indicating limits in care available or newborn acuity, or the unit was claimed to provide the most advanced level of care. RESULTS A total 28 states had no regulation of nursery unit levels; in the 10 large, regulated states, web descriptions of level II units were incomplete for 39.2% of hospitals (95% CI, 33.3%-45.3%) and inaccurate for 24.6% (95% CI, 19.6%-30.2%). Within incomplete descriptions, 2.6% (95% CI, 1.1%-5.3%) of hospitals did not mention an advanced care unit and 22.0% (95% CI, 17.2%-27.5%) identified a level II unit without providing further description. Within inaccurate descriptions, 25.4% (95% CI, 20.3%-31.0%) of hospitals described the unit as a "neonatal intensive care unit" or "NICU" without any qualification and 9.3% (95% CI, 6.3%-13.5%) claimed that the unit provided the most advanced neonatal care or care to the sickest newborns; 3.0% of hospitals (95% CI, 1.3%-6.0%) stated that their unit was level III and 1.5% (95% CI, 0.4%-3.8%) as level II and III. Across states there was substantial variation in rates of incompleteness and inaccuracy. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Incomplete and inaccurate hospital web descriptions of intermediate newborn care units are common. These deficits can mislead parents, clinicians, and the public about the appropriateness of a hospital for sick newborns, which raises important ethical questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Goodman
- Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Timothy J. Price
- Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - David Braun
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Panorama City
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Moen A, Goodman DC. Unwarranted geographic variation in paediatric health care in the United States and Norway. Acta Paediatr 2022; 111:733-740. [PMID: 35007359 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM We present the four US and Norwegian paediatric and neonatal health atlases and discuss the concept and causes of unwarranted geographic variation in paediatric health care. METHODS The four atlases analyse data from both publicly owned health registers, registers of insurance claims and quality registers. Healthcare utilisation is counted per recipient in predefined hospital service areas, adjusted for relevant confounders and presented as extremal ratios between the highest and lowest rate. RESULTS The atlases describe geographic variation in rates for primary health care, hospital admissions, outpatient visits, treatment procedures and diagnostic testing. A difference in extremal ratios from 2 to 4 between health service areas are common, and for some procedures extremal ratios is even higher. CONCLUSION Variation in healthcare utilisation of the magnitude described in these four atlases cannot be explained by differences in population morbidity or patient preferences and are therefore characterised as unwarranted variation. Individual provider preferences or supply of resources such as hospital beds may explain the observed variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atle Moen
- Department of Neonatology Oslo University Hospital Oslo Norway
| | - David C. Goodman
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth Hanover New Hampshire USA
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