Availability of Definitive Hospital Care for Children.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Timely and efficient access to hospital care is essential for the health and well-being of children. As insurance networks, accountable care organizations, and alternative payment methods evolve, these new systems of care must continue to serve the needs of children.

Objective

To test the hypothesis that the availability of definitive pediatric hospital care is significantly more limited than adult care and is decreasing disproportionately.

Design

This study used case mix data during fiscal years 2004 through 2014 to measure transfer frequency and identify the site of care completion for all patients seen in acute care hospitals throughout Massachusetts. Patterns of care among children were then compared with patterns of care among adults. Participants were

SUBMITTER: Franca UL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6583506 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature