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Morrison JM, Kono N, Rush M, Hahn A, Forster CS, Cogen JD, Thomson J, DeYoung SH, Bashiri S, Mack WJ, Neely MN, Simon TD, Russell CJ. Factors associated with tracheostomy-associated infection treatment: A multicenter observational study. Pediatr Pulmonol 2024. [PMID: 38860585 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.27117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize factors that influence the decision to treat suspected pediatric bacterial tracheostomy-associated respiratory infections (bTRAINs; e.g., pneumonia, tracheitis). METHODS We conducted a multicenter, prospective cohort study of children with pre-existing tracheostomy hospitalized at six children's hospitals for a suspected bTRAIN (receipt of respiratory culture plus ≥1 doses of an antibiotic within 48 h). The primary predictor was respiratory culture growth categorized as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. aeruginosa + ≥1 other bacterium, other bacteria alone, or normal flora/no growth. Our primary outcome was bTRAIN treatment with a complete course of antibiotics as documented by the discharge team. We used logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to identify the association between our primary predictor and outcome and to identify demographic, clinical, and diagnostic testing factors associated with treatment. RESULTS Of the 440 admissions among 289 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 307 (69.8%) had positive respiratory culture growth. Overall, 237 (53.9%) of admissions resulted in bTRAIN treatment. Relative to a negative culture, a culture positive for P. aeruginosa plus ≥1 other organism (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-5.0)] or ≥1 other organism alone (aOR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.4-5.6)] was associated with treatment. Several clinical and diagnostic testing (respiratory Gram-stain and chest radiograph) findings were also associated with treatment. Positive respiratory viral testing was associated with reduced odds of treatment (aOR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2-0.9). CONCLUSIONS Positive respiratory cultures as well as clinical indicators of acute illness and nonculture test results were associated with bTRAIN treatment. Clinicians may be more comfortable withholding antibiotics when a virus is identified during testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Morrison
- Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Naoko Kono
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Margaret Rush
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washingto, District Columbia, USA
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District Columbia, USA
| | - Andrea Hahn
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washingto, District Columbia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District Columbia, USA
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District Columbia, USA
| | - Catherine S Forster
- Divisions of Pediatric Hospital Medicine and Pediatric Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan D Cogen
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital/University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joanna Thomson
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Sarah Hofman DeYoung
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital/University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sowgand Bashiri
- Divisions of Hospital Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Wendy J Mack
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael N Neely
- Division of Infectious Disease, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tamara D Simon
- Divisions of Hospital Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christopher J Russell
- Divisions of Hospital Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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von Rhein M, Chaouch A, Oros V, Manzano S, Gualco G, Sidler M, Laasner U, Dey M, Dratva J, Seiler M. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric emergency department utilization in three regions in Switzerland. Int J Emerg Med 2024; 17:64. [PMID: 38755579 PMCID: PMC11097595 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-024-00640-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a decrease in emergency department (ED) visits. However, contradictory, and sparse data regarding children could not yet answer the question, how pediatric ED utilization evolved throughout the pandemic. Our objectives were to investigate the impact of the pandemic in three language regions of Switzerland by analyzing trends over time, describe regional differences, and address implications for future healthcare. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study at three Swiss tertiary pediatric EDs (March 1st, 2018-February 28th, 2022), analyzing the numbers of ED visits (including patients` age, triage categories, and urgent vs. non-urgent cases). The impact of COVID-19 related non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on pediatric ED utilization was assessed by interrupted time series (ITS) modelling. RESULTS Based on 304'438 ED visits, we found a drop of nearly 50% at the onset of NPIs, followed by a gradual recovery. This primarily affected children 0-4 years, and both non-urgent and urgent cases. However, the decline in urgent visits appeared to be more pronounced in two centers compared to a third, where also hospitalization rates did not decrease significantly during the pandemic. A subgroup analysis showed a significant decrease in respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, and an increase in the proportion of trauma patients during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic had substantial effects on number and reasons for pediatric ED visits, particularly among children 0-4 years. Despite equal regulatory conditions, the utilization dynamics varied markedly between the three regions, highlighting the multifactorial modification of pediatric ED utilization during the pandemic. Furthermore, future policy decisions should take regional differences into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael von Rhein
- Child Development Center, University Children`s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Aziz Chaouch
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vivian Oros
- University Children`S Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Manzano
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca Gualco
- Pediatric Emergency Departement, Clinics of Pediatrics, Institute of Pediatrics of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Michelle Dey
- School of Health Science, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Julia Dratva
- School of Health Science, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
- Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Seiler
- Pediatric Emergency Department, University Children`S Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Atmanli A, Yen K, Zhou AZ. Diagnostic testing for chest pain in a pediatric emergency department and rates of cardiac disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1366953. [PMID: 38745831 PMCID: PMC11091279 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1366953] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Chest pain is a common chief complaint in pediatric emergency departments (EDs). Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been shown to increase the risk of cardiac disease. It remains unclear how COVID-19 changed how pediatric emergency clinicians approach patients presenting with chest pain. The goal of this study was to characterize the diagnostic testing for chest pain in a pediatric ED before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This was a retrospective study of children between the ages of 2-17 years presenting to a pediatric ED from 1/1/2018-2/29/2020 (Pre-COVID-19) and 3/1/2020-4/30/2022 (COVID-19) with chest pain. We excluded patients with a previous history of cardiac disease. Results Of the 10,721 encounters during the study period, 5,692 occurred before and 5,029 during COVID-19. Patient demographics showed minor differences by age, weight, race and ethnicity. ED encounters for chest pain consisted of an average of 18% more imaging studies during COVID-19, including 14% more EKGs and 11% more chest x-rays, with no difference in the number of echocardiograms. Compared to Pre-COVID-19, 100% more diagnostic tests were ordered during COVID-19, including cardiac markers Troponin I (p < 0.001) and BNP (p < 0.001). During COVID-19, 1.1% of patients had a cardiac etiology of chest pain compared with 0.7% before COVID-19 (p = 0.03). Conclusions During COVID-19, pediatric patients with chest pain underwent more diagnostic testing compared to Pre-COVID-19. This may be due to higher patient acuity, emergence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) that necessitated more extensive testing and possible changes in ED clinician behavior during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayhan Atmanli
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Kenneth Yen
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Amy Z Zhou
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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Chakera H, Zuccaro J, Gus E, Kelly C, Fish JS. Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on the provision of pediatric burn care. Burns 2024; 50:388-394. [PMID: 37981484 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2023.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had widespread effects on the healthcare system due to public health regulations and restrictions. The following study shares trends observed during these extraordinary circumstances to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of pediatric burn care at an American-Burn-Association verified tertiary pediatric hospital in Ontario, Canada. Pediatric burn patient data for new burn patients between March 17th, 2019, and March 17th, 2021, was retrospectively extracted and two cohorts of patients were formed: pre-pandemic and pandemic, through which statistical analysis was performed. No significant changes in the number of admitted patients, age, and sex of patients were observed. However, a significant increase in fire/flame burns was observed during the pandemic period. Additionally, a decrease in follow-up care was observed while an increase in acute burn care (wound care and surgical interventions) was found for the pandemic cohort. Despite changes to hospital care facilities to maximize resources for COVID-19-related care, our findings demonstrate that burn care remained an essential service and significant reductions in patient volumes were not observed. Overall, this study will aid in future planning and management for the provision of pediatric burn resources during similar public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hawwa Chakera
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jennifer Zuccaro
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eduardo Gus
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charis Kelly
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joel S Fish
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kinden RH, Sadoway A, Erdogan M, Kureshi N, Johnson M, Green RS, Emsley JG. Pre-hospital mortality among pediatric trauma patients in Nova Scotia. CAN J EMERG MED 2024; 26:166-173. [PMID: 38190003 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-023-00636-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Limited data exist on pre-hospital pediatric trauma mortality in Canada. The Nova Scotia Trauma Registry is a provincial population-based registry that captures data from the Medical Examiner Service. This study examined the characteristics of pediatric trauma patient mortality in the pre-hospital and in-hospital settings. METHODS We conducted a cohort study of major pediatric traumas recorded in our provincial database from April 1, 2001 to March 31, 2018. Characteristics of pre-hospital and in-hospital deaths were compared with t tests and Chi-square analyses. Multivariate regression modeling was used to identify predictors of pre-hospital mortality. The geographic distribution of pre-hospital trauma was assessed using choropleth maps. RESULTS We identified 1,258 pediatric traumas, resulting in 217 deaths (137 pre-hospital, 80 in-hospital). Males accounted for 62.7% of fatalities. The 15-17 age group accounted for most deaths in both groups (pre-hospital 61.3%; in-hospital 41.3%). Injuries sustained in rural areas resulted in 74.7% of all deaths. For both groups, blunt trauma was the predominant injury type and motor vehicle collisions, the most prevalent injury mechanism. Patients who died pre-hospital had a higher mean age (13.3 vs. 10.7, p = 0.002) and a greater proportion were intentional injuries (23.4% vs. 15%; p = 0.02). Urban residency was more frequently observed in in-hospital deaths (57.5% vs. 36.5%, p < 0.001). Pre-hospital mortality was associated with increasing age (OR 1.1), higher injury severity score (OR 1.1), and intentional injury (OR 15.6). CONCLUSION Over 10% of major pediatric traumas resulted in pre-hospital death, primarily from motor vehicle collisions in rural areas. Compared to in-hospital mortality, patients who died pre-hospital were older with more severe injuries and more likely to have intentionally injured themselves. These results underscore the importance for emergency physicians and EMS systems to consider geographic factors and injury patterns, advocate for improved injury prevention programs, mental health supports, and delivery of on-scene critical care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee H Kinden
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 3A7, Canada
| | - Andrea Sadoway
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
- IWK Health Center, 5980 University Ave, Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8, Canada
| | - Mete Erdogan
- Nova Scotia Health Trauma Program, Rm 1-026B Centennial Building, 1276 South Park Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 2Y9, Canada
| | - Nelofar Kureshi
- Division of Neurosurgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Michelle Johnson
- IWK Health Center, 5980 University Ave, Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8, Canada
- Discipline of Pediatrics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Robert S Green
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 3A7, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Trauma Program, Rm 1-026B Centennial Building, 1276 South Park Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 2Y9, Canada
- Department of Critical Care, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Jason G Emsley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 3A7, Canada.
- IWK Health Center, 5980 University Ave, Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8, Canada.
- Nova Scotia Health Trauma Program, Rm 1-026B Centennial Building, 1276 South Park Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 2Y9, Canada.
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Park JL, Clark CA, Bagshawe M, Kuntz J, Perri A, Deegan A, Marriott B, Rahman A, Graham S, McMorris CA. A comparison of psychiatric inpatient admissions in youth before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN ACADEMY OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY = JOURNAL DE L'ACADEMIE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE DE L'ENFANT ET DE L'ADOLESCENT 2024; 33:3-17. [PMID: 38449720 PMCID: PMC10914150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Background The current understanding of the effect of COVID-19 on child and youth admissions to psychiatric inpatient units over time is limited, with conflicting findings and many studies focusing on the initial wave of the pandemic. Objectives This study identified changes in psychiatric inpatient admissions, and reasons for admission, including suicidality and self-harm, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method This time series study analyzed 3,723 admissions of youth (ages 0-18.88 years) admitted to four major psychiatry inpatient units in a large Canadian city between January 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2021. Pre-pandemic (before March 11, 2020) and during-pandemic (after March 11, 2020) trends of admissions were explored using a Bayesian structural time series model (BSTS). Results The model revealed that overall admissions during the pandemic period exceeded what would have been predicted in the absence of a pandemic, a relative increase of 29%. Additionally, a rise in the total number of admissions due to self-harm and suicidality (29% increase), externalizing/behavioral issues (69% increase), and internalizing/emotional issues (28% increase) provided strong evidence of increased admissions compared to what might have been expected from pre-pandemic numbers. Conclusions There was strong evidence of increases in psychiatric inpatient admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to expected trends based on pre-pandemic data. To ensure accessible and continuous mental health supports and services for youth and their families during future pandemics, these findings highlight the need for rapid expanse of inpatient mental health services, similar to what occurred in many intensive care units across Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne L Park
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Chris A Clark
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Mercedes Bagshawe
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Jennifer Kuntz
- Child and Adolescent Addiction, Mental Health and Psychiatry Program, Alberta Health Services (AHS), Calgary, Alberta
| | - Andrea Perri
- Child and Adolescent Addiction, Mental Health and Psychiatry Program, Alberta Health Services (AHS), Calgary, Alberta
| | - Avril Deegan
- Child and Adolescent Addiction, Mental Health and Psychiatry Program, Alberta Health Services (AHS), Calgary, Alberta
| | - Brian Marriott
- Child and Adolescent Addiction, Mental Health and Psychiatry Program, Alberta Health Services (AHS), Calgary, Alberta
| | - Abdul Rahman
- Child and Adolescent Addiction, Mental Health and Psychiatry Program, Alberta Health Services (AHS), Calgary, Alberta
| | - Susan Graham
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Carly A McMorris
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
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Lau N, Patterson S, Kim S, Kim TY. Emergency Department Volumes After State-Wide Lockdown Orders Across the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: COVID-19 lockdown and emergency volume. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2024; 18:e29. [PMID: 38372077 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2024.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to describe changes in emergency department volumes after statewide lockdown in a network of hospitals across the United States during the COVID-19 global pandemic. METHODS A retrospective study was performed utilizing data on daily volumes across multiple emergency departments from a centralized data warehouse from a private for-profit hospital system during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mean daily volumes of 148 emergency departments were evaluated across 16 states in relation to each state's governmental statewide lockdown orders. Comparisons of the same period in the prior year were evaluated for percent changes in volumes. We also compared pre-lockdown to post-lockdown volumes. A separate analysis was made for the pediatric ED volumes. RESULTS The 2020 post-lockdown volumes compared to the same 2019 dates revealed a mean percent change of -43.09%. The overall post-lockdown volumes compared to the pre-lockdown volumes had a mean percent change of -45.00%. The pediatric data revealed a greater mean percentage change in volumes of -71.52% (post-lockdown compared to 2019) and -69.03% (post-lockdown compared to pre-lockdown). CONCLUSIONS This study found an overall decrease in volumes among 148 emergency departments across 16 states when compared to the comparable period pre-global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Lau
- HCA Healthcare, Riverside Community Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine
| | - Stephen Patterson
- HCA Healthcare, Riverside Community Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine
| | - Steven Kim
- HCA Healthcare, Riverside Community Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine
| | - Tommy Y Kim
- HCA Healthcare, Riverside Community Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine
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Myran DT, Gaudreault A, McCarthy SDS, Pugliese M, Tanuseputro P, Finkelstein Y. Unintentional pediatric poisonings before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A population-based study. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 76:185-192. [PMID: 38086185 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on unintentional pediatric poisonings is unclear. We examined changes in emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for poisonings before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We compared changes in cannabis vs non-cannabis poisoning events given the recent legalization of cannabis in October 2018 and cannabis edibles in January 2020. STUDY DESIGN Interrupted time-series (ITS) analyses of changes in population-level ED visits and hospitalizations for poisonings in children aged 0-9 years in Ontario, Canada (annual population of 1.4 million children), over two time periods: pre-pandemic (January 2010-March 2020) and pandemic (April 2020-December 2021). RESULTS Overall, there were 28,292 ED visits and 2641 hospitalizations for unintentional poisonings. During the pandemic, poisonings per 100,000 person-years decreased by 14.6% for ED visits (40.15 pre- vs. 34.29 during) and increased by 35.9% for hospitalizations (3.48 pre- vs. 4.73 during). ED visits dropped immediately (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR], 0.76; 95% CI, 0.70-0.82) at the onset of the pandemic, followed by a gradual return to baseline (quarterly change, IRR 1.04, 95%CI 1.03-1.06), while hospitalizations had an immediate increase (IRR 1.34; 95% CI, 1.08-1.66) and no gradual change. The only increase in poisonings was for cannabis which had a 10.7-fold for ED visits (0.45 to 4.83 per 100,000 person-years) and a 12.1-fold increase for hospitalizations (0.16 to 1.91 per 100,000 person-years). Excluding cannabis, there was no overall increase in poisoning hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with increases in any type of unintentional pediatric poisonings, with the exception of cannabis poisonings. Increased cannabis poisonings may be explained by the legalization of non-medical cannabis edibles in Canada in January 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Myran
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Adrienne Gaudreault
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen D S McCarthy
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Pugliese
- ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yaron Finkelstein
- Divisions of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Iskander C, Stukel TA, Diong C, Guan J, Saunders N, Cohen E, Brownell M, Mahar A, Shulman R, Gandhi S, Guttmann A. Acute health care use among children during the first 2.5 years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada: a population-based repeated cross-sectional study. CMAJ 2024; 196:E1-E13. [PMID: 38228342 PMCID: PMC10802996 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.221726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of the decline in health care use at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of children are unclear. We sought to estimate changes in rates of severe and potentially preventable health outcomes among children during the pandemic. METHODS We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study of children aged 0-17 years using linked population health administrative and disease registry data from January 2017 through August 2022 in Ontario, Canada. We compared observed rates of emergency department visits and hospital admissions during the pandemic to predicted rates based on the 3 years preceding the pandemic. We evaluated outcomes among children and neonates overall, among children with chronic health conditions and among children with specific diseases sensitive to delays in care. RESULTS All acute care use for children decreased immediately at the onset of the pandemic, reaching its lowest rate in April 2020 for emergency department visits (adjusted relative rate [RR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28-0.29) and hospital admissions (adjusted RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.42-0.44). These decreases were sustained until September 2021 and May 2022, respectively. During the pandemic overall, rates of all-cause mortality, admissions for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions, newborn readmissions or emergency department visits or hospital admissions among children with chronic health conditions did not exceed predicted rates. However, after declining significantly between March and May 2020, new presentations of diabetes mellitus increased significantly during most of 2021 (peak adjusted RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.28-1.74 in July 2021) and much of 2022. Among these children, presentations for diabetic ketoacidosis were significantly higher than expected during the pandemic overall (adjusted RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00-1.30). We observed similar time trends for new presentations of cancer, but we observed no excess presentations of severe cancer overall (adjusted RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.62-1.34). INTERPRETATION In the first 30 months of the pandemic, disruptions to care were associated with important delays in new diagnoses of diabetes but not with other acute presentations of select preventable conditions or with mortality. Mitigation strategies in future pandemics or other health system disruptions should include education campaigns around important symptoms in children that require medical attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Iskander
- ICES (Iskander, Stukel, Diong, Guan, Saunders, Cohen, Mahar, Shulman, Gandhi, Guttmann); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Stukel, Shulman), University of Toronto; Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Cohen, Guttmann), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Brownell, Mahar), University of Manitoba; Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (Brownell), Winnipeg, Man
| | - Therese A Stukel
- ICES (Iskander, Stukel, Diong, Guan, Saunders, Cohen, Mahar, Shulman, Gandhi, Guttmann); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Stukel, Shulman), University of Toronto; Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Cohen, Guttmann), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Brownell, Mahar), University of Manitoba; Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (Brownell), Winnipeg, Man
| | - Christina Diong
- ICES (Iskander, Stukel, Diong, Guan, Saunders, Cohen, Mahar, Shulman, Gandhi, Guttmann); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Stukel, Shulman), University of Toronto; Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Cohen, Guttmann), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Brownell, Mahar), University of Manitoba; Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (Brownell), Winnipeg, Man
| | - Jun Guan
- ICES (Iskander, Stukel, Diong, Guan, Saunders, Cohen, Mahar, Shulman, Gandhi, Guttmann); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Stukel, Shulman), University of Toronto; Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Cohen, Guttmann), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Brownell, Mahar), University of Manitoba; Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (Brownell), Winnipeg, Man
| | - Natasha Saunders
- ICES (Iskander, Stukel, Diong, Guan, Saunders, Cohen, Mahar, Shulman, Gandhi, Guttmann); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Stukel, Shulman), University of Toronto; Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Cohen, Guttmann), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Brownell, Mahar), University of Manitoba; Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (Brownell), Winnipeg, Man
| | - Eyal Cohen
- ICES (Iskander, Stukel, Diong, Guan, Saunders, Cohen, Mahar, Shulman, Gandhi, Guttmann); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Stukel, Shulman), University of Toronto; Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Cohen, Guttmann), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Brownell, Mahar), University of Manitoba; Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (Brownell), Winnipeg, Man
| | - Marni Brownell
- ICES (Iskander, Stukel, Diong, Guan, Saunders, Cohen, Mahar, Shulman, Gandhi, Guttmann); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Stukel, Shulman), University of Toronto; Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Cohen, Guttmann), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Brownell, Mahar), University of Manitoba; Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (Brownell), Winnipeg, Man
| | - Alyson Mahar
- ICES (Iskander, Stukel, Diong, Guan, Saunders, Cohen, Mahar, Shulman, Gandhi, Guttmann); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Stukel, Shulman), University of Toronto; Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Cohen, Guttmann), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Brownell, Mahar), University of Manitoba; Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (Brownell), Winnipeg, Man
| | - Rayzel Shulman
- ICES (Iskander, Stukel, Diong, Guan, Saunders, Cohen, Mahar, Shulman, Gandhi, Guttmann); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Stukel, Shulman), University of Toronto; Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Cohen, Guttmann), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Brownell, Mahar), University of Manitoba; Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (Brownell), Winnipeg, Man
| | - Sima Gandhi
- ICES (Iskander, Stukel, Diong, Guan, Saunders, Cohen, Mahar, Shulman, Gandhi, Guttmann); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Stukel, Shulman), University of Toronto; Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Cohen, Guttmann), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Brownell, Mahar), University of Manitoba; Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (Brownell), Winnipeg, Man
| | - Astrid Guttmann
- ICES (Iskander, Stukel, Diong, Guan, Saunders, Cohen, Mahar, Shulman, Gandhi, Guttmann); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Stukel, Shulman), University of Toronto; Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Cohen, Guttmann), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Brownell, Mahar), University of Manitoba; Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (Brownell), Winnipeg, Man.
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10
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Afonso AM, Cadwell JB, Staffa SJ, Sinskey JL, Vinson AE. U.S. Attending Anesthesiologist Burnout in the Postpandemic Era. Anesthesiology 2024; 140:38-51. [PMID: 37930155 PMCID: PMC10751072 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anesthesiologists are experiencing unprecedented levels of workplace stress and staffing shortages. This analysis aims to assess how U.S. attending anesthesiologist burnout changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and target well-being efforts. METHODS The authors surveyed the American Society of Anesthesiologists' U.S. attending anesthesiologist members in November 2022. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey with additional questions relating to workplace and demographic factors. Burnout was categorized as high risk for burnout (exhibiting emotional exhaustion and/or depersonalization) or burnout syndrome (demonstrating all three burnout dimensions concurrently). The association of burnout with U.S. attending anesthesiologist retention plans was analyzed, and associated factors were identified. RESULTS Of 24,680 individuals contacted, 2,698 (10.9%) completed the survey, with 67.7% (1,827 of 2,698) at high risk for burnout and 18.9% (510 of 2,698) with burnout syndrome. Most (78.4%, n = 2,115) respondents have experienced recent staffing shortages, and many (36.0%, n = 970) were likely to leave their job within the next 2 yr. Those likely to leave their job in the next 2 yr had higher prevalence of high risk for burnout (78.5% [760 of 970] vs. 55.7% [651 of 1,169], P < 0.001) and burnout syndrome (24.3% [236 of 970] vs. 13.3% [156 of 1,169], P < 0.001) compared to those unlikely to leave. On multivariable analysis, perceived lack of support at work (odds ratio, 9.2; 95% CI, 7.0 to 12.1), and staffing shortages (odds ratio, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.57 to 2.43) were most strongly associated with high risk for burnout. Perceived lack of support at work (odds ratio, 6.3; 95% CI, 3.81 to 10.4) was the factor most strongly associated with burnout syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Burnout is more prevalent in anesthesiology since early 2020, with workplace factors of perceived support and staffing being the predominant associated variables. Interventions focused on the drivers of burnout are needed to improve well-being among U.S. attending anesthesiologists. EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoushka M. Afonso
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Joshua B. Cadwell
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Steven J. Staffa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jina L. Sinskey
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Amy E. Vinson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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11
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Samman K, Le CK, Burstein B, Rehimini S, Grenier A, Bertrand-Bureau C, Mallet M, Simonyan D, Berthelot S. Parents' perspective on pediatric emergency department visits for low-acuity conditions before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional bicentric study. CAN J EMERG MED 2024; 26:31-39. [PMID: 38032525 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-023-00609-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to describe and compare the motivation of parents/guardians to bring children with low-acuity conditions to a tertiary-care pediatric emergency department (ED) versus a clinic before and after the pandemic. The secondary objectives were to describe and compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of the population studied and the impact of the pandemic on their access to primary care services. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study based on a survey administered to parents/guardians of patients presenting with low-acuity conditions at one of two EDs. RESULTS The respondents numbered 659. Children were brought to a pediatric ED generally because of the perceived urgency of the condition, the presumed resource availability in the pediatric ED and the unavailability of the primary care physician. However, most respondents (n = 438, 66.5%) indicated preference for a clinic. More respondents before than during the pandemic reported they had been unable to find a doctor outside the ED (48.6% before COVID vs 26.8% during COVID, p < 0.001) but patients during the pandemic were less likely to seek care in a primary care practice or walk-in clinic (30.0% during COVID vs 48.6% before COVID, p < 0.001). In addition, the number of respondents presenting with symptoms of infection decreased by more than half after the pandemic began while the proportion of musculoskeletal and psychiatric complaints doubled. CONCLUSION Although the pandemic has altered the landscape of presenting complaints and pediatric healthcare-seeking behaviors, most respondents indicated they would prefer to receive care in a clinic. This finding contradicts the view that most pediatric ED visits for low-acuity conditions are by choice rather than perceived necessity. Prioritizing improved access to primary care resources would better address the preferences and expectations of parents/guardians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Samman
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Régional de Lanaudière, St-Charles-Borromée, QC, Canada
| | - Cathie-Kim Le
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Brett Burstein
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Anthony Grenier
- Department of Family Medicine, GMF Nouvelle-Beauce, Sainte-Marie, QC, Canada
| | | | - Myriam Mallet
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Simon Berthelot
- Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé,, Québec, QC, Canada.
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12
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Hanson HR, Formica M, Laraque-Arena D, Zonfrillo MR, Desai P, O'Neil JO, Unni P, Johnson EL, Cobb P, Agarwal M, Beckworth K, Schroter S, Strotmeyer S, Donnelly KA, Middelberg LK, Morse AM, Dodington J, Latuska RF, Anderson B, Lawson KA, Valente M, Levas MN, Kiragu AW, Monroe K, Ruest SM, Lee LK, Charyk Stewart T, Attridge MM, Haasz M, Jafri M, McIntire A, Rogers SC, Uspal NG, Blanchard A, Hazeltine MD, Riech T, Jennissen C, Model L, Fu Q, Clukies LD, Juang D, Ruda MT, Prince JM, Chao S, Yorkgitis BK, Pomerantz WJ. A multicenter evaluation of pediatric emergency department injury visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inj Epidemiol 2023; 10:66. [PMID: 38093383 PMCID: PMC10717699 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-023-00476-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injuries, the leading cause of death in children 1-17 years old, are often preventable. Injury patterns are impacted by changes in the child's environment, shifts in supervision, and caregiver stressors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence and proportion of injuries, mechanisms, and severity seen in Pediatric Emergency Departments (PEDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This multicenter, cross-sectional study from January 2019 through December 2020 examined visits to 40 PEDs for children < 18 years old. Injury was defined by at least one International Classification of Disease-10th revision (ICD-10) code for bodily injury (S00-T78). The main study outcomes were total and proportion of PED injury-related visits compared to all visits in March through December 2020 and to the same months in 2019. Weekly injury visits as a percentage of total PED visits were calculated for all weeks between January 2019 and December 2020. RESULTS The study included 741,418 PED visits for injuries pre-COVID-19 pandemic (2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). Overall PED visits from all causes decreased 27.4% in March to December 2020 compared to the same time frame in 2019; however, the proportion of injury-related PED visits in 2020 increased by 37.7%. In 2020, injured children were younger (median age 6.31 years vs 7.31 in 2019), more commonly White (54% vs 50%, p < 0.001), non-Hispanic (72% vs 69%, p < 0.001) and had private insurance (35% vs 32%, p < 0.001). Injury hospitalizations increased 2.2% (p < 0.001) and deaths increased 0.03% (p < 0.001) in 2020 compared to 2019. Mean injury severity score increased (2.2 to 2.4, p < 0.001) between 2019 and 2020. Injuries declined for struck by/against (- 4.9%) and overexertion (- 1.2%) mechanisms. Injuries proportionally increased for pedal cycles (2.8%), cut/pierce (1.5%), motor vehicle occupant (0.9%), other transportation (0.6%), fire/burn (0.5%) and firearms (0.3%) compared to all injuries in 2020 versus 2019. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of PED injury-related visits in March through December 2020 increased compared to the same months in 2019. Racial and payor differences were noted. Mechanisms of injury seen in the PED during 2020 changed compared to 2019, and this can inform injury prevention initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly R Hanson
- Department of Pediatrics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
| | - Margaret Formica
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Danielle Laraque-Arena
- New York Academy of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Clinical Epidemiology and Pediatrics, Mailman School of Public Health and Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Mark R Zonfrillo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hasbro Children's Hospital and Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Hasbro Children's Hospital and Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Puja Desai
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joseph O O'Neil
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Purnima Unni
- Department of Pediatric Trauma, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Estell Lenita Johnson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Injury Free Coalition for Kids, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Patricia Cobb
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Maneesha Agarwal
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristen Beckworth
- Center for Childhood Injury Prevention, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie Schroter
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of California, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Stephen Strotmeyer
- Department of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Allegheny County Health Department, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Katie A Donnelly
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Leah K Middelberg
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amber M Morse
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | - Richard F Latuska
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brit Anderson
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Norton Children's Hospital, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Karla A Lawson
- Trauma and Injury Research Center, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Michael Valente
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Children's Health Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Michael N Levas
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Andrew Waititu Kiragu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota and Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kathy Monroe
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Stephanie M Ruest
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hasbro Children's Hospital and Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Hasbro Children's Hospital and Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lois K Lee
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tanya Charyk Stewart
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Western Ontario and London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Megan M Attridge
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maya Haasz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mubeen Jafri
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Alicia McIntire
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Randall Children's Hospital at Emanuel Legacy, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Steven C Rogers
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Connecticut Children's Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Neil G Uspal
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashley Blanchard
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Max D Hazeltine
- Department of Surgery, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Teresa Riech
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Charles Jennissen
- Department of Pediatrics, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carter College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carter College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Lynn Model
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Quinney Fu
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Lindsay D Clukies
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David Juang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Michelle T Ruda
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jose M Prince
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie Chao
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Brian K Yorkgitis
- Department of Surgery, University of FL College of Medicine - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Wendy J Pomerantz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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13
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Patel NS, Waibel BH, Berning BJ, Terzian WTH, Evans CH, Hanna AM, Hamill ME. Kids gone wild - Alcohol use and patient characteristics in pediatric trauma during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Pediatr Investig 2023; 7:225-232. [PMID: 38050539 PMCID: PMC10693660 DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Reported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic effects on pediatric trauma have been variable. Objective We investigated the characteristics of pediatric trauma including alcohol use during the pandemic at our urban trauma center. Methods The trauma database of our adult level 1 trauma center was queried for all pediatric (age ≤ 18 years) patients presenting between March 1, 2020, and October 30, 2020. Data from 2017 to 2019 served as a control. Variables analyzed included demographics, mechanisms, injury severity, hospitalization characteristics, and positive blood alcohol. Results Pandemic pediatric trauma volumes increased by 67.5% (330/year vs. 197/year). Pandemic patients were younger (median age 13 vs. 14 years, P = 0.011), but similar in gender, ethnicity, severity, hospital length of stay, mortality, and rates of penetrating injury. Falls doubled (79/year vs. 34/year) and shifted away from high falls >6 meters (0% vs. 7.9%) to moderate falls 1-6 meters (58.2% vs. 51.5%) (P = 0.028). Transportation injury rates were similar however mechanisms shifted from motor vehicle crashes (-13.5%) towards recreational vehicles including motorcycles (+2.1%), all-terrain vehicles (+8.6%), and bicycles (+3.8%) (P = 0.018). Pediatric-positive blood alcohol was significantly higher (11.2% vs. 5.1%, P < 0.001), especially for ages 14-18 years (21.7% vs. 9.5%, P < 0.001). Interpretation Pediatric trauma volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic increased. Pandemic patients had more recreational vehicle injuries and higher rates of positive blood alcohol. This suggests an increased need for alcohol assessment and targeted interventions in the pediatric population during pandemics or periods of school closures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neesha S Patel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care SurgeryUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Brett H Waibel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care SurgeryUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Bennett J Berning
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care SurgeryUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - WT Hillman Terzian
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care SurgeryUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Charity H Evans
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care SurgeryUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Angela M Hanna
- Department of SurgeryDivision of General and Thoracic Pediatric SugeryChildren's Hospital and Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Mark E Hamill
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care SurgeryUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
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14
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Oliveira FDS, Guimarães RA, Afonso ET, Costa LDC, Siqueira KM, Marques SM, Rosso CFW, da Costa PSS, Naghettini AV, Barbosa MA, Pagotto V, Aredes NDA. Environmental and behavioral factors associated with household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in children and adolescents. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1239372. [PMID: 37928354 PMCID: PMC10623120 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1239372] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To analyze the association between risk behaviors and environmental factors and SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents in the family environment. Methods Cross-sectional study. A total of 267 children and adolescents aged 5-19 years who have contact with COVID-19-positive essential workers were tested between June and October 2020. Behavioral and environmental variables associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were investigated. Association between these variables was performed using Poisson regression. Results SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was 25.1%. Following the confirmation of COVID-19 diagnosis of the index case, 92.1% of adults reported hand hygiene and 83.5% showed habits of respiratory etiquette. However, 12.7% wore masks in common areas of the residence before COVID-19. Sharing common objects was a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the sample. Conclusion Sharing objects among family members was identified as a risk factor associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents who lived with infected adults. There was high frequency of hand hygiene and low prevalence of mask use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Alves Guimarães
- Nursing School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria Alves Barbosa
- Nursing School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Medical School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Valéria Pagotto
- Nursing School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
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15
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Clark CA, Turner K, Kuntz J, Perri A, Deegan A, Marriott B, Graham S, Rahman A, McMorris CA. COVID-19 and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Examining the Impact of the First 2 Years of the Pandemic on the Demand for Pediatric Inpatient Care. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06136-x. [PMID: 37794177 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has strained the resources of the world's healthcare systems. Most individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) experience significant mental health issues and face substantial barriers in accessing appropriate supports which have been exacerbated during the pandemic. It is unknown the extent to which COVID-19 impacted the demand for and effectiveness of inpatient care for those with NDDs. The impact of COVID-19 on the number of admissions of youth with NDDs to pediatric inpatient psychiatry units, as well as their functioning and length of stay during the first two years of the pandemic was analyzed using Bayesian structural time series models. Admission data of youth with NDDs from four pediatric inpatient units in Alberta, Canada (n = 2144) was examined. Inpatient admissions of youth with NDDs significantly increased following the onset of the pandemic. Compared to the period prior to the pandemic, patients with NDDs had significantly worse overall functioning and received fewer days of treatment. These findings highlight the need for increased resources to support the mental health needs of this vulnerable population and are consistent with other studies in the general population examining the utilization of inpatient psychiatric units during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris A Clark
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Owerko Centre, ACHRI, Third Floor-CDC Building, #355, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N, Canada.
| | - Kailyn Turner
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Owerko Centre, ACHRI, Third Floor-CDC Building, #355, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N, Canada
- Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jennifer Kuntz
- Child and Adolescent Addition, Mental Health and Psychiatry Program, Alberta Health Services (AHS), Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Andrea Perri
- Child and Adolescent Addition, Mental Health and Psychiatry Program, Alberta Health Services (AHS), Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Avril Deegan
- Child and Adolescent Addition, Mental Health and Psychiatry Program, Alberta Health Services (AHS), Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Brian Marriott
- Child and Adolescent Addition, Mental Health and Psychiatry Program, Alberta Health Services (AHS), Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Susan Graham
- Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Abdul Rahman
- Child and Adolescent Addition, Mental Health and Psychiatry Program, Alberta Health Services (AHS), Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carly A McMorris
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Owerko Centre, ACHRI, Third Floor-CDC Building, #355, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N, Canada
- Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
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16
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Yao J, Irvine MA, Klaver B, Zandy M, Dheri AK, Grafstein E, Smolina K. Changes in emergency department use in British Columbia, Canada, during the first 3 years of the COVID-19 pandemic. CMAJ 2023; 195:E1141-E1150. [PMID: 37669788 PMCID: PMC10480001 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.221516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown reductions in the volume of emergency department visits early in the COVID-19 pandemic, but few have evaluated the pandemic's impact over time or stratified analyses by reason for visits. We aimed to quantify such changes in British Columbia, Canada, cumulatively and during prominent nadirs, and by reason for visit, age and acuity. METHODS We included data from the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System for 30 emergency departments across BC from January 2016 to December 2022. We fitted generalized additive models, accounting for seasonal and annual trends, to the monthly number of visits to estimate changes throughout the pandemic, compared with the expected number of visits in the absence of the pandemic. We determined absolute and relative differences at various times during the study period, and cumulatively since the start of the pandemic until the overall volume of emergency department visits returned to expected levels. RESULTS Over the first 16 months of the pandemic, the volume of emergency department visits was reduced by about 322 300 visits, or 15% (95% confidence interval 12%-18%), compared with the expected volume. A sharp drop in pediatric visits accounted for nearly one-third of the reduction. The timing of the return to baseline volume of visits differed by subgroup. The largest and most sustained decreases were in respiratory-related emergency department visits, visits among children, visits among oldest adults and non-urgent visits. Later in the pandemic, we observed increased volumes of highest-urgency visits, visits among children and visits related to ear, nose and throat. INTERPRETATION We have extended evidence that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated mitigation strategies on emergency department visits in Canada was substantial. Both our findings and methods are relevant in public health surveillance and capacity planning for emergency departments in pandemic and nonpandemic times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayun Yao
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (Yao, Irvine, Klaver, Zandy, Dheri, Smolina), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Irvine), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; School of Population and Public Health (Yao, Smolina) and Department of Emergency Medicine (Grafstein), University of British Columbia; Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (Grafstein), Vancouver, BC
| | - Michael A Irvine
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (Yao, Irvine, Klaver, Zandy, Dheri, Smolina), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Irvine), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; School of Population and Public Health (Yao, Smolina) and Department of Emergency Medicine (Grafstein), University of British Columbia; Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (Grafstein), Vancouver, BC
| | - Braeden Klaver
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (Yao, Irvine, Klaver, Zandy, Dheri, Smolina), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Irvine), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; School of Population and Public Health (Yao, Smolina) and Department of Emergency Medicine (Grafstein), University of British Columbia; Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (Grafstein), Vancouver, BC
| | - Moe Zandy
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (Yao, Irvine, Klaver, Zandy, Dheri, Smolina), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Irvine), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; School of Population and Public Health (Yao, Smolina) and Department of Emergency Medicine (Grafstein), University of British Columbia; Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (Grafstein), Vancouver, BC
| | - Aman K Dheri
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (Yao, Irvine, Klaver, Zandy, Dheri, Smolina), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Irvine), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; School of Population and Public Health (Yao, Smolina) and Department of Emergency Medicine (Grafstein), University of British Columbia; Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (Grafstein), Vancouver, BC
| | - Eric Grafstein
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (Yao, Irvine, Klaver, Zandy, Dheri, Smolina), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Irvine), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; School of Population and Public Health (Yao, Smolina) and Department of Emergency Medicine (Grafstein), University of British Columbia; Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (Grafstein), Vancouver, BC
| | - Kate Smolina
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (Yao, Irvine, Klaver, Zandy, Dheri, Smolina), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Irvine), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; School of Population and Public Health (Yao, Smolina) and Department of Emergency Medicine (Grafstein), University of British Columbia; Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (Grafstein), Vancouver, BC
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17
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Sheikh A, Capello C, AlMubarak Z, Dzioba A, You P, Nashid N, Barton M, Husein M, Strychowsky JE, Graham ME. Changes in operative otolaryngology infections related to the COVID19 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 171:111650. [PMID: 37437498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric emergency admissions fell significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the changes in severe infectious complications managed by otolaryngology between the pre-pandemic period and the first year of the pandemic to determine if COVID-19 or related public health measures influenced the rate or severity of presentations managed in otolaryngology. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted on pediatric patients who presented with severe infectious otolaryngology presentations (acute mastoiditis, deep neck space abscesses, and orbital complications of sinusitis) over the pre-pandemic (March 2018-February 2020) and early pandemic (March 2020-February 2021) periods. Patient characteristics, details of presentation, treatment, and outcomes were extracted from patients' charts. Independent samples t-tests/Mann-Whitney U-tests for continuous variables and Pearson chi-squared tests/Fisher's exact test for categorical variables were conducted to compare the pre vs early pandemic groups. RESULTS There were 93 pre-pandemic and 28 early pandemic presentations. The monthly case average was significantly lower during the early pandemic period than the 2 years prior [3.58 (2.80) vs 2.00 (2.00), P = .045]. The average monthly frequency of presentations for deep neck space abscess and mastoiditis were significantly higher in the pre-pandemic group when compared to the early pandemic group [1.96 (±0.33) vs 1.33 (±0.48), P = .049; .71 (±0.26) vs 0.17 (±0.41), P = .01, respectively]. The early pandemic group was significantly younger (3.81 vs 6.04 years, P = .005), however there were no differences in gender, length of admission, and days from symptom onset to presentation between the two groups (P > .05). The early pandemic group had significantly elevated inflammatory markers on presentation [CRP, WBC, neutrophils (P = .02, P = .02, P = .04, respectively)] compared to the pre-pandemic group. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on severe infectious complications of ENT pathologies, including decreased average monthly cases during the early pandemic, younger age at presentation, and elevated inflammatory markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel Sheikh
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Chris Capello
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Zaid AlMubarak
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Box 5010, 800 Commissioners Road E, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Agnieszka Dzioba
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Box 5010, 800 Commissioners Road E, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Peng You
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Box 5010, 800 Commissioners Road E, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Nancy Nashid
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada; Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, London Health Sciences Centre, 800 Commissioners Road E, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Michelle Barton
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada; Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, London Health Sciences Centre, 800 Commissioners Road E, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Murad Husein
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Box 5010, 800 Commissioners Road E, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Julie E Strychowsky
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Box 5010, 800 Commissioners Road E, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - M Elise Graham
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Box 5010, 800 Commissioners Road E, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.
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18
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Alongi A, D'Aiuto F, Montomoli C, Borrelli P. Impact of the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Emergency Department Attendance in a Tertiary Center in South Italy: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11111638. [PMID: 37297778 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11111638] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evidence shows a reduction in pediatric emergency department (PED) flows during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using interrupted time-series analysis, we evaluated the impact of different stages of the pandemic response on overall and cause-specific PED attendance at a tertiary hospital in south Italy. Our methods included evaluations of total visits, hospitalizations, accesses for critical illnesses and four etiological categories (transmissible and non-transmissible infectious diseases, trauma and mental-health) during March-December 2020, which were compared with analogous intervals from 2016 to 2019; the pandemic period was divided into three segments: the "first lockdown" (FL, 9 March-3 May), the "post-lockdown" (PL, 4 May-6 November) and the "second lockdown" (SL, 7 November-31 December). Our results showed that attendance dropped by a mean of 50.09% during the pandemic stages, while hospitalizations increased. Critical illnesses decreased during FL (incidence rate ratio -IRR- 0.37, 95% CI 0.13, 0.88) e SL (IRR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01, 0.74) and transmissible disease related visits reduced more markedly and persistently (FL: IRR 0.18, 95% CI 0.14, 0.24; PL: IRR 0.20, 95% CI 0.13, 0.31, SL: IRR 0.17, 95% CI 0.10, 0.29). Non-infectious diseases returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels by PL. We concluded that that the results highlight the specific effect of the late 2020 containment measures on transmissible infectious diseases and their burden on pediatric emergency resources. This evidence can inform resource allocation and interventions to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases on pediatric populations and the health-care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Alongi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Di Cristina Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale e di Alta Specializzazione Civico Di Cristina e Benfratelli, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Aiuto
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Di Cristina Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale e di Alta Specializzazione Civico Di Cristina e Benfratelli, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Montomoli
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Borrelli
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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19
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Sanderson V, Vujcic B, Coulson S, Lim R. Qualitative analysis of values and motivation reported by families utilizing a paediatric virtual care emergency clinic launched during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. CAN J EMERG MED 2023:10.1007/s43678-023-00505-2. [PMID: 37087712 PMCID: PMC10122871 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-023-00505-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This is the first study to take an in-depth qualitative approach to identify motivating factors for caregivers who chose the paediatric emergency virtual care option in Canada during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The role that virtual care may play moving forward is also considered. METHODS Between May 2020 and May 2021, 773 respondents attending the virtual clinic completed a follow-up survey with open-ended questions. For qualitative content analysis, comments were coded and analysed until thematic saturation was reached. Sub-codes were subsumed into major coding categories to identify themes. RESULTS Three major themes, including safety, reassurance and convenience, and an overarching theme of satisfaction emerged from this analysis. Paediatric virtual clinic use was motivated in part by a desire to avoid the hospital environment. In-person Emergency Department visits were reported to be challenging and stressful, particularly due to perceived infection risk. Respondents appreciated that the clinic provided reassurance by assisting in navigating the healthcare system during a time of uncertainty and felt the virtual option allowed them to use healthcare resources responsibly. The convenience and ease of access to virtual care allowed for improved family-centred care in vulnerable populations. The overarching theme of satisfaction was emphasized by numerous comments for this service to be offered post-pandemic. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that virtual care was an attractive option for caregivers due to the safety, reassurance, and convenience provided. The strong patient desire for continued availability post-pandemic will be important considerations in this rapidly developing area of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Sanderson
- Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Branka Vujcic
- Division of Emergency Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sherry Coulson
- Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Rodrick Lim
- Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
- Division of Emergency Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada.
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
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20
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Hanna FA, Shavit I, Campisi-Pinto S, Chayen G, Jacob R. Early unplanned return visits to pediatric emergency departments in Israel during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 68:102-105. [PMID: 36963176 PMCID: PMC10020128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.03.021] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic there was a considerable drop in the number of visits to Pediatric Emergency Departments (PED). Unplanned return visits (URV) might represent inadequate emergency care. We assessed the impact of the pandemic on early URV to PEDs in Israel. METHODS This multicenter cross-sectional study analyzed the 72-h URV to PEDs among patients under the age of 18 years during a one-year pandemic period (March 1st, 2020, to February 28th, 2021), and compared them with the 72-h URV of the corresponding pre-pandemic period (March 1st, 2019, to February 28th, 2020). Data was extracted from Clalit Health Services (CHS), the largest public health care organization in Israel. RESULTS The pandemic and pre-pandemic early URV rates were 5465 (5.1%) and 8775 (5.6%), respectively (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.92-0.99). The rate of return-visit admissions to hospital wards during these periods were 29.5% and 32.1%, respectively (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.86-0.98). The rate of return-visit admissions to ICUs during these periods were 0.64% and 0.52%, respectively (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.67-1.62). On return-visit, 3 (0.055%) and 5 (0.057%) URV patients were declared dead on arrival during the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods, respectively (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.23-4.03). The distributions of the time interval from index visit to return visit remained consistent between the periods. DISCUSSION In our study, early URV to PED's were only mildly influenced by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firas Abu Hanna
- Pediatric Department, Ha'Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.
| | - Itai Shavit
- Division of Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | | | - Gilad Chayen
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Ha'Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.
| | - Ron Jacob
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Ha'Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel; The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel.
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21
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Masrani AS, Nik Husain NR, Musa KI, Moraga P, Ismail MT. The Changing Trend of Paediatric Emergency Department Visits in Malaysia Following the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cureus 2023; 15:e36512. [PMID: 36968682 PMCID: PMC10038692 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the emergency department (ED) due to the surge in medical demand and changes in the characteristics of paediatric visits. Additionally, the trend for paediatric ED visits has decreased globally, secondary to implementing lockdowns to stop the spread of COVID-19. We aim to study the trend and characteristics of paediatric ED visits following Malaysia's primary timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods and materials A five-year time series observational study of paediatric ED patients from two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia was conducted from March 17, 2017 (week 11 2017) to March 17, 2022 (week 12 2022). Aggregated weekly data were analysed using R statistical software version 4.2.2 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) against significant events during the COVID-19 pandemic to detect influential changepoints in the trend. The data collected were the number of ED visits, triage severity, visit outcomes and ED discharge diagnosis. Results Overall, 175,737 paediatric ED visits were recorded with a median age of three years and predominantly males (56.8%). A 57.57% (p<0.00) reduction in the average weekly ED visits was observed during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period. Despite the increase in the proportion of urgent (odds ratio (OR): 1.23, p<0.00) and emergent or life-threatening (OR: 1.79, p<0.00) cases, the proportion of admissions decreased. Whilst the changepoints during the MCO indicated a rise in respiratory, fever or other infectious diseases, or gastrointestinal conditions, diagnosis of complications originating from the perinatal period declined from July 19, 2021 (week 29 2021). Conclusion The incongruent change in disease severity and hospital admission reflects the potential effects of the healthcare system reform and socioeconomic impact as the pandemic evolves. Future studies on parental motivation to seek emergency medical attention may provide insight into the timing and choice of healthcare service utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afiqah Syamimi Masrani
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, MYS
| | - Nik Rosmawati Nik Husain
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, MYS
| | - Kamarul Imran Musa
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, MYS
| | - Paula Moraga
- Division of Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, SAU
| | - Mohd Tahir Ismail
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, MYS
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22
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Del Giorgio F, Habti M, Merckx J, Kaufman JS, Gravel J, Piché N, Osmanlliu E, Drouin O. Investigating changes in incidence and severity of pediatric appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: an interrupted time series analysis. World J Pediatr 2023; 19:288-292. [PMID: 36574211 PMCID: PMC9792923 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-022-00656-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Merieme Habti
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Joanna Merckx
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jay S Kaufman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jocelyn Gravel
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nelson Piché
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Esli Osmanlliu
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Surgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Olivier Drouin
- Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada.
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23
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Chaudhry Z, Santhakumaran S, Schwartz J, Toffoli D. Impact of COVID-19 on pediatric ophthalmology in the epicentre of the Canadian outbreak. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 58:e16-e17. [PMID: 35271847 PMCID: PMC8841153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zoya Chaudhry
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Que,Department of Ophthalmology, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Que
| | | | - Jake Schwartz
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Que
| | - Daniela Toffoli
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Que,Department of Ophthalmology, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Que
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24
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Myran DT, Tanuseputro P, Auger N, Konikoff L, Talarico R, Finkelstein Y. Pediatric Hospitalizations for Unintentional Cannabis Poisonings and All-Cause Poisonings Associated With Edible Cannabis Product Legalization and Sales in Canada. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2023; 4:e225041. [PMID: 36637814 PMCID: PMC9857209 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2022.5041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Canada legalized cannabis in October 2018 but initially prohibited the sale of edibles (eg, prepackaged candies). Starting in January 2020, some provinces permitted the sale of commercial cannabis edibles. The association of legalizing cannabis edibles with unintentional pediatric poisonings is uncertain. Objective To evaluate changes in proportions of all-cause hospitalizations for poisoning due to cannabis in children during 3 legalization policy periods in Canada's 4 most populous provinces (including 3.4 million children aged 0-9 years). Design, Setting, and Participants This repeated cross-sectional study included all hospitalizations in children aged 0 to 9 years in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec between January 1, 2015, and September 30, 2021. Exposures Prelegalization (January 2015 to September 2018); period 1, in which dried flower only was legalized in all provinces (October 2018 to December 2019); and period 2, in which edibles were legalized in 3 provinces (exposed provinces) and restricted in 1 province (control province) (January 2020 to September 2021). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the proportion of hospitalizations due to cannabis poisoning out of all-cause poisoning hospitalizations. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression models. Results During the 7-year study period, there were 581 pediatric hospitalizations for cannabis poisoning (313 [53.9%] boys; 268 [46.1%] girls; mean [SD] age, 3.6 [2.5] years) and 4406 hospitalizations for all-cause poisonings. Of all-cause poisoning hospitalizations, the rate per 1000 due to cannabis poisoning before legalization was 57.42 in the exposed provinces and 38.50 in the control province. During period 1, the rate per 1000 poisoning hospitalizations increased to 149.71 in the exposed provinces (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 2.55; 95% CI, 1.88-3.46) and to 117.52 in the control province (IRR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.82-5.11). During period 2, the rate per 1000 poisoning hospitalizations due to cannabis more than doubled to 318.04 in the exposed provinces (IRR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.68-2.80) but remained similar at 137.93 in the control province (IRR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.71-1.97). Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study found that following cannabis legalization, provinces that permitted edible cannabis sales experienced much larger increases in hospitalizations for unintentional pediatric poisonings than the province that prohibited cannabis edibles. In provinces with legal edibles, approximately one-third of pediatric hospitalizations for poisonings were due to cannabis. These findings suggest that restricting the sale of legal commercial edibles may be key to preventing pediatric poisonings after recreational cannabis legalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. Myran
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Bruyere Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathalie Auger
- University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Institut national de santé publique du Quebec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lauren Konikoff
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Talarico
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yaron Finkelstein
- Divisions of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Departments of Paediatrics and Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Miller KA, Dechnik A, Miller AF, D'Ambrosi G, Monuteaux MC, Thomas PM, Kerrey BT, Neubrand TL, Goldman MP, Prieto MM, Wing R, Breuer RK, D'Mello J, Jakubowicz A, Nishisaki A, Nagler J. See one, see one, teach one - Decisions on allocating intubation opportunities in pediatric emergency medicine. AEM EDUCATION AND TRAINING 2022; 6:e10830. [PMID: 36562026 PMCID: PMC9763969 DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Decisions about who should perform tracheal intubation in academic settings must balance the needs of trainees to develop competency in pediatric intubation with patient safety. Airway protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic may have reduced opportunities for trainees, representing an opportunity to examine the impact of shifting laryngoscopy responsibilities away from trainees. Methods This observational study combined data from 11 pediatric emergency departments in North America participating in either the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children (NEAR4KIDS) or a national pediatric emergency medicine airway education collaborative. Sites provided information on airway protocols, patient and procedural characteristics, and clinical outcomes. For the pre-pandemic (January 2017 to March 2020) and pandemic (March 2020 to March 2021) periods, we compared tracheal intubation opportunities by laryngoscopist level of training and specialty. We also compared first-attempt success and adverse airway outcomes between the two periods. Results There were 1129 intubations performed pre-pandemic and 283 during the pandemic. Ten of 11 sites reported a COVID-19 airway protocol-8 specified which clinician performs tracheal intubation and 10 advocated for videolaryngoscopy. Both pediatric residents and pediatric emergency medicine fellows performed proportionally fewer tracheal intubation attempts during the pandemic: 1.1% of all first attempts versus 6.4% pre-pandemic for residents (p < 0.01) and 38.4% versus 47.2% pre-pandemic for fellows (p = 0.01). Pediatric emergency medicine fellows had greater decrease in monthly intubation opportunities for patients <1 year (incidence rate ratio = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.57) than for older patients (incidence rate ratio = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.99). Neither the rate of first-attempt success nor adverse airway outcomes differed between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic led to pediatric institutional changes in airway management protocols and resulted in decreased intubation opportunities for pediatric residents and pediatric emergency medicine fellows, without apparent change in clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey A. Miller
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of PediatricsBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Andzelika Dechnik
- Department of PediatricsBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Andrew F. Miller
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of PediatricsBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Gabrielle D'Ambrosi
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of PediatricsBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Michael C. Monuteaux
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of PediatricsBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Phillip M. Thomas
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of PediatricsCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Benjamin T. Kerrey
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of PediatricsCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Tara Lynn Neubrand
- Department of Pediatrics – Emergency MedicineChildren's Hospital ColoradoAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Michael Paul Goldman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency MedicineYale‐New Haven Children's HospitalNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Monica M. Prieto
- Department of Pediatrics – Emergency MedicineChildren's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Robyn Wing
- Department of Emergency Medicine – Pediatric Emergency MedicineHasbro Children's HospitalProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Ryan K. Breuer
- Department of Pediatrics – Pediatric Critical CareOishei Children's HospitalBuffaloNew YorkUSA
| | - Jenn D'Mello
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of CalgaryCalgary, AlbertaCaliforniaUnited States
| | - Andy Jakubowicz
- Department of Emergency MedicineWakeMedRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Akira Nishisaki
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care MedicineChildren's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Joshua Nagler
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of PediatricsBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Osmanlliu E, Burstein B, Tamblyn R, Buckeridge DL. Assessing the potential for virtualizable care in the pediatric emergency department. J Telemed Telecare 2022:1357633X221133415. [PMID: 36408736 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x221133415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is increasing interest for patient-to-provider telemedicine in pediatric acute care. The suitability of telemedicine (virtualizability) for visits in this setting has not been formally assessed. We estimated the proportion of in-person pediatric emergency department (PED) visits that were potentially virtualizable, and identified factors associated with virtualizable care. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of in-person visits at the PED of a Canadian tertiary pediatric hospital (02/2018-12/2019). Three definitions of virtualizable care were developed: (1) a definition based on "resource use" classifying visits as virtualizable if they resulted in a home discharge, no diagnostic testing, and no return visit within 72 h; (2) a "diagnostic definition" based on primary ED diagnosis; and (3) a stringent "combined definition" by which visits were classified as virtualizable if they met both the resource use and diagnostic definitions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with telemedicine suitability. RESULTS There were 130,535 eligible visits from 80,727 individual patients during the study period. Using the most stringent combined definition of telemedicine suitability, 37.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 37.6%-38.2%) of in-person visits were virtualizable. Overnight visits (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.16-1.37), non-Canadian citizenship (aOR 1.10-1.18), ethnocultural vulnerability (aOR 1.14-1.22), and a consultation for head trauma (aOR 3.50-4.60) were associated with higher telemedicine suitability across definitions. DISCUSSION There is a high potential for patient-to-provider telemedicine in the PED setting. Local patient and visit-level characteristics must be considered in the design of safe and inclusive telemedicine models for pediatric acute care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esli Osmanlliu
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 10040McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine Division, 12367McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- 507266McGill Clinical & Health Informatics (MCHI) Research Group, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Brett Burstein
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 10040McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine Division, 12367McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Robyn Tamblyn
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 10040McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- 507266McGill Clinical & Health Informatics (MCHI) Research Group, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - David L Buckeridge
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 10040McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- 507266McGill Clinical & Health Informatics (MCHI) Research Group, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
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Jones A, Mowbray FI, Falk L, Stall NM, Brown KA, Malikov K, Malecki SL, Lail S, Jung HY, Costa AP, Verma AA, Razak F. Variations in long-term care home resident hospitalizations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264240. [PMID: 36331926 PMCID: PMC9635742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264240] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the demographic and clinical characteristics, in-hospital care, and outcomes of long-term care residents admitted to general medicine wards for non-COVID-19 reasons. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of long-term care residents admitted to general medicine wards, for reasons other than COVID-19, in four hospitals in Toronto, Ontario between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020. We used an autoregressive linear model to estimate the change in monthly admission volumes during the pandemic period (March-December 2020) compared to the previous two years, adjusting for any secular trend. We summarized and compared differences in the demographics, comorbidities, interventions, diagnoses, imaging, psychoactive medications, and outcomes of residents before and during the pandemic. RESULTS Our study included 2,654 long-term care residents who were hospitalized for non-COVID-19 reasons between January 2018 and December 2020. The crude rate of hospitalizations was 79.3 per month between March-December of 2018-2019 and 56.5 per month between March-December of 2020. The was an adjusted absolute difference of 27.0 (95% CI: 10.0, 43.9) fewer hospital admissions during the pandemic period, corresponding to a relative drop of 34%. Residents admitted during the pandemic period had similar demographics and clinical characteristics but were more likely to be admitted for delirium (pandemic: 7% pre-pandemic: 5%, p = 0.01) and were less likely to be admitted for pneumonia (pandemic: 3% pre-pandemic: 6%, p = 0.004). Residents admitted during the pandemic were more likely to be prescribed antipsychotics (pandemic: 37%, pre-pandemic: 29%, p <0.001) and more likely to die in-hospital (pandemic:14% pre-pandemic: 10%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Better integration between long-term care and hospitals systems, including programs to deliver urgent medical care services within long-term care homes, is needed to ensure that long-term care residents maintain equitable access to acute care during current and future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Jones
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- * E-mail: (AJ); (FR)
| | - Fabrice I. Mowbray
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsey Falk
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan M. Stall
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University Health Network and Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women’s College Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin A. Brown
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kamil Malikov
- Health Data Science Branch, Capacity Planning and Analytics Divisions, Ontario Ministry of Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah L. Malecki
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharan Lail
- St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hae Young Jung
- St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew P. Costa
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Amol A. Verma
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fahad Razak
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- * E-mail: (AJ); (FR)
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Schroeder AR, Dahlen A, Purington N, Alvarez F, Brooks R, Destino L, Madduri G, Wang M, Coon ER. Healthcare utilization in children across the care continuum during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276461. [PMID: 36301947 PMCID: PMC9612476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Healthcare utilization decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to reduced transmission of infections and healthcare avoidance. Though various investigations have described these changing patterns in children, most have analyzed specific care settings. We compared healthcare utilization, prescriptions, and diagnosis patterns in children across the care continuum during the first year of the pandemic with preceding years. Study design Using national claims data, we compared enrollees under 18 years during the pre-pandemic (January 2016 –mid-March 2020) and pandemic (mid-March 2020 through March 2021) periods. The pandemic was further divided into early (mid-March through mid-June 2020) and middle (mid-June 2020 through March 2021) periods. Utilization was compared using interrupted time series. Results The mean number of pediatric enrollees/month was 2,519,755 in the pre-pandemic and 2,428,912 in the pandemic period. Utilization decreased across all settings in the early pandemic, with the greatest decrease (76.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 72.6–80.5%) seen for urgent care visits. Only well visits returned to pre-pandemic rates during the mid-pandemic. Hospitalizations decreased by 43% (95% CI 37.4–48.1) during the early pandemic and were still 26.6% (17.7–34.6) lower mid-pandemic. However, hospitalizations in non-psychiatric facilities for various mental health disorders increased substantially mid-pandemic. Conclusion Healthcare utilization in children dropped substantially during the first year of the pandemic, with a shift away from infectious diseases and a spike in mental health hospitalizations. These findings are important to characterize as we monitor the health of children, can be used to inform healthcare strategies during subsequent COVID-19 surges and/or future pandemics, and may help identify training gaps for pediatric trainees. Subsequent investigations should examine how changes in healthcare utilization impacted the incidence and outcomes of specific diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R. Schroeder
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alex Dahlen
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| | - Natasha Purington
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| | - Francisco Alvarez
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| | - Rona Brooks
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| | - Lauren Destino
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| | - Gayatri Madduri
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| | - Marie Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| | - Eric R. Coon
- Department of Pediatrics, Primary Children’s Hospital and University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
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Zaboli A, Brigo F, Sibilio S, Fanni Canelles M, Rella E, Magnarelli G, Pfeifer N, Turcato G. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the urgency of patients admitted to the emergency department. Int Emerg Nurs 2022; 65:101229. [PMCID: PMC9550667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2022.101229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Arian Zaboli
- Emergency Department, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy,Corresponding author at: Emergency Department, Hospital of Merano, Via Rossini 5, 39012 Merano, Italy
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
| | - Serena Sibilio
- Emergency Department, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Rella
- Emergency Department, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
| | | | - Norbert Pfeifer
- Emergency Department, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
| | - Gianni Turcato
- Emergency Department, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
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Mullan PC, Vazifedan T. Changing temporal trends in patient volumes in a pediatric emergency department during a COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: A retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271708. [PMID: 36094943 PMCID: PMC9467366 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Emergency department (ED) teams have had to adjust limited staffing resources to meet the fluctuating levels of patient volume and acuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, Mondays have had the highest reported ED volumes. We are unaware of any studies reporting on the change of this Monday effect during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This retrospective, observational study of a single pediatric ED compared a pandemic lockdown period (3/23/2020-11/1/2020) with a seasonally comparative period (3/25/2019-11/3/2019). We compared the mean number of patients who arrived on Monday versus any other specific weekday (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday) and the aggregate of other weekdays (Tuesday to Friday) for both study periods. Secondary analyses investigated overall mean volumes, admission rates, and differences in triage acuity levels. Results There were 31,377 and 18,098 patients in the comparative and pandemic periods. The mean number of ED visits on Mondays in the comparative period was significantly more than any other weekday and the aggregate of weekdays (latter p<0.001). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the mean number of ED visits on Mondays in the pandemic period relative to any other weekday and the aggregate of weekdays (all p>0.05). The pandemic period had significantly lower mean volumes, higher admission rates, and more patients with higher acuity levels. Conclusion The previously experienced Monday effect of increased relative ED patient volumes was not seen during the pandemic period. This change has operational implications for scheduling ED staffing resources. Larger database studies are needed to determine the generalizability of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C. Mullan
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Turaj Vazifedan
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
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Thomas AA, Montgomery EE, Abulebda K, Whitfill T, Chapman J, Leung J, Fayyaz J, Auerbach M. The feasibility of a pediatric distance learning curriculum for emergency department nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: An Improving Pediatric Acute Care Through Simulation (ImPACTS) collaboration. J Emerg Nurs 2022. [PMCID: PMC9458703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Introduction To develop and evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a longitudinal pediatric distance learning curriculum for general emergency nurses, facilitated by nurse educators, with central support through the Improving Acute Care Through Simulation collaborative. Methods Kern’s 6-step curriculum development framework was used with pediatric status epilepticus aimed at maintaining physical distancing, resulting in a 12-week curriculum bookended by 1-hour telesimulations, with weekly 30-minute online asynchronous distance learning. Recruited nurse educators recruited a minimum of 2 local nurses. Nurse educators facilitated the intervention, completed implementation surveys, and engaged with other educators with the Improving Pediatric Acute Care through Simulation project coordinator. Feasibility data included nurse educator project engagement and curriculum engagement by nurses with each activity. Efficacy data were collected through satisfaction surveys, pre-post knowledge surveys, and pre-post telesimulation performance checklists. Results Thirteen of 17 pediatric nurse educators recruited staff to complete both telesimulations, and 38 of 110 enrolled nurses completed pre-post knowledge surveys. Knowledge scores improved from a median of 70 of 100 (interquartile range: 66-78) to 88 (interquartile range: 79-94) (P = .018), and telesimulation performance improved from a median of 60 of 100 (interquartile range: 45-60) to 100 (interquartile range: 85-100) (P = .016). Feedback included a shortened intervention and including physician participants. Discussion A longitudinal pediatric distance learning curriculum for emergency nurses collaboratively developed and implemented by nurse educators and Improving Pediatric Acute Care through Simulation was feasible for nurse educators to implement, led to modest engagement in all activities by nurses, and resulted in improvement in nurses’ knowledge and skills. Future directions include shortening intervention time and broadening interprofessional scope.
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Cheng CW, Huang YB, Chao HY, Ng CJ, Chen SY. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Emergency Medicine: A Systematic Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:1112. [PMID: 36013580 PMCID: PMC9413323 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58081112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably affected clinical systems, especially the emergency department (ED). A decreased number of pediatric patients and changes in disease patterns at the ED have been noted in recent research. This study investigates the real effect of the pandemic on the pediatric ED comprehensively by performing a systematic review of relevant published articles. (2) Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted based on a predesigned protocol. We searched PubMed and EMBASE databases for relevant articles published until 30 November 2021. Two independent reviewers extracted data by using a customized form, and any conflicts were resolved through discussion with another independent reviewer. The aggregated data were summarized and analyzed. (3) Results: A total of 25 articles discussing the impact of COVID-19 on pediatric emergencies were included after full-text evaluation. Geographic distribution analysis indicated that the majority of studies from the European continent were conducted in Italy (32%, 8/25), whereas the majority of the studies from North America were conducted in the United States (24%, 6/25). The majority of the studies included a study period of less than 6 months and mostly focused on the first half of 2020. All of the articles revealed a decline in the number of pediatric patients in the ED (100%, 25/25), and most articles mentioned a decline in infectious disease cases (56%, 14/25) and trauma cases (52%, 13/25). (4) Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decline in the number of pediatric patients in the ED, especially in the low-acuity patient group. Medical behavior changes, anti-epidemic policies, increased telemedicine use, and family financial hardship were possible factors. A decline in common pediatric infectious diseases and pediatric trauma cases was noted. Researchers should focus on potential child abuse and mental health problems during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Wei Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Bo Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Yun Chao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Chip-Jin Ng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Shou-Yen Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Division of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
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Presentations of children to emergency departments across Europe and the COVID-19 pandemic: A multinational observational study. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003974. [PMID: 36026507 PMCID: PMC9467376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the initial phase of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, reduced numbers of acutely ill or injured children presented to emergency departments (EDs). Concerns were raised about the potential for delayed and more severe presentations and an increase in diagnoses such as diabetic ketoacidosis and mental health issues. This multinational observational study aimed to study the number of children presenting to EDs across Europe during the early COVID-19 pandemic and factors influencing this and to investigate changes in severity of illness and diagnoses. METHODS AND FINDINGS Routine health data were extracted retrospectively from electronic patient records of children aged 18 years and under, presenting to 38 EDs in 16 European countries for the period January 2018 to May 2020, using predefined and standardized data domains. Observed and predicted numbers of ED attendances were calculated for the period February 2020 to May 2020. Poisson models and incidence rate ratios (IRRs), using predicted counts for each site as offset to adjust for case-mix differences, were used to compare age groups, diagnoses, and outcomes. Reductions in pediatric ED attendances, hospital admissions, and high triage urgencies were seen in all participating sites. ED attendances were relatively higher in countries with lower SARS-CoV-2 prevalence (IRR 2.26, 95% CI 1.90 to 2.70, p < 0.001) and in children aged <12 months (12 to <24 months IRR 0.86, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.89; 2 to <5 years IRR 0.80, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.82; 5 to <12 years IRR 0.68, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.70; 12 to 18 years IRR 0.72, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.74; versus age <12 months as reference group, p < 0.001). The lowering of pediatric intensive care admissions was not as great as that of general admissions (IRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.45, p < 0.001). Lower triage urgencies were reduced more than higher triage urgencies (urgent triage IRR 1.10, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.12; emergent and very urgent triage IRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.49 to 1.57; versus nonurgent triage category, p < 0.001). Reductions were highest and sustained throughout the study period for children with communicable infectious diseases. The main limitation was the retrospective nature of the study, using routine clinical data from a wide range of European hospitals and health systems. CONCLUSIONS Reductions in ED attendances were seen across Europe during the first COVID-19 lockdown period. More severely ill children continued to attend hospital more frequently compared to those with minor injuries and illnesses, although absolute numbers fell. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN91495258 https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN91495258.
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Osborne B, Moorjani-Houle M, Fakhraei R, Walker M, Wen SW, Guo Y. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department visits and infant health: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061778. [PMID: 35906061 PMCID: PMC9344596 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The novel SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has provided a set of unique challenges for paediatric patients requiring emergency care across the globe. Reduction in paediatric emergency department (ED) usage during the COVID-19 pandemic has been widely reported, but no studies to date have consolidated and described what ramifications these reductions may have on neonatal and infant health. This scoping review aims to characterise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on infant ED visits and neonatal and infant health. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A comprehensive literature search will be conducted from March 2020 to July 2022 using the following databases: Embase (Ovid), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), Medline (Ovid) and CINAHL (EBSCOhost). This scoping review will use a five-step framework to guide the selection, extraction and analysis of data from eligible studies, with an additional sixth step for clinical consultation. Studies in English reporting the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on infant ED visits, as well as neonatal and infant health, will be included for screening. Key findings will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Research ethics board approval will not be required due to the nature of the study design. The results of this scoping review will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at academic conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenden Osborne
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mélika Moorjani-Houle
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Romina Fakhraei
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Walker
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shi Wu Wen
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yanfang Guo
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- BORN Ontario, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Sundland R, Essig R, Bachier-Rodriguez M. Lessons Learned from the Surgical Management of Childhood Cancers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Pediatr Ann 2022; 51:e270-e276. [PMID: 35858216 DOI: 10.3928/19382359-20220504-06] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Globally, there have been more than 285 million confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with nearly 5.5 million deaths. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data report that in the United States alone, there have been more than 59 million cases of COVID-19 with more than 800,000 lives lost as of January 2022. Similar to other health care specialties, pediatric surgery departments have modified their treatment approach to delivering timely care while respecting resource allocation during the pandemic. In this review, we focus on the surgical management of pediatric patients, with specific attention to childhood cancer. The primary subject of this review is the development of triaging methods for patients with childhood cancer for surgical procedures and precautionary measures for operating on patients with COVID-19. [Pediatr Ann. 2022;51():e270-e276.].
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Impact of the COVID pandemic on emergency department CT utilization: where do we go from here? Emerg Radiol 2022; 29:879-885. [PMID: 35729442 PMCID: PMC9212207 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-022-02071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic on emergency department (ED) computed tomography (CT) utilization. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted assessing seven hospitals’ ED imaging volumes between Jan. 6, 2019, and Feb. 27, 2021. Weekly CT utilization is reported as CTs ordered per 100 ED visits. Utilization was ascertained in aggregate and by body area. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to assess significance of utilization change. Prespecified sensitivity analysis was performed for influenza-like or COVID-like illness (ILI/CLI). Results Weekly ED CT utilization increased from 35.9 CTs per 100 visits (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 35.8–36.1) to 41.8 per 100 visits (95% CI 41.7–42.0) in pre- and post-pandemic periods. Weekly ED CT chest utilization increased immediately following the pandemic declaration (+ 0.52 chest CTs per 100 ED visits, 95% CI 0.01–1.03, p < 0.05) and compared to pre-pandemic period (+ 0.02 per 100 ED visits, 95% CI 0.02–0.05, p < 0.02). For both CT abdomen/pelvis and CT head, there was neither an immediate effect (+ 0.34 CT-AP per 100 ED visits, 95% CI − 0.74 to 1.44, p = 0.89; − 0.42 CT-H per 100 ED visits, 95% CI − 1.53 to 0.70, p = 0.46) nor a change in weekly CT utilization (+ 0.03 CT-AP per 100 ED visits, 95% CI − 0.01 to 0.05, p = 0.09; + 0.03 CT-H per 100 ED visits, 95% CI − 0.01 to 0.06, p = 0.10). Conclusion These data may help formulate future strategies for resource utilization and imaging operations as we envision a future with COVID and other federal mandates affecting imaging utilization and appropriateness. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10140-022-02071-z.
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The effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on mental health care use in South Africa: an interrupted time-series analysis. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2022; 31:e43. [PMID: 35703078 PMCID: PMC9245492 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796022000270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and ensuing restrictions have negatively affected the mental health and well-being of the general population, and there is increasing evidence suggesting that lockdowns have led to a disruption of health services. In March 2020, South Africa introduced a lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, entailing the suspension of all non-essential activities and a complete ban of tobacco and alcohol sales. We studied the effect of the lockdown on mental health care utilisation rates in private-sector care in South Africa. METHODS We conducted an interrupted time-series analysis using insurance claims from 1 January 2017 to 1 June 2020 of beneficiaries 18 years or older from a large private sector medical insurance scheme. We calculated weekly outpatient consultation and hospital admission rates for organic mental disorders, substance use disorders, serious mental disorders, depression, anxiety, other mental disorders, any mental disorder and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the effect of the lockdown on weekly outpatient consultation and hospital admission rates and the weekly change in rates during the lockdown until 1 June 2020. RESULTS 710 367 persons were followed up for a median of 153 weeks. Hospital admission rates (OR 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33-0.44) and outpatient consultation rates (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.63-0.87) for any mental disorder decreased substantially after the introduction of the lockdown and did not recover to pre-lockdown levels by 1 June 2020. Health care utilisation rates for alcohol withdrawal syndrome doubled after the introduction of the lockdown, but the statistical uncertainty around the estimates was large (OR 2.24; 95% CI 0.69-7.24). CONCLUSIONS Mental health care utilisation rates for inpatient and outpatient services decreased substantially after the introduction of the lockdown. Hospital admissions and outpatient consultations for alcohol withdrawal syndrome increased after the introduction of the lockdown, but statistical uncertainty precludes strong conclusions about a potential unintended effect of the alcohol sales ban. Governments should integrate strategies for ensuring access and continuity of essential mental health services during lockdowns in pandemic preparedness planning.
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Effect of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), a Nationwide Mass Casualty Disaster on Intensive Care Units: Clinical Outcomes and Associated Cost-of-Care. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 17:e249. [PMID: 35703087 PMCID: PMC9353234 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2022.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in millions of deaths worldwide and is considered a significant mass-casualty disaster (MCD). The surge of patients and scarcity of resources negatively impacted hospitals, patients and medical practice. We hypothesized ICUs during this MCD had a higher acuity of illness, and subsequently had increased lengths of stay (LOS), complication rates, death rates and costs of care. The purpose of this study was to investigate those outcomes. METHODS This was a multicenter, retrospective study that compared intensive care admissions in 2020 to those in 2019 to evaluate patient outcomes and cost of care. Data were obtained from the Vizient Clinical Data Base/Resource Manager (Vizient Inc., Irvine, Texas, USA). RESULTS Data included the number of ICU admissions, patient outcomes, case mix index and summary of cost reports. Quality outcomes were also collected, and a total of 1304981 patients from 333 hospitals were included. For all medical centers, there was a significant increase in LOS index, ICU LOS, complication rate, case mix index, total cost, and direct cost index. CONCLUSION The MCD caused by COVID-19 was associated with increased adverse outcomes and cost-of-care for ICU patients.
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Beaudry G, Drouin O, Gravel J, Smyrnova A, Bender A, Orri M, Geoffroy MC, Chadi N. A comparative analysis of pediatric mental health-related emergency department utilization in Montréal, Canada, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2022; 21:17. [PMID: 35698227 PMCID: PMC9191527 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-022-00398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports on longitudinal trends in mental health-related (MHR) emergency department (ED) utilization spanning the pre- and post-pandemic periods are lacking, along with evidence comparing healthcare services utilization by sociodemographic subgroups. The aim of this study was to evaluate COVID-19-associated changes in MHR ED utilization among youth overall and by age, sex, and socio-economic status (SES). METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed MHR ED utilization before and during the COVID-19 pandemic at a large urban pediatric tertiary care hospital in Montréal, Canada. All ED visits for children (5-11 years) and adolescents (12-17 years) between April 1, 2016 and November 30, 2021 were included. The main outcome was the monthly count of MHR ED visits. Pre-pandemic and pandemic periods were compared using an interrupted time series design. The effect of seasonality (in months), age (in years), sex (male or female), and SES (low, average, high) were compared using a generalized additive model. RESULTS There were a total of 437,147 ED visits (204,215 unique patients) during the 5-year study period of which 9748 (5.8%) were MHR visits (7,686 unique patients). We observed an increase of 69% (95% CI, + 53% to + 85%; p = 0.001) in the mean monthly count of MHR ED visits during the pandemic period, which remained significant after adjusting for seasonality (44% increase, 95% CI, + 38% to + 51%; p = 0.001). The chance of presenting for a MHR ED visit increased non-linearly with age. There were increased odds of presenting for a MHR ED visit among girls between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.29-1.56). No difference by SES group during and before the COVID-19 pandemic was found [OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.89-1.15 (low); OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.96-1.25 (high)]. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows important increases in MHR ED utilization among youth, and especially among girls, during the first 20 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for sustained, targeted and scalable mental health resources to support youth mental health during the current and future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivier Drouin
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Division of General Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jocelyn Gravel
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Anna Smyrnova
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Massimiliano Orri
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Geoffroy
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicholas Chadi
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, 3175 Ch de la Cote Ste-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.
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Zhang EWJ, Davis A, Finkelstein Y, Rosenfield D. The effects of COVID-19 on poisonings in the paediatric emergency department. Paediatr Child Health 2022; 27:S4-S8. [PMID: 35620562 PMCID: PMC9126273 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxab100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study is to describe the impact of the pandemic on poisoning in children under 18 years presenting to a tertiary care paediatric emergency department (ED) in Canada. Methods We utilized the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) surveillance data to identify children presenting to the Hospital for Sick Children for poisonings during two time periods: pre-pandemic (March 11 to December 31, 2018 and 2019) and pandemic (March 11 to December 31, 2020). Primary outcomes investigated the change in proportion for total poisonings, unintentional poisonings, recreational drug use, and intentional self-harm exposures over total ED visits. Secondarily, we examined the change in proportion of poisonings between age, sex, substance type, and admission requirement pre-pandemic versus during pandemic. Results The proportions significantly increased for total poisonings (122.5%), unintentional poisonings (127.8%), recreational drug use (160%), and intentional self-harm poisonings (104.2%) over total ED visits. The proportions over all poisoning cases also significantly increased for cannabis (44.3%), vaping (134.6%), other recreational drugs (54.5%), multi-substance use (29.3%), and admissions due to poisonings (44.3%) during the pandemic. Conclusion Despite an overall decrease in ED visits, there was a significant increase in poisoning presentations to our ED during the pandemic compared with pre-pandemic years. Our results will provide better insight into care delivery and public health interventions for paediatric poisonings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrienne Davis
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Zhang EWJ, Davis A, Finkelstein Y, Rosenfield D. Les effets de la COVID-19 sur les intoxications à l’urgence pédiatrique. Paediatr Child Health 2022; 27:S82-S87. [PMID: 36092297 PMCID: PMC9383995 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxab108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectifs Cette étude avait pour but de décrire l’impact de la pandémie sur les intoxications chez les enfants de moins de 18 ans s’étant présentés à un service d’urgence tertiaire pédiatrique du Canada. Méthodologie Nous avons utilisé les données de surveillance du Système canadien hospitalier d’information et de recherche en prévention des traumatismes (SCHIRPT) pour identifier les enfants s’étant présentés à l’Hospital for Sick Children pour intoxication durant deux périodes: avant la pandémie (du 11 mars au 31 décembre 2018 et 2019) et durant la pandémie (du 11 mars au 31 décembre 2020). Les principaux paramètres d’évaluation étaient la variation par rapport au total des visites à l’urgence de la proportion des intoxications totales, des intoxications accidentelles, de l’usage de drogues récréatives et d’automutilation intentionnelle. Nous avons également examiné la variation entre avant et durant la pandémie de la proportion d’intoxications en fonction de l’âge, du sexe, du type de drogues et des exigences d’admission. Résultats La proportion par rapport au total des visites à l’urgence s’est significativement accrue pour ce qui est des intoxications totales (122,5 %), des intoxications accidentelles (127,8 %), de l’usage de drogues récréatives (160 %) et des intoxications intentionnelles (automutilation; 104,2 %). La proportion de tous les cas d’intoxication s’est aussi significativement accrue durant la pandémie pour ce qui est du cannabis (44,3 %), du vapotage (134,6 %), des autres drogues récréatives (54,5 %), de l’usage de plusieurs drogues (29,3 %) et des admissions pour intoxication (44,3 %). Conclusion Malgré une baisse généralisée des visites à l’urgence durant la pandémie, il y a eu une augmentation significative par rapport à avant la pandémie des présentations pour intoxication à notre salle d’urgence. Nos résultats permettront de mieux orienter la prestation des soins et les interventions de santé publique en matière d’intoxications pédiatriques.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrienne Davis
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Changes in Access to Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031749. [PMID: 35162772 PMCID: PMC8834942 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures adopted are having a profound impact on a major goal of public healthcare systems: universal access to health services. The objective is to synthesize the available knowledge on access to health care for non-COVID-19 conditions and to identify knowledge gaps. A scoping review was conducted searching different databases (Medline, Google Scholar, etc.) for original articles published between December 2019 and September 2021. A total of 53 articles were selected and analyzed using the Aday and Andersen framework as a guide. Of these, 37 analyzed changes in levels of use of health services, 15 focused on the influencing factors and barriers to access, and 1 studied both aspects. Most focused on specific diseases and the early stages of the pandemic, based on a review of records. Analyses of the impact on primary care services' use, unmet needs or inequalities in access were scarce. A generalized reduction in the use of health services was described. The most frequent access barrier described for non-COVID-19 conditions related to the services was a lack of resources, while barriers related to the population were predisposing (fear of contagion, stigma, or anticipating barriers) and enabling characteristics (worse socioeconomic status and an increase in technological barriers). In conclusion, our results show a general reduction in services' use in the early stages of the pandemic, as well as new barriers to access and the exacerbation of existing ones. In view of these results, more studies are required on the subsequent stages of the pandemic, to shed more light on the factors that have influenced access and the pandemic's impact on equity of access.
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Marom T, Pitaro J, Shah UK, Torretta S, Marchisio P, Kumar AT, Barth PC, Tamir SO. Otitis Media Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:749911. [PMID: 35071032 PMCID: PMC8777025 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.749911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the prevalence and management of many pediatric infectious diseases, including acute otitis media (AOM). Coronaviruses are a group of RNA viruses that cause respiratory tract infections in humans. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, coronavirus serotypes OC43, 229E, HKU1, and NL63 were infrequently detected in middle ear fluid (MEF) specimens and nasopharyngeal aspirates in children with AOM during the 1990s and 2000s and were associated with a mild course of the disease. At times when CoV was detected in OM cases, the overall viral load was relatively low. The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative pathogen responsible for the eruption of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Following the pandemic declaration in many countries and by the World Health Organization in March 2020, preventive proactive measures were imposed to limit COVID-19. These included social distancing; lockdowns; closure of workplaces; kindergartens and schools; increased hygiene; use of antiseptics and alcohol-based gels; frequent temperature measurements and wearing masks. These measures were not the only ones taken, as hospitals and clinics tried to minimize treating non-urgent medical referrals such as OM, and elective surgical procedures were canceled, such as ventilating tube insertion (VTI). These changes and regulations altered the way OM is practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advents in technology allowed a vast use of telemedicine technologies for OM, however, the accuracy of AOM diagnosis in those encounters was in doubt, and antibiotic prescription rates were still reported to be high. There was an overall decrease in AOM episodes and admissions rates and with high spontaneous resolution rates of MEF in children, and a reduction in VTI surgeries. Despite an initial fear regarding viral shedding during myringotomy, the procedure was shown to be safe. Special draping techniques for otologic surgery were suggested. Other aspects of OM practice included the presentation of adult patients with AOM who tested positive for SARS-2-CoV and its detection in MEF samples in living patients and in the mucosa of the middle ear and mastoid in post-mortem specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Marom
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ben Gurion University Faculty of Health Sciences, Ashdod, Israel
| | - Jacob Pitaro
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shamir Medical Center (formerly Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Udayan K Shah
- Pediatric Otolaryngology, Delaware Valley, and Enterprise Chief of Credentialing, Nemours Children's Health System, Wilmington, DE, United States.,Departments of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sara Torretta
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Marchisio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ayan T Kumar
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Patrick C Barth
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Pediatric Otolaryngology, Delaware Valley Nemours Children's Health System, Wilmington, DE, United States
| | - Sharon Ovnat Tamir
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ben Gurion University Faculty of Health Sciences, Ashdod, Israel
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Mongru R, Rose DF, Costelloe C, Cunnington A, Nijman RG. Retrospective analysis of North West London healthcare utilisation by children during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ Paediatr Open 2022; 6:10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001363. [PMID: 36053583 PMCID: PMC8762127 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the impact of the measures taken to combat COVID-19 on the patterns of acute illness in children presenting to primary and secondary care for North West London. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Retrospective analysis of 8 309 358 primary and secondary healthcare episodes of children <16 years registered with a North West London primary care practice between 2015 and 2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Numbers of primary care consultations, emergency department (ED) attendances and emergency admissions during the pandemic were compared with those in the preceding 5 years. Trends were examined by age and for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision-coded diagnoses of: infectious diseases, and injuries and poisonings for admitted children. RESULTS Comparing 2020 to the 2015-2019 mean, primary care consultations were 22% lower, ED attendances were 38% lower and admissions 35% lower. Following the first national lockdown in April 2020, primary care consultations were 39% lower compared with the April 2015-2019 mean, ED attendances were 72% lower and unscheduled hospital admissions were 63% lower. Admissions >48 hours were on average 13% lower overall during 2020, and 36% lower during April 2020. The reduction in admissions for infections (61% lower than 2015-2019 mean) between April and August 2020 was greater than for injuries (31% lower). CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an overall reduction in childhood illness presentations to health services in North West London, most prominent during periods of national lockdown, and with a greater impact on infections than injuries. These reductions demonstrate the impact on children of measures taken to combat COVID-19 across the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Mongru
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Danielle F Rose
- Global Digital Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ceire Costelloe
- Global Digital Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Aubrey Cunnington
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Ruud G Nijman
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK .,Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College, London, UK.,Department of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital - Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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The impact of COVID-19 on paediatric emergency department visits. A one-year retrospective study. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:1257-1262. [PMID: 34718355 PMCID: PMC8556833 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01815-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of paediatric emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions was recorded in a tertiary referral centre during the first year of the COVID-19, March 2020-February 2021, and compared with those of the preceding year. METHODS The number of visits and admissions and the reason of visit and admission were prospectively recorded from 15,087 patients' files. RESULTS A substantial decline in the total number of visits and increase in the admission rate were documented during the COVID-19 year compared to the preceding year (10691 vs 4396 patients, 22.59% vs 18.15% (OR: 1.316, CI 95%: 1.208-2.242, p < 0.0001), respectively). Fever and/or respiratory symptoms were the commonest reported symptoms in both periods. Possible explanations include: (i) restricted overall infection transmission due to confinement and self-protective measures, (ii) avoidance of unnecessary hospital visits in the absence of severe symptoms and (iii) reduced or delayed access to medical care due to parental fear of children's exposure to COVID-19. CONCLUSION This study is the first worldwide to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on ED visits and admissions throughout the whole year of the pandemic, and to highlight the need for re-evaluation of future protective strategies to infections, adjustment of health-care systems and parental education so that medical care in a health-care setting is sought in a more appropriate manner. IMPACT A significant decline in paediatric ED visits and increase in the admission rate was observed during the first year of COVID-19 in a tertiary referral centre, possibly due to reduced overall infection transmission, limited ED overuse, but also ED underuse due to parental fear of children's exposure to SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 may serve as an opportunity for societies to re-evaluate future strategies to infections, adjust health-care systems accordingly, and reinforce parents to seek medical care more appropriately. Although the incidence of critical illness in children due to COVID-19 and in general is low, special attention should be devoted to identifying children at risk early.
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The COVID-19 pandemic and pediatric mental health: advocating for improved access and recognition. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:1018-1020. [PMID: 35102301 PMCID: PMC8801557 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-01952-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric mental health has been poorly addressed and access to quality psychiatric care is limited in many countries around the world including wealthy nations. The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a strain on pediatric mental health resources across the globe. This was primarily due to the stress of lockdowns, loss of caregivers, and school interruptions, which further exacerbated the mental health needs of children. Despite their unreadiness, emergency departments have been utilized to address those needs. Kostopoulou et al. reported that, although emergency departments’ pediatric visits have decreased earlier during the pandemic, mental health visits increased during the same period.
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Utility of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nares Screening in Hospitalized Children with Acute Infectious Disease Syndromes. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10121434. [PMID: 34943646 PMCID: PMC8697957 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in adults support the use of a negative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nares screening (MNS) to help limit empiric anti-MRSA antibiotic therapy. We aimed to evaluate the use of MNS for anti-MRSA antibiotic de-escalation in hospitalized children (<18 years). Records of patients admitted between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020 with a presumed infectious diagnosis who were started on anti-MRSA antibiotics, had a PCR-based MNS, and a clinical culture performed were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 95 children were included with a median age (range) of 2 (0–17) years. The top three diagnosis groups were skin and soft tissue infections (n = 38, 40%), toxin-mediated syndromes (n = 17, 17.9%), and osteoarticular infections (n = 14, 14.7%). Nasal MRSA colonization and growth of MRSA in clinical cultures was found in seven patients (7.4%) each. The specificity and the negative predictive value (NPV) of the MNS to predict a clinical MRSA infection were both 95.5%. About half (n = 55, 57.9%) had anti-MRSA antibiotics discontinued in-house. A quarter (n = 14, 25.5%) were de-escalated based on the negative MNS test alone, and another third (n = 21, 38.2%) after negative MNS test and negative culture results became available. A high NPV suggests that MNS may be useful for limiting unnecessary anti-MRSA therapy and thereby a useful antimicrobial stewardship tool for hospitalized children. Prospective studies are needed to further characterize the utility of MNS for specific infectious diagnoses.
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Nijman RG. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child health. J LAB MED 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/labmed-2021-0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Most Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in children are mild or asymptomatic. Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children is infrequent. An estimated 0.3–1.3% of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted to hospital, and of these 13–23% needed critical care. SARS-CoV-2 related deaths were very rare in children, estimated at 2 per million. The vast majority of admitted children had one of shortness of breath, fever, and cough, but atypical symptoms are more common in children. Cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) have been linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cardinal symptoms include prolonged fever, clinical signs of inflammation, gastro-intestinal symptoms, and cardiac dysfunction. Twenty two to 80% of patients with MIS-C needed critical care; mortality of MIS-C is around 2%. Six to 24% of children with MIS-C had coronary artery dilatation or cardiac aneurysms. Equipoise still exists between first-line treatment with immunoglobulins and steroids. Outcomes for children with MIS-C are generally very good in those recognised early and started on appropriate treatment. Vaccination schemes for children are rapidly expanding, with the benefits of preventing severe COVID-19 disease and MIS-C and reducing community transmission outweighing the risks of adverse events of, amongst others, myocarditis temporally related to COVID-19 vaccination in children and young adults. The imposed social distancing measures reduced the overall number of children with acute illness or injury presenting to urgent and emergency care facilities worldwide. No clear signal was seen that large numbers of children had a delayed presentation to emergency care departments with a serious illness. The social distancing measures negatively impacted the mental health of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruud G. Nijman
- Department of Infectious Disease , Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London , London , UK
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health , Imperial College London , London , UK
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Saunders NR, Toulany A, Deb B, Strauss R, Vigod SN, Guttmann A, Chiu M, Huang A, Fung K, Chen S, Kurdyak P. Acute mental health service use following onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada: a trend analysis. CMAJ Open 2021; 9:E988-E997. [PMID: 34785528 PMCID: PMC8598241 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20210100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extent to which heightened distress during the COVID-19 pandemic translated to increases in severe mental health outcomes is unknown. We examined trends in psychiatric presentations to acute care settings in the first 12 months after onset of the pandemic. METHODS This was a trends analysis of administrative population data in Ontario, Canada. We examined rates of hospitalizations and emergency department visits for mental health diagnoses overall and stratified by sex, age and diagnostic grouping (e.g., mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders), as well as visits for intentional self-injury for people aged 10 to 105 years, from January 2019 to March 2021. We used Joinpoint regression to identify significant inflection points after the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. RESULTS Among the 12 968 100 people included in our analysis, rates of mental health-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits declined immediately after the onset of the pandemic (peak overall decline of 30% [hospitalizations] and 37% [emergency department visits] compared to April 2019) and returned to near prepandemic levels by March 2021. Compared to April 2019, visits for intentional self-injury declined by 33% and remained below prepandemic levels until March 2021. We observed the largest declines in service use among adolescents aged 14 to 17 years (55% decline in hospitalizations, 58% decline in emergency department visits) and 10 to 13 years (56% decline in self-injury), and for those with substance-related disorders (33% decline in emergency department visits) and anxiety disorders (61% decline in hospitalizations). INTERPRETATION Contrary to expectations, the abrupt decline in acute mental health service use immediately after the onset of the pandemic and the return to near prepandemic levels that we observed suggest that changes and stressors in the first 12 months of the pandemic did not translate to increased service use. Continued surveillance of acute mental health service use is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha R Saunders
- Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Toulany, Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Hospital for Sick Children (Toulany), Toronto, Ont.; Child Health Evaluative Sciences (Saunders, Toulany), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ont.; ICES (Saunders, Deb, Strauss, Vigod, Guttmann, Chiu, Huang, Fung, Chen), Toronto, Ont.; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Vigod, Chiu, Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children (Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Women's College Hospital and Women's College Research Institute (Vigod, Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont.; Department of Psychiatry (Vigod, Kurdyak), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont.
| | - Alene Toulany
- Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Toulany, Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Hospital for Sick Children (Toulany), Toronto, Ont.; Child Health Evaluative Sciences (Saunders, Toulany), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ont.; ICES (Saunders, Deb, Strauss, Vigod, Guttmann, Chiu, Huang, Fung, Chen), Toronto, Ont.; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Vigod, Chiu, Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children (Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Women's College Hospital and Women's College Research Institute (Vigod, Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont.; Department of Psychiatry (Vigod, Kurdyak), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont
| | - Bhumika Deb
- Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Toulany, Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Hospital for Sick Children (Toulany), Toronto, Ont.; Child Health Evaluative Sciences (Saunders, Toulany), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ont.; ICES (Saunders, Deb, Strauss, Vigod, Guttmann, Chiu, Huang, Fung, Chen), Toronto, Ont.; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Vigod, Chiu, Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children (Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Women's College Hospital and Women's College Research Institute (Vigod, Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont.; Department of Psychiatry (Vigod, Kurdyak), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont
| | - Rachel Strauss
- Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Toulany, Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Hospital for Sick Children (Toulany), Toronto, Ont.; Child Health Evaluative Sciences (Saunders, Toulany), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ont.; ICES (Saunders, Deb, Strauss, Vigod, Guttmann, Chiu, Huang, Fung, Chen), Toronto, Ont.; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Vigod, Chiu, Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children (Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Women's College Hospital and Women's College Research Institute (Vigod, Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont.; Department of Psychiatry (Vigod, Kurdyak), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont
| | - Simone N Vigod
- Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Toulany, Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Hospital for Sick Children (Toulany), Toronto, Ont.; Child Health Evaluative Sciences (Saunders, Toulany), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ont.; ICES (Saunders, Deb, Strauss, Vigod, Guttmann, Chiu, Huang, Fung, Chen), Toronto, Ont.; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Vigod, Chiu, Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children (Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Women's College Hospital and Women's College Research Institute (Vigod, Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont.; Department of Psychiatry (Vigod, Kurdyak), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont
| | - Astrid Guttmann
- Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Toulany, Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Hospital for Sick Children (Toulany), Toronto, Ont.; Child Health Evaluative Sciences (Saunders, Toulany), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ont.; ICES (Saunders, Deb, Strauss, Vigod, Guttmann, Chiu, Huang, Fung, Chen), Toronto, Ont.; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Vigod, Chiu, Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children (Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Women's College Hospital and Women's College Research Institute (Vigod, Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont.; Department of Psychiatry (Vigod, Kurdyak), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont
| | - Maria Chiu
- Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Toulany, Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Hospital for Sick Children (Toulany), Toronto, Ont.; Child Health Evaluative Sciences (Saunders, Toulany), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ont.; ICES (Saunders, Deb, Strauss, Vigod, Guttmann, Chiu, Huang, Fung, Chen), Toronto, Ont.; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Vigod, Chiu, Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children (Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Women's College Hospital and Women's College Research Institute (Vigod, Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont.; Department of Psychiatry (Vigod, Kurdyak), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont
| | - Anjie Huang
- Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Toulany, Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Hospital for Sick Children (Toulany), Toronto, Ont.; Child Health Evaluative Sciences (Saunders, Toulany), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ont.; ICES (Saunders, Deb, Strauss, Vigod, Guttmann, Chiu, Huang, Fung, Chen), Toronto, Ont.; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Vigod, Chiu, Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children (Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Women's College Hospital and Women's College Research Institute (Vigod, Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont.; Department of Psychiatry (Vigod, Kurdyak), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont
| | - Kinwah Fung
- Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Toulany, Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Hospital for Sick Children (Toulany), Toronto, Ont.; Child Health Evaluative Sciences (Saunders, Toulany), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ont.; ICES (Saunders, Deb, Strauss, Vigod, Guttmann, Chiu, Huang, Fung, Chen), Toronto, Ont.; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Vigod, Chiu, Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children (Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Women's College Hospital and Women's College Research Institute (Vigod, Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont.; Department of Psychiatry (Vigod, Kurdyak), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont
| | - Simon Chen
- Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Toulany, Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Hospital for Sick Children (Toulany), Toronto, Ont.; Child Health Evaluative Sciences (Saunders, Toulany), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ont.; ICES (Saunders, Deb, Strauss, Vigod, Guttmann, Chiu, Huang, Fung, Chen), Toronto, Ont.; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Vigod, Chiu, Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children (Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Women's College Hospital and Women's College Research Institute (Vigod, Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont.; Department of Psychiatry (Vigod, Kurdyak), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont
| | - Paul Kurdyak
- Department of Paediatrics (Saunders, Toulany, Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Hospital for Sick Children (Toulany), Toronto, Ont.; Child Health Evaluative Sciences (Saunders, Toulany), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ont.; ICES (Saunders, Deb, Strauss, Vigod, Guttmann, Chiu, Huang, Fung, Chen), Toronto, Ont.; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Vigod, Chiu, Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children (Guttmann), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Women's College Hospital and Women's College Research Institute (Vigod, Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont.; Department of Psychiatry (Vigod, Kurdyak), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak), Toronto, Ont
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