A Comparison of Emergency Department Revisit Rates of Pediatric Patients between Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 Periods.
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SUBMITTER: Namgung M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9322694 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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A Comparison of Emergency Department Revisit Rates of Pediatric Patients between Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 Periods.
Namgung Myeong M Lee Dong Hoon DH Bae Sung Jin SJ Chung Ho Sub HS Park Ji Young JY Kim Keon K Lee Choung Ah CA Kim Duk Ho DH Kim Eui Chung EC Lim Jee Yong JY Han Sang Soo SS Choi Yoon Hee YH
Children (Basel, Switzerland) 20220704 7
Unscheduled revisits to emergency departments (EDs) are important because they indicate the quality of emergency care. However, the characteristics of pediatric patients visiting EDs changed during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and these changes may have affected their revisit patterns. Therefore, we aimed to compare the ED revisit patterns of pediatric patients between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. This retrospective multicenter study included patients aged below 18 year ...[more]
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Project description:ObjectivesPublished literature on national emergency department (ED) revisit rates among older adults with dementia is sparse, despite anecdotal evidence of higher ED utilization. Thus we evaluated the odds ratio (OR) of 30-day ED revisits among older adults with dementia using a nationally representative sample.DesignWe assessed the frequency of claims associated with a 30-day ED revisit among Medicare beneficiaries with and without a dementia diagnosis before or at index ED visit. We used a logistic regression model controlling for dementia, age, sex, race, region, Medicaid status, transfer to a skilled nursing facility after ED, primary care physician use 12 months before index, and comorbidity.SettingA nationally representative sample of claims data for Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older who maintained continuous fee-for-service enrollment during 2015 and 2016. Only outpatient claims associated with an ED visit between January 2016 and November 2016 were included as a qualifying index encounter.ParticipantsWe identified 240 249 patients without dementia and 54 622 patients for whom a dementia code was recorded in the year before the index encounter in 2016.ResultsOur results indicate a significant difference in unadjusted 30-day ED revisit rates among those with an ED dementia diagnoses (22.0%) compared with those without (13.9%). Our adjusted results indicated that dementia is a significant predictor of 30-day ED revisits (P < .0001). Those with a dementia diagnosis at or before the index ED visit were more likely to have experienced an ED revisit within 30 days (OR = 1.27; 95% confidence interval = 1.24-1.31).ConclusionDementia diagnoses were a significant predictor of 30-day ED revisits. Further research should assess potential reasons why dementia is associated with markedly higher revisit rates, as well as opportunities to manage and transition dementia patients from the ED back to the community more effectively. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2254-2259, 2019.
| S-EPMC6899685 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ImportanceThe emergency department (ED) discharge process often involves haste and poor communication.ObjectivesTo assess the association of an automated telephone call 2 days after ED discharge with the likelihood of an unplanned ED revisit at both 72 hours and 7 days after the index visit and with perceived care metrics measured at 14 days.Design, setting, and participantsThis prospective nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted at a single academically affiliated county emergency department among 8110 patients presenting to and discharged from the ED during a 10-week period from June 25 to August 30, 2018. Initial statistical analysis was performed from February 1 to November 30, 2020, with additional analyses performed from March 1 to 16, 2022.InterventionsParticipants were allocated in a nonrandom fashion to 1 of 2 groups: patients who received an automated telephone call 2 days after discharge were compared with patients who received no call 2 days after discharge. All patients received a telephone questionnaire at 14 days to assess secondary outcome measures.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcome was a return visit to the ED at 7 days. Secondary outcomes included a return visit to the ED within 72 hours, a return visit to the ED within 7 days resulting in hospital admission, and patient-reported perceptions of their care measured by 4 questions related to quality metrics assessed at 14 days. A secondary analysis compared patients who actually responded to the initial call at 2 days with all nonresponders, regardless of whether they received a call. Analyses were made on an intention-to-treat basis.ResultsMore than 15 000 patients were seen in the ED during the 10-week study period, and 10 948 were discharged. A total of 8110 patient encounters (4460 male patients [55.0%]; 3313 Hispanic patients [40.9%]; mean [SD] age, 40.5 [19.4] years) were enrolled. A total of 2958 patients (36.5%) received an automated telephone call at 2 days after discharge, while 5152 (63.5%) received no call. Rates of ED return within 7 days of the initial index visit were significantly lower among those who received a call at 2 days than those who did not receive a call (224 of 2958 [7.6%] vs 533 of 5152 [10.3%]; P < .001). Patients who received a 2-day call were more likely than those who did not receive a call to have followed up with a health care clinician (67.9% [374 of 551] vs 66.3% [604 of 911]), understood their health issues (77.5% [490 of 632] vs 74.9% [780 of 1042]), and have received their discharge medications (87.0% [507 of 583] vs 83.6% [793 of 949]), although none of these differences between the 2 groups were statistically significant.Conclusions and relevanceA telephone call to patients 2 days after discharge from the ED was associated with decreased ED use at 7 days after the index visit and may have been associated with marginal improvements in measured quality of care metrics.
| S-EPMC9123498 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic upended the world. As emergency departments and hospitals across the nation and world braced themselves for the surge of this new disease, the emergency department (ED) at Children's National Hospital (CNH) quickly created a process to address surges in patient visits and follow-ups for coronavirus testing. Within 2 wk of the first reported pediatric patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, CNH ED implemented a new comprehensive follow-up process. This article describes the novel process that ensured timely notification of testing results, enabled patients to speak remotely with ED providers, increased patient and staff safety by reducing unnecessary exposures, and suggested a good patient experience. With over 1900 patients discharged pending their COVID-19 results, the program is successful. We anticipate expansion into antibody testing and notification as the pandemic progresses.
| S-EPMC7884666 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundCOVID-19 vaccinations are now recommended in the United States (U.S.) for children ≥ 6 months old. However, pediatric vaccination rates remain low, particularly in the Hispanic/Latinx population.ObjectiveUsing the 4C vaccine hesitancy framework (calculation, complacency, confidence, convenience), we examined parental attitudes in the emergency department (ED) towards COVID-19 vaccination, identified dimensions of parental vaccine hesitancy, and assessed parental willingness to have their child receive the COVID-19 vaccine.MethodsAs part of a larger multi-methods study examining influenza vaccine hesitancy, we conducted interviews that included questions about COVID-19 vaccine authorization for children. We used directed content analysis to extract qualitative themes from 3 groups of parents in the ED: Hispanic/Latinx Spanish speaking (HS), Hispanic/Latinx English speaking (HE), non-Hispanic/non-Latinx White English speaking (WE). Themes were triangulated with the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey, where higher scores indicate increased vaccine hesitancy.ResultsFactors influencing vaccine hesitancy were mapped to the 4C framework from 58 sets of interviews and PACVs. HE and HS parents, compared to WE parents, had less knowledge about COVID-19 and its vaccine, and more beliefs in COVID-19 vaccine myths. However, both HS and HE parent groups were more inclined to endorse COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness as a reason to have their children vaccinated. HS parents felt that COVID-19 increased their fear of illnesses in general and were worried about confusing COVID-19 with other infections. Median PACV scores of HS (Mdn = 20) and HE (Mdn = 20) parent groups were higher than of WE parents (Mdn = 10), but parental willingness to have their child receive COVID-19 vaccination was similar across groups.ConclusionsHigher COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among HS and HE parents compared to WE parents may be attributed to insufficient knowledge about COVID-19, its vaccine, along with COVID-19 vaccine myths. Efforts to provide targeted vaccine education to different populations is warranted.
| S-EPMC9597585 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The restrictive measures required to face the recent outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may impact patterns of healthcare utilization. Our aim was to provide an insight into the change in the use of a pediatric emergency department (ED) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The medical records of the children seen in our pediatric ED during March and April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Consequently, these were compared to the medical records of 2018 and 2019 from the same time period and from other control periods (January-February 2019 and 2020, and July-August 2018 and 2019). The total number of ED visits declined by 73% from 2019 to 2020 (3051 vs 818). Significant variations were observed in the distribution of children between triage categories: the proportion of patients who was given a green-code showed a 0.59-fold decrease in comparison to 2019 (95% CI 0.5-0.69), while a relative increase in the proportion of yellow codes was observed (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.2-1.78).Conclusion: Quarantine measures significantly impacted on the total number of patients and on the reasons for visiting them in our pediatric ED. This substantial decrease in pediatric care may either be due to lower rates of acute infections because of social distancing, or to parents' or caregivers' reticence to risk exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in a health-care setting. What is known: • A recent outbreak of a novel coronavirus responsible for a severe acute respiratory syndrome is spreading globally. • Restrictive measures may impact patterns of healthcare utilization, as observed in other previous outbreaks. What is new: • This study shows significant variations in the distribution of children among triage categories during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Discharge diagnosis was significantly different as well, in particular a relative increase in the proportion of children presenting with traumatic injuries and a decrease of viral infections were observed.
| S-EPMC7787709 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period, the use of emergency services with pediatric non-COVID patients has decreased considerably. We aimed to examine whether there was a change in the demographic data, triage profile, causes, management, and cost of pediatric emergency department (PED) visits of non-COVID patients during the pandemic period.MethodsThis study was a retrospective, single-center, observational comparative study that was conducted at the PED. Patient records were examined during "the pandemic spring" and the same period of the previous year. Patient demographics, waiting time, and outcome of the PED visit were analyzed in the entire population of children admitted to the PED during the study period, whereas more precise data such as the reason for PED use, duration of symptoms, urgency levels according to the Emergency Severity Index (ESI), final diagnosis, management, and cost of patient care were analyzed in a sample of admitted patients. We used the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test for statistical analyses.ResultsA total of 62,593 PED visits occurred. During the pandemic period, PED visits showed a decrease of 55.8% compared to the previous year. Patients included in the sampling study group were selected using a systematic random sampling method. The median waiting time during the pandemic period was significantly shorter than the previous year (median 14 min [IQR: 5-32] vs. median 5 min [IQR: 2-16]; p<0.001). The median duration of symptoms was 1 day (1-2) in both groups. Emergency Severity Index (ESI) levels I, II, and III showed a significant increase (27.7% vs. 37.3%) in triage scoring compared to levels IV and V (72.3% vs. 62.7%) during the pandemic period (p<0.001). The median cost per patient during the pandemic period was statistically higher compared to the previous year ($19.57 [19.57-40.50] vs. $25.34 [31.50-52.01]; p<0.001). Overall costs during the pandemic period had a 1.6-fold decline.ConclusionWe highlighted the changes in an ordinary PED profile during an extraordinary period. A shift in ESI levels in a more emergent direction was observed. While the number of nonurgent patients, especially those with infections, decreased, the rates of surgical cases, acute neurological and heart diseases, home accidents, and poisoning increased relative to the pre-pandemic period.
| S-EPMC8492613 | biostudies-literature
Project description:AbstractDuring the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic there was a substantial decrease in pediatric emergency department (PED) visitation. The intent of this study is to report PED utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban pediatric referral center located close to the epicenter in the northeastern US.A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients visiting the PED at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) was performed. Data included: daily census, admission rate, Emergency Severity Index, and ICD-10 diagnosis codes for the period of February through July, 2018 to 2020.By the week of March 26th, visits had decreased by 70% compared to the average of the previous 2 years. This census nadir lasted for 6 weeks. At 5 weeks postnadir the average daily census recovered to levels 40% lower than prior year norms and remained at that level during subsequent months. The greatest decreases were seen in low-acuity visits. Visits for behavioral health and fractures decreased by approximately 50% and 70%, respectively, but recovered to prior year norms by June and July of 2020. Visits for asthma exacerbation decreased by as much as 87% and remained at record lows for the remainder of the study period.A substantial and persistent decrease in PED visitation was experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas visits for behavioral health and fractures have recovered to prior year norms, visits for asthma exacerbation remain at record lows. Further research is needed to ascertain the causes of these changes, including patient perceptions of the PED.
| S-EPMC8270607 | biostudies-literature
Project description: Not available
| S-EPMC7483361 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveNew York City (NYC) is home to the largest public healthcare system in the United States and was an early epicenter of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. This system serves as the safety net for underserved and marginalized communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Prior studies reported substantial declines in pediatric emergency department (ED) volume during the initial pandemic surge, but few describe the ongoing impact of COVID-19 throughout the year. We evaluated the characteristics of pediatric ED visits to NYC public hospitals during the pandemic lockdown and reopening periods of 2020 compared to the prior year.MethodsRetrospective cross-sectional analysis of pediatric ED visits from 11 NYC public hospitals from January 2019-December 2020. Visit demographics, throughput times, and diagnosis information during the early (3/7/20-6/7/20) and late (6/8/20-12/31/20) pandemic periods coinciding with the New York State of emergency declaration (3/7/20) and the first reopening date (6/7/20) were compared to similar time periods in 2019. Findings were correlated with key pandemic shutdown and reopening events.ResultsThere was a 47% decrease in ED volume in 2020 compared to 2019 (125,649 versus 238,024 visits). After reopening orders began in June 2020, volumes increased but peaked at <60% of 2019 volumes. Admission rates, triage acuity, and risk of presenting with a serious medical illness were significantly higher in 2020 versus 2019 (P < 0.001). Time-to-provider times decreased however provider-to-disposition times increased during the pandemic (P < 0.001). Infectious and asthma diagnoses declined >70% during the pandemic in contrast to the year prior. After reopening periods began, penetrating traumatic injuries significantly increased compared to 2019 [+34%, Relative Risk: 3.2 (2.6, 3.8)].ConclusionsNYC public hospitals experienced a sharp decrease in pediatric volume but an increase in patient acuity during both the initial pandemic surge and through the reopening periods. As COVID-19 variants emerge, the threat of the current pandemic expanding remains. Understanding its influence on pediatric ED utilization can optimize resource allocation and ensure equitable care for future surge events.
| S-EPMC8966116 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundIntroduction of the mRNA vaccination for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with an increase in cases of peri/myocarditis. In our retrospective cross-sectional study, we aim to (I) describe paediatric chest pain attendance, and (II) study resource utilisation in the Emergency Department (ED) of KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), stratified by pre-pandemic, during the pandemic pre- and post-COVID vaccination introduction in adolescents.MethodsWe reviewed records of adolescents aged 12 to 18 years old who presented to our ED with the triage complaint of chest pain between 1 January 2019 to 31 January 2022, and determined the attendance rates, aetiologies and resource utilisation during the above time periods.ResultsThere were 2,418 ED attendances for chest pain in our study population. Among 887 inpatient admissions for chest pain, 1.8% were attributed to a cardiac cause. Comparing the pre-pandemic period to the period after the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination was introduced, ED chest pain rates increased from a median of 0.5% of ED attendances [interquartile range (IQR), 0.3-0.5%] to 0.9% (IQR, 0.7-2.0%) (P<0.001), while admission rates increased from a median of 26.2% of ED attendances (IQR, 24.1-29.1%) to 40.9% (IQR, 37.6-56.6%) (P<0.001). Cardiac enzyme orders among ED visits for chest pain increased from a pre-pandemic median of 0% (IQR, 0.0-2.6%) to a post-vaccination median of 26.1% (IQR, 17.2-56.2%) (P<0.001) and were due to concerns for vaccine-related myocarditis. Seven cases of probable vaccine-related myocarditis presented with chest pain to our ED.ConclusionsPaediatric chest pain is largely non-cardiac in origin. ED chest pain attendance rates and resource utilisation increased after the introduction of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents.
| S-EPMC10730957 | biostudies-literature