A framework for future national pediatric pandemic respiratory disease severity triage: The HHS pediatric COVID-19 data challenge

Introduction

With persistent incidence, incomplete vaccination rates, confounding respiratory illnesses, and few therapeutic interventions available, COVID-19 continues to be a burden on the pediatric population. During a surge, it is difficult for hospitals to direct limited healthcare resources effectively. While the overwhelming majority of pediatric infections are mild, there have been life-threatening exceptions that illuminated the need to proactively identify pediatric patients at risk of severe COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases. However, a nationwide capability for developing validated computational tools to identify pediatric patients at risk using real-world data does not exist.

Methods

HHS ASPR BARDA sought, through the power of competition in a challenge, to create computational models to address two clinically important questions using the National COVID Cohort Collaborative: (1) Of pediatric patients who test positive for COVID-19 in an outpatient setting, who are at risk for hospitalization? (2) Of pediatric patients who test positive for COVID-19 and are hospitalized, who are at risk for needing mechanical ventilation or cardiovascular interventions?

Results

This challenge was the first, multi-agency, coordinated computational challenge carried out by the federal government as a response to a public health emergency. Fifty-five computational models were evaluated across both tasks and two winners and three honorable mentions were selected.

Conclusion

This challenge serves as a framework for how the government, research communities, and large data repositories can be brought together to source solutions when resources are strapped during a pandemic.

Use of videotape and phone teleconference in statewide extension program on milk quality and mastitis control

Extension specialists used a 3-h videotape and phone teleconferences to teach dairy farmers how to produce quality milk and control mastitis. This 5-d effort reached approximately 20% of the state's commercial dairy farms in 22 meetings at 22 locations. A survey of approximately 170 dairy producers indicated those attending the program had less education, were younger, and more were enrolled in Dairy Herd Improvement program as compared with the average Maryland dairy farmer. Eighty percent reported they would like to see additional videotaped programs; 5% indicated no interest in viewing other topics on videotape. Scores on knowledge pretests and posttests were 66 and 76%, respectively. Only 1.7% were using all 13 mastitis management practices recommended in the educational program, and 11.2% said they would use all 13 practices after participating in the program.