Trends in Pediatric Emergency Department Utilization after Institution of Coronavirus Disease-19 Mandatory Social Distancing

J Pediatr. 2020 Nov:226:274-277.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.07.048. Epub 2020 Jul 20.

Abstract

We conducted a descriptive time-series study of pediatric emergency healthcare use during the onset of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic after a state-wide stay-at-home order. Our study demonstrated decreased volume, increased acuity, and generally consistent chief complaints compared with the prior 3 years (2017 through 2019). Ingestions became a significantly more common chief complaint in 2020.

Keywords: COVID-19; emergency healthcare use; ingestions; pediatrics.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / trends*
  • Facilities and Services Utilization / trends*
  • Female
  • Hospitals, Pediatric / trends*
  • Hospitals, Urban / trends
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Interrupted Time Series Analysis
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Physical Distancing*
  • Protective Factors
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tertiary Care Centers / trends
  • Trauma Severity Indices
  • Wounds and Injuries / diagnosis
  • Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / etiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy
  • Young Adult