Investing in Child Health Through Alternative Payment Models: Lessons From North Carolina Integrated Care for Kids

Pediatric value-based payment reform has been hindered by limited return on investment (ROI) for child-focused measures and the accrual of financial benefits to non-health care sectors. States participating in the federally-funded Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) models are required to design child-centered alternative payment models (APMs) for Medicaid-enrolled children. The North Carolina InCK pediatric APM launched in January 2023 and includes innovative measures focused on school readiness and social needs. We interviewed experts at NC Medicaid managed care organizations, NC Medicaid, and actuaries with pediatric value-based payment experience to assess the NC InCK APM design process and develop strategies for future child-focused value-based payment reform. Key principles emerging from conversations included: accounting for payer priorities and readiness to implement measures; impact of data uncertainty on investment in novel measures; misalignment of a short-term ROI framework with whole child health measures; and state levers like mandates and financial incentives to promote implementation.

Outcomes associated with initial narrow-spectrum versus broad-spectrum antibiotics in children hospitalized with urinary tract infections

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to describe the proportion of children hospitalized with urinary tract infections (UTIs) who receive initial narrow- versus broad-spectrum antibiotics across children's hospitals and explore whether the use of initial narrow-spectrum antibiotics is associated with different outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of children aged 2 months to 17 years hospitalized with UTI (inclusive of pyelonephritis) using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

We analyzed the proportions of children initially receiving narrow- versus broad-spectrum antibiotics; additionally, we compiled antibiogram data for common uropathogenic organisms from participating hospitals to compare with the observed antibiotic susceptibility patterns. We examined the association of antibiotic type with adjusted outcomes including length of stay (LOS), costs, and 7- and 30-day emergency department (ED) revisits and hospital readmissions.

RESULTS

We identified 10,740 hospitalizations for UTI across 39 hospitals. Approximately 5% of encounters demonstrated initial narrow-spectrum antibiotics, with hospital-level narrow-spectrum use ranging from <1% to 25%. Approximately 80% of hospital antibiograms demonstrated >80% Escherichia coli susceptibility to cefazolin. In adjusted models, those who received initial narrow-spectrum antibiotics had shorter LOS (narrow-spectrum: 33.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.8-35.4) h versus broad-spectrum: 46.1 (95% CI: 44.1-48.2) h) and reduced costs [narrow-spectrum: $4570 ($3751-5568) versus broad-spectrum: $5699 ($5005-$6491)]. There were no differences in ED revisits or hospital readmissions. In summary, children's hospitals have low rates of narrow-spectrum antibiotic use for UTIs despite many reporting high rates of cefazolin-susceptible E. coli. These findings, coupled with the observed decreased LOS and costs among those receiving narrow-spectrum antibiotics, highlight potential antibiotic stewardship opportunities.

The Injury Prevention Program to Reduce Early Childhood Injuries: A Cluster Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The American Academy of Pediatrics designed The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP) in 1983 to help pediatricians prevent unintentional injuries, but TIPP's effectiveness has never been formally evaluated. We sought to evaluate the impact of TIPP on reported injuries in the first 2 years of life.

METHODS

We conducted a stratified, cluster-randomized trial at 4 academic medical centers: 2 centers trained their pediatric residents and implemented TIPP screening and counseling materials at all well-child checks (WCCs) for ages 2 to 24 months, and 2 centers implemented obesity prevention. At each WCC, parents reported the number of child injuries since the previous WCC. Proportional odds logistic regression analyses with generalized estimating equation examined the extent to which the number of injuries reported were reduced at TIPP intervention sites compared with control sites, adjusting for baseline child, parent, and household factors.

RESULTS

A total of 781 parent-infant dyads (349 TIPP; 432 control) were enrolled and had sufficient data to qualify for analyses: 51% Hispanic, 28% non-Hispanic Black, and 87% insured by Medicaid. Those at TIPP sites had significant reduction in the adjusted odds of reported injuries compared with non-TIPP sites throughout the follow-up (P = .005), with adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) of 0.77 (0.66-0.91), 0.60 (0.44-0.82), 0.32 (0.16-0.62), 0.26 (0.12-0.53), and 0.27 (0.14-0.52) at 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cluster-randomized trial with predominantly low-income, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Black families, TIPP resulted in a significant reduction in parent-reported injuries. Our study provides evidence for implementing the American Academy of Pediatrics' TIPP in routine well-child care.

Evaluation of claims data from a commercial value-based insurance product shows pediatric imaging is not a major driver of overall or pediatric healthcare expenditures

BACKGROUND

Initiatives to reduce healthcare expenditures often focus on imaging, suggesting that imaging is a major driver of cost.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate medical expenditures and determine if imaging was a major driver in pediatric as compared to adult populations.

METHODS

We reviewed all claims data for members in a value-based contract between a commercial insurer and a healthcare system for calendar years 2021 and 2022. For both pediatric (<18 years of age) and adult populations, we analyzed average per member per year (PMPY) medical expenditures related to imaging as well as other categories of large medical expenses. Average PMPY expenditures were compared between adult and pediatric patients.

RESULTS

Children made up approximately 20% of members and 21% of member months but only 8-9% of expenditures. Imaging expenditures in pediatric members were 0.2% of the total healthcare spend and 2.9% of total pediatric expenditures. Imaging expenditures per member were seven times greater in adults than children. The rank order of imaging expenditures and imaging modalities was also different in pediatric as compared to adult members.

CONCLUSION

Evaluation of claims data from a commercial value-based insurance product shows that pediatric imaging is not a major driver of overall, nor pediatric only, healthcare expenditures.

Changing patterns of routine laboratory testing over time at children's hospitals

BACKGROUND

Research into low-value routine testing at children's hospitals has not consistently evaluated changing patterns of testing over time.

OBJECTIVES

To identify changes in routine laboratory testing rates at children's hospitals over ten years and the association with patient outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS

We performed a multi-center, retrospective cohort study of children aged 0-18 hospitalized with common, lower-severity diagnoses at 28 children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information Systems database.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

We calculated average annual testing rates for complete blood counts, electrolytes, and inflammatory markers between 2010 and 2019 for each hospital. A > 2% average testing rate change per year was defined as clinically meaningful and used to separate hospitals into groups: increasing, decreasing, and unchanged testing rates. Groups were compared for differences in length of stay, cost, and 30-day readmission or ED revisit, adjusted for demographics and case mix index.

RESULTS

Our study included 576,572 encounters for common, low-severity diagnoses. Individual hospital testing rates in each year of the study varied from 0.3 to 1.4 tests per patient day. The average yearly change in hospital-specific testing rates ranged from -6% to +7%. Four hospitals remained in the lowest quartile of testing and two in the highest quartile throughout all ten years of the study. We grouped hospitals with increasing (8), decreasing (n = 5), and unchanged (n = 15) testing rates. No difference was found across subgroups in costs, length of stay, 30-day ED revisit, or readmission rates. Comparing resource utilization trends over time provides important insights into achievable rates of testing reduction.

Phlebotomy-free days in children hospitalized with common infections and their association with clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

Phlebotomy for hospitalized children has consequences (e.g., pain, iatrogenic anemia), and unnecessary testing is a modifiable source of waste in healthcare. Days without blood draws or phlebotomy-free days (PFDs) has the potential to serve as a hospital quality measure.

OBJECTIVE

To describe: (1) the frequency of PFDs in children hospitalized with common infections and (2) the association of PFDs with clinical outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

We performed a cross-sectional study of children hospitalized 2018-2019 with common infections at 38 hospitals using the Pediatric Health Information System database. We included infectious All Patients Refined Diagnosis Related Groups with a median length of stay (LOS) >2 days. We excluded patients with medical complexity, interhospital transfers, those receiving intensive care, and in-hospital mortality.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

We defined PFDs as hospital days (midnight to midnight) without laboratory blood testing and measured the proportion of PFDs divided by total hospital LOS (PFD ratio) for each condition and hospital. Higher PFD ratios signify more days without phlebotomy. Hospitals were grouped into low, moderate, and high average PFD ratios. Adjusted outcomes (LOS, costs, and readmissions) were compared across groups.

RESULTS

We identified 126,135 encounters. Bronchiolitis (0.78) and pneumonia (0.54) had the highest PFD ratios (most PFDs), while osteoarticular infections (0.28) and gastroenteritis (0.30) had the lowest PFD ratios. There were no differences in adjusted clinical outcomes across PFD ratio groups. Among children hospitalized with common infections, PFD ratios varied across conditions and hospitals, with no association with outcomes. Our data suggest overuse of phlebotomy and opportunities to improve the care of hospitalized children.

Pediatric Hospitalization Trends at Children's and General Hospitals, 2000-2019

This study examines whether pediatric inpatient care has been redistributed from general hospitals into children’s hospitals.

Variation in stool testing for children with acute gastrointestinal infections

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Children with gastrointestinal infections often require acute care.The objectives of this study were to describe variations in patterns of stool testing across children's hospitals and determine whether such variation was associated with utilization outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

We performed a multicenter, cross-sectional study using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database. We identified stool testing (multiplex polymerase chain reaction [PCR], stool culture, ova and parasite, Clostridioides difficile, and other individual stool bacterial or viral tests) in children diagnosed with acute gastrointestinal infections.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

We calculated the overall testing rates and hospital-level stool testing rates, stratified by setting (emergency department [ED]-only vs. hospitalized). We stratified individual hospitals into low, moderate, or high testing institutions. Generalized estimating equations were then used to examine the association of hospital testing groups and outcomes, specifically, length of stay (LOS), costs, and revisit rates.

RESULTS

We identified 498,751 ED-only and 40,003 encounters for hospitalized children from 2016 to 2020. Compared to ED-only encounters, stool studies were obtained with increased frequency among encounters for hospitalized children (ED-only: 0.1%-2.3%; Hospitalized: 1.5%-13.8%, all p < 0.001). We observed substantial variation in stool testing rates across hospitals, particularly during encounters for hospitalized children (e.g., rates of multiplex PCRs ranged from 0% to 16.8% for ED-only and 0% to 65.0% for hospitalized). There were no statistically significant differences in outcomes among low, moderate, or high testing institutions in adjusted models.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with acute gastrointestinal infections experience substantial variation in stool testing within and across hospitals, with no difference in utilization outcomes. These findings highlight the need for guidelines to address diagnostic stewardship.

Prevalence of High Weight Status in Children Under 2 Years in NHANES and Statewide Electronic Health Records Data in North Carolina and South Carolina

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the prevalence of high weight status in children ages 0 to 24 months (m) using data from electronic health records (EHR) and NHANES. We also examined relationships between weight status during infancy and obesity at 24 months of age.

METHODS

EHR data from 4 institutions in North and South Carolina included patients born January 1, 2013-October 10, 2017 (N = 147,290). NHANES data included study waves from 1999 to 2018 (unweighted N = 5121). We calculated weight-for-length (WFL), weight-for-age (WFA), and body mass index (BMI), excluding implausible values, and categorized weight status (<85th, 85th to <95th, or ≥95th percentile), assessing prevalence at birth, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Utilizing individual, longitudinal EHR data, we used separate regression models to assess obesity risk at 24 months based on anthropometrics at birth, 6, 12, and 18 months, adjusting for sex, race/ethnicity, insurance, and health system.

RESULTS

Prevalence of BMI ≥95th percentile in EHR data at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were 9.7%, 15.7%, 19.6%, and 20.5%, respectively. With NHANES the prevalence was 11.6%, 15.0%, 16.0%, and 8.4%. For both, the prevalence of high weight status was higher in Hispanic children. In EHR data, high weight status at 6, 12, and 18 months was associated with obesity at 24 months, with stronger associations as BMI category increased and as age increased.

CONCLUSIONS

High weight status is common in infants and young children, although lower at 24 months in NHANES than EHR data. In EHR data, high BMI at 6, 12, and 18 months was associated with increased risk of obesity at 24 months.

Variation in bacterial pneumonia diagnoses and outcomes among children hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections

BACKGROUND

Current diagnostics do not permit reliable differentiation of bacterial from viral causes of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), which may lead to over-treatment with antibiotics for possible bacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

OBJECTIVES

We sought to describe variation in the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial CAP among children hospitalized with LRTIs and determine the association between CAP diagnosis and outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This multicenter cross-sectional study included children hospitalized between 2017 and 2019 with LRTIs at 42 children's hospitals.

MAIN OUTCOME AND METHODS

We calculated the proportion of children with LRTIs who were diagnosed with and treated for bacterial CAP. After adjusting for confounders, hospitals were grouped into high, moderate, and low CAP diagnosis groups. Multivariable regression was used to examine the association between high and low CAP diagnosis groups and outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified 66,581 patients hospitalized with LRTIs and observed substantial variation across hospitals in the proportion diagnosed with and treated for bacterial CAP (median 27%, range 12%-42%). Compared with low CAP diagnosing hospitals, high diagnosing hospitals had higher rates of CAP-related revisits (0.6% [95% confidence interval: 0.5, 0.7] vs. 0.4% [0.4, 0.5], p = .04), chest radiographs (58% [53, 62] vs. 46% [41, 51], p = .02), and blood tests (43% [33, 53] vs. 26% [19, 35], p = .046). There were no significant differences in length of stay, all-cause revisits or readmissions, CAP-related readmissions, or costs.

CONCLUSION

There was wide variation across hospitals in the proportion of children with LRTIs who were treated for bacterial CAP. The lack of meaningful differences in clinical outcomes among hospitals suggests that some institutions may over-diagnose and overtreat bacterial CAP.

Childcare and Employment Disruptions in 2020 Among Caregivers of Children With and Without Special Health Care Needs

This survey study evaluates childcare-related employment disruptions before and after COVID-19, accounting for child special health care needs status and sociodemographic factors.

Systematic Improvement in the Patient Transfer Process to a Tertiary Care Children's Hospital

OBJECTIVE

Interfacility transfer of pediatric patients to a children's hospital is a complex process that can be time consuming and dissatisfying for referring providers. We aimed to improve the efficiency of communication and acceptance for interfacility transfers to our hospital.

METHODS

We implemented iterative improvements to the process in 2 phases from 2013 to 2016 (pediatric medicine) and 2019 to 2022 (pediatric critical care and surgery). Key interventions included creation of a hospitalist position to manage transfers with broad ability to accept patients and transition to direct phone access for transfer requests to streamline connection. Effective initiatives from Phase 1 were adapted and spread to the other services in Phase 2. Data were manually extracted monthly from call transcripts and monitored by using statistical process control (SPC) charts. Primary outcome measures were time from call to connection to a provider and number of providers added to the call before making a disposition decision.

RESULTS

Average time from call initiation to provider connection for pediatric medicine calls decreased from 11 minutes to 5 minutes. The average number of internal physicians on each call before acceptance decreased from 2.1 to 1.3. In Phase 2, time to provider connection decreased from 11 to 4 minutes for pediatric critical care calls and 16 to 5 minutes for pediatric surgery calls.

CONCLUSIONS

We streamlined the process of accepting incoming transfer requests throughout our children's hospital. Prioritizing direct communication led to efficient disposition decisions and progression toward transfer and was effective for multiple service lines.

Establishment of achievable benchmarks of care in the neurodiagnostic evaluation of simple febrile seizures

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend against neurodiagnostic testing for the evaluation of simple febrile seizures.

OBJECTIVES

(1) Assess overall and institutional rates of neurodiagnostic testing and (2) establish achievable benchmarks of care (ABCs) for children evaluated for simple febrile seizures at children's hospitals.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Cross-sectional study of children 6 months to 5 years evaluated in the emergency department (ED) 2016-2019 with simple febrile seizures at 38 children's hospitals in Pediatric Health Information System database. We excluded children with epilepsy, complex febrile seizures, complex chronic conditions, and intensive care.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Proportions of children who received neuroimaging, electroencephalogram (EEG), or lumbar puncture (LP) and rates of hospitalization for study cohort and individual hospitals. Hospital-specific outcomes were adjusted for patient demographics and severity of illness. We utilized hospital-specific values for each measure to calculate ABCs.

RESULTS

We identified 51,015 encounters. Among the study cohort 821 (1.6%) children had neuroimaging, 554 (1.1%) EEG, 314 (0.6%) LP, and 2023 (4.0%) were hospitalized. Neurodiagnostic testing rates varied across hospitals: neuroimaging 0.4%-6.7%, EEG 0%-8.2%, LP 0%-12.7% in patients <1-year old and 0%-3.1% in patients ≥1 year. Hospitalization rate ranged from 0%-14.5%. Measured outcomes were higher among hospitalized versus ED-only patients: neuroimaging 15.3% versus 1.0%, EEG% 24.7 versus 0.1% (p < .001). Calculated ABCs were 0.6% for neuroimaging, 0.1% EEG, 0% LP, and 1.0% hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of neurodiagnostic testing and hospitalization for simple febrile seizures were low but varied across hospitals. Calculated ABCs were 0%-1% for all measures, demonstrating that adherence to current guidelines is attainable.

An evaluation of programs designed to increase representation of diverse faculty at academic medical centers

PURPOSE

Minority physicians have been persistently underrepresented in medicine (URiM) when compared with their representation in the general U.S.

POPULATION

There is evidence that diversifying the physician workforce would have a positive impact on healthcare delivery. While programs have been implemented to diversify the physician workforce, there has been less emphasis and progress in diversifying academic medical centers (AMCs) at the faculty level. This review sought to provide an update in the literature on the published outcomes and components of programs designed to increase the racial/ethnic diversity of faculty at AMCs.

METHOD

A scoping review study design was used. Search terms-academic medical faculty, diversity, and recruitment or retention-were used to search literature published from August 2012 through February 4, 2021. Eligible studies (1) evaluate structured organization/institutional programs to increase the representation of faculty who identify as URiM; (2) include faculty who identify as URiM as defined by the Association of American Medical Colleges (individuals who identify as African Americans and/or Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American (American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians), Pacific Islander, and mainland Puerto Rican); (3) describe interventions for the academic medicine setting; and (4) report either quantitative or qualitative data.

RESULTS

Ten papers describing eight programs were included in the review. Program components were heterogeneous. Most studies described funded research-focused programs and fewer studies were institution-wide efforts or included institutional culture (i.e., rules, values, beliefs, behaviors, and customs that shape how people behave within an organization) or climate (i.e., perception regarding the culture) efforts. Four studies reported outcomes that included changes in faculty representation and six included faculty retention efforts such as promotion, leadership positions, grants, and scholarly productivity.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarizes and updates the literature on programs to improve the diversity of faculty at AMCs. It includes specific recommendations for components that can provide a foundation for programs to improve faculty diversity. Future research should use high quality methods to compare different interventions to improve the diversity of faculty in AMCs.

Trends and Variation in Length of Stay Among Hospitalized Febrile Infants ≤60 Days Old

OBJECTIVES

Researchers in recent studies suggest that hospitalized febrile infants aged ≤60 days may be safely discharged if bacterial cultures are negative after 24-36 hours of incubation. We aimed to describe trends and variation in length of stay (LOS) for hospitalized febrile infants across children's hospitals.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of febrile infants aged ≤60 days hospitalized from 2016 to 2019 at 39 hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System database. We excluded infants with complex chronic conditions, bacterial infections, lower respiratory tract viral infections, and those who required ICU admission. The primary outcomes were trends in LOS overall and for individual hospitals, adjusted for patient demographics and clinical characteristics. We also evaluated the hospital-level association between LOS and 30-day readmissions.

RESULTS

We identified 11 868 eligible febrile infant encounters. The adjusted mean LOS for the study cohort decreased from 44.0 hours in 2016 to 41.9 hours in 2019 (P < .001). There was substantial variation in adjusted mean LOS across children's hospitals, range 33.5-77.9 hours in 2016 and 30.4-100.0 hours in 2019. The change from 2016 to 2019 in adjusted mean LOS across individual hospitals also varied widely (-23.9 to +26.7 hours; median change -1.8 hours, interquartile range: -5.4 to 0.3). There was no association between hospital-level LOS and readmission rates (P = .70).

CONCLUSIONS

The LOS for hospitalized febrile infants decreased marginally between 2016 and 2019, although overall LOS and change in LOS varied substantially across children's hospitals. Continued quality improvement efforts are needed to reduce LOS for hospitalized febrile infants.

Outcomes Associated With High- Versus Low-Frequency Laboratory Testing Among Hospitalized Children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Previous pediatric studies have revealed substantial variation in laboratory testing for specific conditions, but clinical outcomes associated with high- versus low-frequency testing are unclear. We hypothesized that hospitals with high- versus low-testing frequency would have worse clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients 0 to 18 years old with low-acuity hospitalizations in the years 2018-2019 for 1 of 10 common All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups. We identified hospitals with high-, moderate-, and low-frequency testing for 3 common groups of laboratory tests: complete blood cell count, basic chemistry studies, and inflammatory markers. Outcomes included length of stay, 7- and 30-day emergency department revisit and readmission rates, and hospital costs, comparing hospitals with high- versus low-frequency testing.

RESULTS

We identified 132 391 study encounters across 44 hospitals. Laboratory testing frequency varied by hospital and condition. We identified hospitals with high- (13), moderate- (20), and low-frequency (11) laboratory testing. When we compared hospitals with high- versus low-frequency testing, there were no differences in adjusted hospital costs (rate ratio 0.89; 95% confidence interval 0.71-1.12), length of stay (rate ratio 0.98; 95% confidence interval 0.91-1.06), 7-day (odds ratio 0.99; 95% confidence interval 0.81-1.21) or 30-day (odds ratio 1.01; 95% confidence interval 0.82-1.25) emergency department revisit rates, or 7-day (odds ratio 0.84; 95% confidence interval 0.65-1.25) or 30-day (odds ratio 0.91; 95% confidence interval 0.76-1.09) readmission rates.

CONCLUSIONS

In a multicenter study of children hospitalized for common low-acuity conditions, laboratory testing frequency varied widely across hospitals, without substantial differences in outcomes. Our results suggest opportunities to reduce laboratory overuse across conditions and children's hospitals.

Novel academic center model for Spanish-speaking patients in the southeastern United States

Latinos form the largest U.S. minority and will account for one quarter of the population by 2050. Immigration trends from 1995-2010 challenged health systems in "new destination" regions such as the southeastern U.S., with Latino population increases of 200-400%, and a minimal bilingual health workforce. Academic medical centers and safety net hospitals are challenged to respond beyond the interpreter paradigm of care delivery to provide efficient, cost-effective and compassionate care that complies with the U.S. Title VI mandates. We describe the design and successful implementation of an academic model in the care of Spanish-speaking patients in the pediatric and adult primary care and subspecialty settings in the University of North Carolina Health Care System. This model leverages a limited bilingual workforce to maximize the extent and quality of language-concordant care for this population The innovative features of the UNC Center for Latino Health (CELAH) is based upon five principles: patient navigation, a medical home, a block-scheduling system, a "virtual clinic" model using existing space, and leveraged cost-neutral resources. Patients are scheduled to specific half-day sessions in specialty clinics and matched with bilingual faculty and staff. This facilitates door-to-door care in Spanish for patients, the majority of whom are immigrants from rural Mexico and Central America with limited English and health literacy. CELAH is considered an academic transition model in anticipation of an adequate bilingual health workforce in 1-2 decades. As a hub, this clinical platform supports unique programs in medical education, translational and health equity research, community outreach, and faculty engagement.

Basic Primer for Finances in Academic Adult and Pediatric Pulmonary Divisions

The finances of academic medical centers (AMCs) are complex and rapidly evolving. This financial environment can have important effects on faculty expectations, compensation, and the work environment. This article describes the commonly used concepts and models related to financial decision-making in Pulmonology and Critical Care divisions across AMCs in the United States. Faculty clinical productivity is often measured by work relative value units, which are set nationally for a discrete piece of physician work and attempt to equilibrate aspects of care across specialties. The expected clinical productivity and salary for a given faculty member are often determined relative to one or more national benchmarks developed from data submitted by departments and schools across the country. The most commonly used benchmarks include those from the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Medical Group Management Association. Changes to the paradigm of fee for service reimbursement are beginning to change physician compensation and incentive structures. In addition, research and education are key academic missions for faculty. It is important to understand the limitations of extramural research funding and implications for the support of research infrastructure. Measurements of productivity within education have been less codified, but some centers are attempting to create educational relative value units similar to those used in clinical productivity. In summary, faculty should understand basic concepts of finances. This knowledge includes a common set of terms and concepts that can help all faculty understand basic financial considerations in their work and lead to success for their divisions.

Screening for Social Determinants of Health in Pediatric Resident Continuity Clinic

OBJECTIVE

Describe current practices in systematic screening for social determinants of health (SDH) in pediatric resident clinics enrolled in the Continuity Research Network (CORNET).

METHODS

CORNET clinic directors were surveyed on demographics, barriers to screening, and screening practices for 15 SDH, including the screen source, timing of screening, process of administering the screen, and personnel involved in screening. Incidence rate ratios were tabulated to investigate relationships among screening practices and clinic staff composition.

RESULTS

Clinic response rate was 41% (65/158). Clinics reported screening for between 0 and 15 SDH (median, 7). Maternal depression (86%), child educational problems (84%), and food insecurity (71%) were the items most commonly screened. Immigration status (17%), parental health literacy (19%), and parental incarceration (21%) were least commonly screened. Within 3 years, clinics plan to screen for 25% of SDH not currently being screened. Barriers to screening included lack of time (63%), resources (50%), and training (46%).

CONCLUSIONS

Screening for SDH in our study population of CORNET clinics is common but has not been universally implemented. Screening practices are variable and reflect the complex nature of screening, including the heterogeneity of the patient populations, the clinic staff composition, and the SDH encountered.

The Effect of Physician Oral Health Services on Dental Use and Expenditures under General Anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Despite early evidence touting the effectiveness of physician-provided oral health services (POHS), recent evidence suggests these services might have little impact on caries-related outcomes in children. General anesthesia (GA) is often used to treat early childhood caries and may be considered the most extreme utilization outcome. We sought to assess the impact of POHS utilization on dental GA utilization and expenditures.

METHODS

We used the Medicaid claims of a birth cohort of children born in 2008 in North Carolina (N = 32,558) to determine the impact of POHS on dental utilization and expenditures under GA for individual children. Children were followed until their eighth birthday. We analyzed the association of the number of prior POHS visits with visit-specific outcomes of dental treatment under GA using population-averaged models fit with generalized estimating equations with exchangeable working correlation structure.

RESULTS

Children with 2 or more previous POHS visits had reduced odds of GA (odds ratio [OR] = 0.93; confidence interval [CI], 0.87-0.99; P = 0.029) and expenditures ($114; CI,-$152.61 to -$75.19; P < 0.001) compared to those without physician-provided oral health visits, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and geographic residence. Dental expenditures did not differ between POHS and non-POHS subjects at non-GA visits.

CONCLUSIONS

POHS decreased the odds of having dental GA treatment and dental expenditures at GA visits. The role of physicians in oral health care can reduce the impact on the most severe outcome-treatment under general anesthesia.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

The results of this study have important financial implications for state Medicaid programs and disease management programs trying to mitigate the costs of treating early childhood caries under general anesthesia. Children who receive physician oral health care are less likely to use and more likely to save money on general anesthesia to complete dental treatment.

Concordance of Child and Parent Reports of Children's Screen Media Use

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about the concordance of parent and child reports of children's media consumption, even though parents are often asked to report for their children in clinical care settings. Our objective was to understand how parent and child reports of children's media consumption differ in an era of changing screen media consumption via personal devices.

METHODS

As part of a larger study about the reception of health-related cues from children's media, children ages 9 to 11 years (N = 114) and their parents independently completed identical questionnaires about specific media use and health behaviors. To examine concordance between child and parent reports of children's screen media use, we calculated the mean number of minutes per day and proportions reported by the child and parent and assessed concordance with t-tests and chi-square tests.

RESULTS

On a typical day, children reported nearly an hour each of video and app game use, computer use, and television exposure. Overall, child and parent reports were similar, usually within 10 minutes of each other; however, among 3 measures of TV use, parents consistently reported less TV exposure than children. There was significant discordance in the percentages of parents and children reporting the presence of a TV in the child's room.

CONCLUSIONS

Parent and child reports of children's media use were generally concordant; however, there were important disagreements, such as TV use in the child's room and during meals. We discuss possible causes of discrepancies and implications.

Timing and Duration of Sleep in Hospitalized Children: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Sleep during hospitalization is important, but data on children's sleep quality during hospitalization are lacking. We sought to document sleep duration and awakenings in hospitalized children and explore associations between sleep and chronic care complexity, home sleep quality, and late-night food consumption.

METHODS

Children aged 2 to 17 years admitted to a hospitalist service for at least 24 hours were approached for participation. Children were video recorded from 20:00 to 08:00. Paired investigators reviewed recordings and extracted data. Investigators blinded to sleep data separately extracted clinical and demographic information. Analyses included Spearman correlations and linear and generalized linear regression models with t and Wald χ² tests.

RESULTS

The mean time subjects (n = 57) initiated sleep was 22:35 (range: 20:00-02:47), with a mean sleep duration of 475 minutes (89-719 minutes). Subjects awakened 2.2 times (0-7 times, SD: 1.9) per night, on average, with the average total time awake during those awakenings of 55.7 minutes (2-352 minutes, SD: 75 minutes). In multivariate analysis, children with private insurance had longer sleep duration. Additionally, subjects who ate a snack after 21:00 went to sleep much later (odds ratio: 9.5; confidence interval: 2.6 to 34.9) and had 64 minutes less total sleep time and spent less time in bed than patients who did not eat late (P = .007).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalized children sleep less than recommended and experience frequent awakenings. Some demographic variables are related to sleep. Many hospitalized children also consume food at night, which is associated with later bedtime and less sleep. Future efforts to improve sleep in hospitalized children are needed.

The Association Between Pediatric Faculty Factors and Resident Physician Ratings of Teaching Effectiveness

Background. Faculty factors not inherently related to teaching effectiveness can influence teaching ratings. No studies have focused on pediatric faculty who possess unique differences from general medical faculty. Methods. We designed a retrospective observational study to compare faculty teaching ratings with measured factors across 3 academic pediatric institutions. Results. Our study included 196 faculty members. The majority (76%) of variation in teaching effectiveness ratings was not accounted for by any measured variable, but 24% was attributed to measurable factors. Increased resident exposure (sequential r 2 = .10, P < .0001) significantly affected teaching effectiveness. Variation between resident ratings of pediatric faculty teaching can be partially explained by measured factors not necessarily related to teaching effectiveness. Conclusions. The identification of faculty factors that significantly contribute to rating variation can enhance interpretation of these rating.

Randomized trial to evaluate contraceptive efficacy, safety and acceptability of a two-rod contraceptive implant over 4 years in the Dominican Republic

Objective

Sino-implant (II) is a contraceptive implant that had a commodity price one-third of the competing products a decade ago. To make Sino-implant (II) more widely available, we conducted a trial to collect safety and efficacy data required for World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification, a quality standard allowing global donors to procure a pharmaceutical product.

Study design

This was a randomized controlled trial allocating 650 participants to either Sino-implant (II) or Jadelle®. Participants were seen at 1 and 6 months, and then semiannually. The primary efficacy measure was the pregnancy Pearl Index [number of pregnancies per 100 women-years (WY) of follow-up] in the Sino-implant (II) group during up to 4 years of implant use.

Results

For the primary outcome, Sino-implant (II) had a 4-year Pearl Index of 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.36-1.37) compared to 0.00 (95% confidence interval, 0.00-1.04) for Jadelle®. The Sino-implant (II) pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the fourth year (3.54 per 100 WY) than in the first 3 years combined (0.18 per 100 WY; p <.001). Total levonorgestrel concentrations were equivalent between groups at month 12, but were 19%, 22% and 32% lower in the Sino-implant (II) group at months 24, 36 and 48, respectively (p <.001 at each time point). Safety and acceptability of the two products were similar, while providers documented significantly higher breakage rates during removal of Sino-implant (II) (16.3% vs. 3.1%; p <.001).

Conclusion

Based on these results, WHO prequalified Sino-Implant (II) with a 3-year use label in June 2017, 2 years shorter than the 5-year duration of Jadelle®.

Implications

WHO prequalification allows global donors to procure Sino-implant (II), which means women in many low resource countries will have greater access to highly effective and acceptable contraceptive implants. Our study noted important clinical differences, including shorter duration of high effectiveness with Sino-implant (II) when compared to the other available two-rod system, Jadelle®. Introduction strategies should include appropriate training on these differences.

Cohort study to evaluate efficacy, safety and acceptability of a two-rod contraceptive implant during third, fourth and fifth year of product use in China

Objective

Sino-implant (II) is a contraceptive implant approved for 4 years of use in China. We evaluated the contraceptive efficacy during the third, fourth and fifth year, and assessed additional pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and acceptability endpoints.

Study design

We enrolled a cohort of 255 current Sino-Implant (II) users entering their third year and a second cohort of 243 users entering their fourth year. We followed these two cohorts for 12 and 24 months, respectively. To characterize PK endpoints (i.e. levonorgestrel (LNG), sex hormone binding globulin and free LNG index) over 5 years, we collected blood samples in a subset of 50 participants we followed during the third, fourth and fifth year. We also enrolled small cohorts (n = 20) of Sino-implant (II) users entering their sixth month and second year and followed them each for up to 6 months. Our primary efficacy measures were the pregnancy Pearl Indices during Year 3 and 4. Secondary objectives included assessments of PK, safety, acceptability and efficacy in the fifth year.

Results

We recorded four pregnancies, with a higher pregnancy rate during Year 3 [1.34 (95% CI: 0.28–3.93)] than Year 4 [0.44 (95% CI: 0.01–2.47)] or Year 5 [0.00 (95% CI: 0.00–2.02)]. The overall pregnancy rate for the third, fourth and fifth years of product use was 0.63 per 100 WY; 95% CI: (0.17–1.62). Mean LNG concentrations remained well above 200 pg/mL (Year 3 = 280.9; Year 4 = 233.6; Year 5 = 270.6). Most participants (93.7%) described their bleeding pattern as acceptable.

Conclusion

Sino-implant (II) is a highly effective contraceptive method in this population of Chinese women over 5 years.

Implications

Sino-implant (II) is a highly effective contraceptive method with an estimated Pearl Index of less than 1% over the third, fourth and fifth years of use in a population of Chinese women of reproductive age.

The Association of Discharge Before Noon and Length of Stay in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To optimize patient throughput, many hospitals set targets for discharging patients before noon (DCBN). However, it is not clear whether DCBN is an appropriate measure for an efficient discharge. This study aims to determine whether DCBN is associated with shorter length of stay (LOS) in pediatric patients and whether that relationship is different between surgical and medical discharges.

METHODS

From May 2014 to April 2017, we performed a retrospective data analysis of pediatric medical and surgical discharges belonging to a single academic medical center. Patients were included if they were 21 years or younger with at least one night in the hospital. Propensity score weighted multivariate ordinary least squares models were used to evaluate the association between DCBN and LOS.

RESULTS

Of the 8,226 pediatric hospitalizations, 1,531 (18.61%) patients were DCBN. In our multivariate model of all the discharges, DCBN was associated with an average of 0.27 day (P = .014) shorter LOS when compared to discharge in the afternoon. In our multivariate medical discharge model, DCBN was associated with an average of 0.30 (P = .017) day decrease in LOS while the association between DCBN and LOS was not significant among surgical discharges.

CONCLUSIONS

On average, at a single academic medical center, DCBN was associated with a decreased LOS for medical but not surgical pediatric discharges. DCBN may not be an appropriate measure of discharge efficiency for all services.

Discharge Interventions and Modifiable Risk Factors for Preventing Hospital Readmissions in Children with Medical Complexity

BACKGROUND

Concerns about the costs and quality of hospital care have led to increased interest in hospital readmissions in children. Children with medical complexity account for high proportions of inpatient utilization and have a higher risk of hospital readmission.

OBJECTIVE

To identify studies of discharge interventions to prevent hospital readmissions in children with medical complexity.

METHODS

We conducted a search to identify studies of discharge interventions. Included studies 1) described an intervention or modifiable risk factor around the time of hospital discharge 2) included pediatric patients with chronic illness and/or medical complexity and 3) reported subsequent hospital utilization.

RESULTS

We identified ten studies testing the following interventions: multi-faceted discharge bundle (including medication review, discharge education, and follow-up appointments) (s=1), post-discharge follow-up clinic visits (s=3), post-discharge phone calls (s=2), intensive follow-up interventions for very low birth weight infants (s=2), and education interventions in children hospitalized with asthma (s=2). Four studies reported reductions in readmissions. The discharge bundle correlated with an 11.1% decrease in 30-day readmission (9.9% vs. 8.8%, p&lt;0.05). All three studies of post discharge follow-up clinic visits reported a decrease in 30-day readmission risk among children with follow-up scheduled within 30 days, though one study also reported that medically complex children with follow- up within three days had increased readmission risk.

CONCLUSION

Evidence supporting discharge interventions for children with medical complexity is limited. Multi-faceted discharge interventions and post-discharge clinic visits may be effective.

Outpatient Visits Before Ambulatory Care-Sensitive Hospitalization of Children Receiving Medicaid

OBJECTIVES

Hospitalizations for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSC) are measured to indicate health care system quality, with the premise that fewer hospitalizations would occur with better preceding outpatient care. Our objectives were to identify outpatient care received in the 7 days preceding acute pediatric hospitalizations and to compare receipt of outpatient care by hospitalization type (ACSC vs non-ACSC).

METHODS

This retrospective observational study used a 10-state database of Medicaid claims to identify outpatient visits within 7 days before acute unplanned hospitalization for children aged 0 to 17 years. We used logistic regression to assess the relationship between hospitalization type and occurrence of a preceding outpatient clinic visit, controlling for patient age, race/ethnicity, type of Medicaid, and complex chronic conditions.

RESULTS

Of 254,902 hospitalizations, 28.6% had a preceding outpatient visit. Thirty-five percent of hospitalizations were for ACSC. A greater percentage of ACSC versus non-ACSC hospitalizations had a preceding outpatient visit (31.1% vs 27.3%, P < .001). In multivariable analysis, characteristics associated with a preceding outpatient visit were age <1 versus 13 to 17 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3-2.5), ≥2 vs 0 complex chronic conditions (aOR 1.9; 95% CI 1.8-2.0), Medicaid managed care versus fee for service (aOR 1.2; 95% CI 1.2-1.3), and ACSC versus non-ACSC hospitalization (aOR 1.2; 95% CI 1.1-1.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Although receipt of outpatient care was modestly higher in children hospitalized with an ACSC, most hospitalized children did not receive preceding outpatient care. Further investigation is needed to assess why such a large proportion of children do not receive outpatient care before acute unplanned hospitalization, especially for ACSC.

Issues Identified by Postdischarge Contact after Pediatric Hospitalization: A Multisite Study

BACKGROUND

Many hospitals are considering contacting hospitalized patients soon after discharge to help with issues that arise.

OBJECTIVE

To (1) describe the prevalence of contactidentified postdischarge issues (PDI) and (2) assess characteristics of children with the highest likelihood of having a PDI.

DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS

A retrospective analysis of hospital-initiated follow-up contact for 12,986 children discharged from January 2012 to July 2015 from 4 US children's hospitals. Contact was made within 14 days of discharge by hospital staff via telephone call, text message, or e-mail. Standardized questions were asked about issues with medications, appointments, and other PDIs. For each hospital, patient characteristics were compared with the likelihood of PDI by using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Median (interquartile range) age of children at admission was 4.0 years (0-11); 59.9% were nonHispanic white, and 51.0% used Medicaid. The most common reasons for admission were bronchiolitis (6.3%), pneumonia (6.2%), asthma (5.1%), and seizure (4.9%). Twenty-five percent of hospitalized children (n=3263) reported a PDI at contact (hospital range: 16.0%-62.8%). Most (76.3%) PDIs were related to follow-up appointments (eg, difficulty getting one); 20.8% of PDIs were related to medications (eg, problems filling a prescription). Patient characteristics associated with the likelihood of PDI varied across hospitals. Older age (age 10-18 years vs <1 year) was significantly (P<.001) associated with an increased likelihood of PDI in 3 of 4 hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

PDIs were identified often through hospital-initiated follow-up contact. Most PDIs were related to appointments. Hospitals caring for children may find this information useful as they strive to optimize their processes for follow-up contact after discharge.

A Quality-Improvement Initiative to Reduce NICU Transfers for Neonates at Risk for Hypoglycemia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Neonatal hypoglycemia is a common problem, often requiring management in the NICU. Nonpharmacologic interventions, including early breastfeeding and skin-to-skin care (SSC), may prevent hypoglycemia and the need to escalate care. Our objective was to maintain mother-infant dyads in the mother-infant unit by decreasing hypoglycemia resulting in NICU transfer.

METHODS

Inborn infants ≥35 weeks' gestation with at least 1 risk factor for hypoglycemia were included. Using quality-improvement methodology, a bundle for at-risk infants was implemented, which included a protocol change focusing on early SSC, early feeding, and obtaining a blood glucose measurement in asymptomatic infants at 90 minutes. The primary outcome was the overall transfer rate of at-risk infants to the NICU. Secondary outcomes were related to protocol adherence. Balancing measures, including the rate of symptomatic hypoglycemia and sepsis evaluations, were monitored. Statistical process control charts using standard interpretation rules were used to monitor for improvement in key aims.

RESULTS

For infants at risk for hypoglycemia, the NICU transfer rate decreased from 17% to 3% overall. Documented early feeding and SSC in at-risk newborns increased. The percent of at-risk infants transferred to the NICU who did not require intravenous dextrose decreased from 5% at baseline to 0.7% after intervention. There were no adverse outcomes observed in the period before or after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a quality-improvement intervention promoting SSC and early feeding in at-risk infants was associated with a decreased rate of transfer to the NICU for hypoglycemia.

Constipation-Related Health Care Utilization in Children Before and After Hospitalization for Constipation

We studied constipation-related health care among children before and after constipation admission. Index admissions for constipation in 2010-2011 were identified in the Truven Marketscan Database, which includes children receiving Medicaid in 10 states. We measured number of and spending for outpatient constipation visits 12 months before and after index hospitalizations. We also measured spending for constipation hospitalizations and rehospitalization rate. There were 780 index constipation admissions. The median number of outpatient constipation visits was 1 (interquartile range [IQR] = 0, 3) in the 12 months before and 2 (IQR [0, 4]) after admission ( P = .001). Median outpatient spending for constipation was $110 (IQR [0, 429]) before and $132 (IQR [0, 431]) after admission ( P = .2). Median spending for index constipation admissions was $5295 (IQR [2756, 8267]); 78 children (10%) were rehospitalized for constipation within 12 months. Constipation-related health care utilization increased after constipation admission. Median spending for one constipation admission was 50 times the median spending for 12 months of outpatient constipation visits.

Obesogenic Behavior and Weight-Based Stigma in Popular Children's Movies, 2012 to 2015

BACKGROUND

Obesity-promoting content and weight-stigmatizing messages are common in child-directed television programming and advertisements, and 1 study found similar trends in G- and PG-rated movies from 2006 to 2010. Our objective was to examine the prevalence of such content in more recent popular children's movies.

METHODS

Raters examined 31 top-grossing G- and PG-rated movies released from 2012 to 2015. For each 10-minute segment (N = 302) and for movies as units, raters documented the presence of eating-, activity-, and weight-related content observed on-screen. To assess interrater reliability, 10 movies (32%) were coded by more than 1 rater.

RESULTS

The result of Cohen's κ test of agreement among 3 raters was 0.65 for binary responses (good agreement). All 31 movies included obesity-promoting content; most common were unhealthy foods (87% of movies, 42% of segments), exaggerated portion sizes (71%, 29%), screen use (68%, 38%), and sugar-sweetened beverages (61%, 24%). Weight-based stigma, such as a verbal insult about body size or weight, was observed in 84% of movies and 30% of segments.

CONCLUSIONS

Children's movies include much obesogenic and weight-stigmatizing content. These messages are not shown in isolated incidences; rather, they often appear on-screen multiple times throughout the entire movie. Future research should explore these trends over time, and their effects.

Implicit Weight Bias in Children Age 9 to 11 Years

OBJECTIVES

Assess implicit weight bias in children 9 to 11 years old.

METHODS

Implicit weight bias was measured in children ages 9 to 11 (N = 114) by using the Affect Misattribution Procedure. Participants were shown a test image of a child for 350 milliseconds followed by a meaningless fractal (200 milliseconds), and then they were asked to rate the fractal image as "good" or "bad." We used 9 image pairs matched on age, race, sex, and activity but differing by weight of the child. Implicit bias was the difference between positive ratings for fractals preceded by an image of a healthy-weight child and positive ratings for fractals preceded by an image of an overweight child.

RESULTS

On average, 64% of abstract fractals shown after pictures of healthy-weight children were rated as "good," compared with 59% of those shown after pictures of overweight children, reflecting an overall implicit bias rate of 5.4% against overweight children (P < .001). Healthy-weight participants showed greater implicit bias than over- and underweight participants (7.9%, 1.4%, and 0.3% respectively; P = .049).

CONCLUSIONS

Implicit bias toward overweight individuals is evident in children aged 9 to 11 years with a magnitude of implicit bias (5.4%) similar to that in studies of implicit racial bias among adults.

Patient- and Visit-Level Variables Associated With Late Arrival to Pediatric Clinic Appointments

We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate timeliness of patient arrival at a pediatric multispecialty clinic. Bivariate and ordered logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the odds of late arrival by specified patient- and visit-level characteristics. A total of 64 856 visits were available for analysis, of which 6513 (10.0%) were late arrivals. The odds of late arrival were higher for patients who spoke English (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, P < .001) compared with those who spoke Spanish, had Medicaid (OR = 1.54, P < .001) or no insurance (OR = 1.49, P < .001) compared with those with insurance other than Medicaid, and were late to their previous visit (OR = 2.46, P < .001). Visit-level variables associated with late arrival included appointment time earlier in the day (i.e. 8-10 am, OR = 2.77, P < .001 compared with 4-6 pm), earlier in the week (i.e. on Mondays, OR = 1.21, P < .001 compared with Wednesdays), and for certain subspecialty clinics ( P < .001). Numerous variables are significantly associated with late arrival for pediatric clinic appointments.

Perceptions of the medical home by parents of children with chronic illnesses

OBJECTIVES

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) strives to improve the quality of care in the primary care setting. Recently, certification programs for patient-centered coordinated care have expanded to subspecialty care. Children with chronic conditions are particularly in need of patient-centered and coordinated care. Our objective was to compare parent perceptions of PCMH elements at primary care and specialty practices for children receiving specialty care.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey study.

METHODS

We surveyed the parents of children returning for specialty care in a hospital-based pediatric subspecialty clinic on the presence of National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) PCMH elements in their primary care practice and in their main specialty care practice.

RESULTS

More parents perceived good appointment access at primary care practices than they did at specialty practices (93% vs 87%, respectively; P <.001). They perceived good care coordination and referral follow-up both at primary care and specialty practices (89% vs 88% and 92% vs 92%, respectively). However, parents less frequently perceived the presence of 7 other PCMH elements at primary care practices compared with specialty practices; these included appointment and tests due reminders, distributing handouts, electronic prescribing, sharing test results, surveying experiences, and e-mail capability.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite an emphasis on PCMHs in primary care settings, parents of children seeking specialty care are more likely to perceive the presence of NCQA PCMH elements in specialty rather than primary care clinics. Future PCMH efforts should address parents' perceptions and interpretations of these services.

Enhanced Access and Parents' Preferred Contact for a Child's Chronic Condition

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether the perception of enhanced access by parents in their child's primary care and main specialty practices is associated with preference for contacting either practice when problems arise with a child's chronic condition.

STUDY DESIGN

In this cross-sectional survey study of parents whose children use both primary and specialty practices, we assessed perceptions of 3 components of enhanced access: (1) appointment availability when needed, (2) electronic communication with practices, and (3) other staff that help manage a child's health care needs. Parents also indicated which practice they would contact for an exacerbation of the main chronic condition for which the child receives specialty care. We used logistic regression to examine relationships of enhanced access components in both practices with parents' indicated practice.

RESULTS

Among 609 parents, 244 (40%) would contact primary care and 365 (60%) the main specialty practice for a chronic condition exacerbation. Although parents perceived enhanced access components with similar frequency in both settings, enhanced access was associated only with preference for contacting the main specialty practice: e-mail communication (aOR for preferring the specialty practice 2.0 [1.3, 3.2]) and staff that coordinate a child's care needs (aOR 2.8 [1.4, 5.9]).

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced access is associated with preference for addressing chronic condition exacerbations in specialty but not primary care. Future study should further identify factors important to parents in deciding when and how to contact practices and should seek to develop family-centered communication within medical homes that integrate primary and specialty care.

Trends in Pharmacotherapy for Bladder Dysfunction Among Children in the United States, 2000 to 2013

Bladder-related issues such as nocturnal enuresis and incontinence have long been a part of general pediatric practice. Increasingly, clinicians are prescribing medications directed at a variety of types of bladder dysfunction, but no prior population-based data exist. We used MarketScan health care claims data on 32 074 638 insured children to estimate utilization patterns by age, sex, year, and geographic region in the United States from 2000 to 2013, and to assess related diagnosis codes. Approximately 1 in 500 children filled an antimuscarinic prescription. The most common prescriptions were for oxybutynin (78%) and tolterodine (17%). Rates were highest at ages 6 to 10 years (65/100 000 person-months), 31% higher for girls versus boys, peaked in 2011 (44/100 000 person-months), and were highest in the Midwest (59/100 000 person-months). Seventy-three percent of children with prescriptions had diagnosis codes for genitourinary symptoms, and 13% had codes for congenital anomalies. Research is needed regarding the comparative effectiveness and safety of these drugs in children.

A Prospective Pilot Study on the Systemic Absorption of Oral Vancomycin in Children With Colitis

BACKGROUND: Oral vancomycin is used to treat refractory colitis due to Clostridium dificile infection. Traditionally, oral vancomycin was thought to not be absorbed systemically, but recent adult studies have demonstrated detectable serum levels in over half of patients with severe colitis. This has not been studied in children. OBJECTIVE: To determine the absorption of oral vancomycin and the renal safety profile of oral vancomycin in children hospitalized with colitis. METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational, pilot proof of principle study at the North Carolina Children's Hospital in patients 2 years to 18 years of age receiving oral vancomycin for the treatment of C dificile colitis. Severity of disease was determined using a validated scoring system. Serial serum vancomycin levels and renal function tests were performed during the administration of oral vancomycin. RESULTS: All patients enrolled (n = 8) had mild to moderate C dificile colitis and varying severity of underlying systemic diseases; 7 with inflammatory bowel disease and 1 with acute kidney injury following renal transplantation. No enrolled patients had detectable levels of serum vancomycin. Additionally, no adverse renal outcomes were attributed to oral vancomycin, and no cases of "Red Man" syndrome were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike studies in adult patients, oral vancomycin is likely not absorbed in children with mild to moderate colitis. Further study is needed to determine the pharmacokinetics in severe colitis and those with severe illness in a critical care setting.

Identifying Social Determinants of Health and Legal Needs for Children With Special Health Care Needs

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) require comprehensive care with high levels of community and government assistance. Medical-legal partnerships may be particularly suited to address needs for this population. To explore this, we conducted in-depth telephone interviews of families of CSHCN cared for in the primary care practice of our tertiary care children's hospital. The majority of the sample (N = 46) had been late on housing payments and 17% of homeowners had been threatened with foreclosure. Families frequently reported denial of public benefits. Approximately 10% had executed advance planning documents such as guardianship plans for the children or wills for the parents. A minority of families had sought help from community agencies or lawyers. Less than one third had ever discussed any of the issues with health care providers, but two thirds were likely or very likely to in the future. CSHCN may especially benefit from the social support of a medical-legal partnership.

The incidence of catheter-associated venous thrombosis in noncritically ill children

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies estimated the incidence of catheter-associated venous thrombosis to be between 2% and 81%. Our goals were to define the incidence rate of catheter-related thrombosis in a hospitalized, noncritically ill, pediatric population and to determine modifiable factors that alter the risk of thrombosis.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed at the North Carolina Children's Hospital from 2009 to 2012. Chart review was performed with extraction of patient characteristics and line-related variables. Presence of symptomatic catheter-associated venous thrombosis was the primary outcome. Bivariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to explore associations between line-related variables and thrombosis.

RESULTS

A total of 1135 lines were placed in 815 patients for 118,023 catheter-days. Thirty-six were complicated by venous thrombosis (3.2%) yielding a rate of 0.3 events per 1000 catheter-days. In multivariable analysis, increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.13; P=.002), renal dialysis (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.09-9.66; P=.035), and a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease or short bowel syndrome (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.2-15.0; P=.02) were associated with increased risk of thrombosis. Modifiable risk factors, such as line site, size, and lumens, were not significantly associated with thrombosis. No thromboembolic events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a lower incidence rate of catheter-associated venous thrombosis than in most previous reports. No modifiable characteristics altered the risk of thrombosis. Additional investigation of measures to prevent thrombosis is warranted in higher-risk populations, such as patients undergoing dialysis or patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

World peace, to be a millionaire, and hoop dreams: adolescent wishes on health screening surveys

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to learn the wishes of young adolescents via an open-ended survey question and to determine the association of these wishes with sociodemographic variables.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of consecutive adolescents aged 11-14 years who had a well-child visit at a clinic with a diverse patient population, who completed a Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services (GAPS) previsit health questionnaire, and who answered the question, "If you could have three wishes come true, what would they be?" Responses to this question were double-coded according to thematic content and whether wishes were for self, others, or both.

RESULTS

Among 96 respondents, wishes for others were listed more frequently by girls than by boys (54% versus 31%; P = .02). Girls also had more family-oriented wish themes (27% versus 10%; P = .04). Boys were more likely to wish for success (17% versus 4%; P = .05). Among respondents with private insurance, 45% wished for the good for the world, with responses such as "world peace"; only 12% of respondents with Medicaid wished for the good of the world (P = .01). No statistically significant differences were identified by race/ethnicity or age. Positive future orientation themes such as career were not as prioritized as previously suggested in the literature.

LIMITATIONS

The sample population derives from a single university-based clinic in North Carolina; while diverse, this population may not be representative of larger groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Many wishes seemed predictable (ie, for wealth, athleticism), but occasionally wishes were poignant and original ("to have papers for my parents to pass the border"); this finding reinforces the value of listening to adolescents' wishes. Both sex and insurance status were related to wish themes. Further research should determine how knowledge of adolescents' wishes can be used to best direct individual care.

Pass the popcorn: "obesogenic" behaviors and stigma in children's movies

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of obesity-related behaviors and attitudes in children's movies.

METHODS

A mixed-methods study of the top-grossing G- and PG-rated movies, 2006-2010 (4 per year) was performed. For each 10-min movie segment, the following were assessed: 1) prevalence of key nutrition and physical activity behaviors corresponding to the American Academy of Pediatrics obesity prevention recommendations for families; 2) prevalence of weight stigma; 3) assessment as healthy, unhealthy, or neutral; 3) free-text interpretations of stigma.

RESULTS

Agreement between coders was >85% (Cohen's kappa = 0.7), good for binary responses. Segments with food depicted: exaggerated portion size (26%); unhealthy snacks (51%); sugar-sweetened beverages (19%). Screen time was also prevalent (40% of movies showed television; 35% computer; 20% video games). Unhealthy segments outnumbered healthy segments 2:1. Most (70%) of the movies included weight-related stigmatizing content (e.g., "That fat butt! Flabby arms! And this ridiculous belly!").

CONCLUSIONS

These popular children's movies had significant "obesogenic" content, and most contained weight-based stigma. They present a mixed message to children, promoting unhealthy behaviors while stigmatizing the behaviors' possible effects. Further research is needed to determine the effects of such messages on children.

Dietary recommendations for infants and toddlers among pediatric dentists in North Carolina

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to: describe practice patterns, knowledge, and attitudes of pediatric dentists in North Carolina (N.C.) in delivering dietary recommendations to the parents/caregivers of infants and toddlers; and identify barriers that limit the implementation of related recommendations.

METHODS

Our survey instrument included 30 questions covering eight domains of barriers to guideline adherence. Surveys were mailed to 150 practicing pediatric dentists in N.C. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify subscales and inform the multivariable model.

RESULTS

The response rate was 57 percent (86/150), 80 percent of whom reported providing infant and toddler feeding recommendations routinely. Knowledge of and agreement with the recommendation regarding breast-feeding duration was lower than that for bottle-feeding recommendations. Stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that survey respondents were less likely to provide dietary recommendations regularly to the parents/caregivers of infants and toddlers when they have practice constraints and the respondents disagree with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommendations on bottle and juice consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Most respondents routinely provide dietary recommendations to the parents/caregivers of infants and toddlers. Disagreement with AAP and AAPD recommendations on bottle, and juice consumption as well as practice constraints impedes practitioners from providing dietary recommendations regularly to the parents/caregivers of infants and toddlers.