Influence of Geographic Access on Surgical Center Readmissions After Index Congenital Heart Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of geographic access to surgical center on readmission risk and burden in children after congenital heart surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Children <6 years old at discharge after congenital heart surgery (Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 score 2-6) were identified using Pediatric Health Information System data (46 hospitals, 2004-2015). Residential distance from the surgery center, calculated using ZIP code centroids, was categorized as <15, 15-29, 30-59, 60-119, and ≥120 miles. Rurality was defined using rural-urban commuting area codes. Geographic risk factors for unplanned readmissions to the surgical center and associated burden (total hospital length of stay [LOS], costs, and complications) were analyzed using multivariable regression. RESULTS: Among 59 696 eligible children, 19 355 (32%) had ≥1 unplanned readmission. The median LOS was 9 days (IQR 22) across the entire cohort. In those readmitted, median total costs were $31 559 (IQR $90 176). Distance from the center was inversely related but rurality was positively related to readmission risk. Among those readmitted, increased distance was associated with longer LOS, more complications, and greater costs. Compared with urban patients, highly rural patients were more likely to have an unplanned readmission but had fewer average readmission days. CONCLUSIONS: Geographic measures of access differentially affect readmission to the surgery center. Increased distance from the center was associated with fewer unplanned readmissions but more complications. Among those readmitted, the most isolated patients had the greatest readmission costs. Understanding the contribution of geographic access will aid in developing strategies to improve care delivery to this population.

Assessment of need for lower level acuity critical care services at a tertiary acute care hospital in Canada: A prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Critical care beds are commonly described in three levels (highest level 3, lowest level 1). We aimed to describe the actual level of care for patients assigned to level 2 in a tertiary hospital with inadequate level 1 bed capacity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study with daily assessment of level of care. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who could be triaged to level 1 for the entirety of their ICU stay. Secondary outcomes included the percentage of patients who could receive level 1 care on any given day. RESULTS: 289 patients originally classified as level 2 were assessed for the primary, and 335 for the secondary outcomes. 14.9% could be level 1 for their entire ICU stay. 20.6%, once appropriate for level 1, remained in that level for the rest of their ICU stay. 23.6% of the assessments were suitable for level 1 on any given day. CONCLUSION: In a single centre, 14.9% of level 2 patients could have been cared for in a lower acuity bed for the entirety of their ICU stay. We believe this methodology is reproducible and can help resource allocation with regard to the high demand for critical care beds.

Perfil de la demanda espontánea de niños de hasta 30 días de vida en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad / Profile of spontaneous demand for services among infants younger than 30 days old at a children's tertiary care hospital

En los últimos años, la aceptación de recién nacidos (RN) críticos al Área de T erapia Intensiva Neonatal del Hospital Garrahan (HG) se ha limitado, debido al ingreso de menores de 30 días a través de la demanda espontánea. Esta situación posiblemente multifactorial tiene, entre sus causas, la falta de regionalización, que determina el uso inadecuado de los recursos o distorsiona el uso de recursos pensados para la mayor complejidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el perfil de los RN que concurren espontáneamente para su atención al HG y evaluar el nivel de complejidad requerido según su patología. Material y métodos. Estudio de corte transversal. Se evaluaron todos los niños ≤ 30 días que consultaron al HG en un período de 12 meses. De cada RN, se analizaron las características clínicas, las consultas previas, la motivación de los padres a consultar al HG y se evaluó sí podrían haber sido asistidos en instituciones de menor complejidad. Resultados. Se analizaron 307 consultas, edad X 18 días ± 7,6. Requirió hospitalización el 78%. El motivo de internación más frecuente fue la infección respiratoria aguda. El 35% tenía cobertura social; 54% consultó en más de una oportunidad a otro centro. Solo 15% de los neonatos presentaban una patología de alta complejidad pasible de ser resuelta en el HG. Conclusión. El análisis del perfil de RN que concurre por demanda espontánea al HG mostró una alta necesidad de internación de patología de mediana y baja complejidad.

In recent years, admission of critical newborn infants (NBIs) to the neonatal intensive care unit of Hospital Garrahan (HG) has been limited due to the hospitalization of infants younger than 30 days old through spontaneous demand for services. This is probably a multifactorial situation, and one of its causes is a lack of regionalization, which results in an inadequate use of resources or a distorted use of resources intended for more complex care. The objective of this study was to establish the profile of NBIs who make a spontaneous demand for services at HG and to assess the level of care required based on their medical condition. Material and methods. Cross-sectional study. All infants ≤ 30 days old who sought care at HG in a period of 12 months were assessed. The analysis included clinical characteristics of NBIs, prior visits, parental reason for consultation at HG, and whether NBIs could have been seen at a primary or secondary care facility. Results. A total of 307 consultations were analyzed; NBI age was 18 days ± 7.6. Of these, 78% required hospitalization. The most common reason for hospitalization was acute respiratory tract infection. Thirty-five percent had health insurance coverage; 54% had sought care more than once at a different facility. Only 15% of NBIs had a highly complex condition that should have actually been solved at HG. Conclusion. Based on the analysis of NBIs seen at HG through spontaneous demand for services, a high requirement of hospitalization for low and medium complexity pathologies was observed.

Profile of spontaneous demand for services among infants younger than 30 days old at a children's tertiary care hospital. / Perfil de la demanda espontánea de niños de hasta 30 días de vida en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, admission of critical newborn infants (NBIs) to the neonatal intensive care unit of Hospital Garrahan (HG) has been limited due to the hospitalization of infants younger than 30 days old through spontaneous demand for services. This is probably a multifactorial situation, and one of its causes is a lack of regionalization, which results in an inadequate use of resources or a distorted use of resources intended for more complex care. OBJECTIVE: To establish the profile of NBIs who make a spontaneous demand for services at HG and to assess the level of care required based on their medical condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. All infants < 30 days old who sought care at HG in a period of 12 months were assessed. The analysis included clinical characteristics of NBIs, prior visits, parental reason for consultation at HG, and whether NBIs could have been seen at a primary or secondary care facility. RESULTS: A total of 307 consultations were analyzed; NBI age was 18 days ± 7.6. Of these, 78% required hospitalization. The most common reason for hospitalization was acute respiratory tract infection. Thirty-five percent had health insurance coverage; 54% had sought care more than once at a different facility. Only 15% of NBIs had a highly complex condition that should have actually been solved at HG. CONCLUSION: Based on the analysis of NBIs seen at HG through spontaneous demand for services, a high requirement of hospitalization for low and medium complexity pathologies was observed.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En los últimos años, la aceptación de recién nacidos (RN) críticos al Área de T erapia Intensiva Neonatal del Hospital Garrahan (HG) se ha limitado, debido al ingreso de menores de 30 días a través de la demanda espontánea. Esta situación posiblemente multifactorial tiene, entre sus causas, la falta de regionalización, que determina el uso inadecuado de los recursos o distorsiona el uso de recursos pensados para la mayor complejidad. OBJETIVO: Determinar el perfil de los RN que concurren espontáneamente para su atención al HG y evaluar el nivel de complejidad requerido según su patología. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de corte transversal. Se evaluaron todos los niños < 30 días que consultaron al HG en un período de 12 meses. De cada RN, se analizaron las características clínicas, las consultas previas, la motivación de los padres a consultar al HG y se evaluó sí podrían haber sido asistidos en instituciones de menor complejidad. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 307 consultas, edad X 18 días ± 7,6. Requirió hospitalización el 78%. El motivo de internación más frecuente fue la infección respiratoria aguda. El 35% tenía cobertura social; 54% consultó en más de una oportunidad a otro centro. Solo 15% de los neonatos presentaban una patología de alta complejidad pasible de ser resuelta en el HG. CONCLUSIÓN: El análisis del perfil de RN que concurre por demanda espontánea al HG mostró una alta necesidad de internación de patología de mediana y baja complejidad.

Accessibility of tertiary hospitals in Finland: A comparison of administrative and normative catchment areas.

The determination of an appropriate catchment area for a hospital providing highly specialized (i.e. tertiary) health care is typically a trade-off between ensuring adequate client volumes and maintaining reasonable accessibility for all potential clients. This may pose considerable challenges, especially in sparsely inhabited regions. In Finland, tertiary health care is concentrated in five university hospitals, which provide services in their dedicated catchment areas. This study utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS), together with grid-based population data and travel-time estimates, to assess the spatial accessibility of these hospitals. The current geographical configuration of the hospitals is compared to a normative assignment, with and without capacity constraints. The aim is to define optimal catchment areas for tertiary hospitals so that their spatial accessibility is as equal as possible. The results indicate that relatively modest improvements can be achieved in accessibility by using normative assignment to determine catchment areas.

ERCP in potentially resectable malignant biliary obstruction is frequently unsuccessful when performed outside of a comprehensive pancreaticobiliary center.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: ERCP prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy is unnecessary in select patients. When performed, it should be in conjunction with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to increase diagnostic sensitivity and allow for metal stent placement. The aim of this study was to determine differences in endoscopic practice patterns at community medical centers (CMC) and a comprehensive pancreaticobiliary referral center (PBRC). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of all patients seen at a PBRC for endoscopic and/or surgical management of potentially resectable malignant distal biliary obstruction from 1/2011 to 6/2014. RESULTS: Of 75 patients, 30 underwent endoscopic management at a CMC and 45 were initially managed at our PBRC. ERCP was attempted in 92% of patients. EUS was performed more frequently (100% vs. 13.3 %, P < 0.0001), ERCP was more successful (93% vs. 69%, P = 0.02), and metal stent placement more likely (41% vs. 5%, P = 0.005) at our PBRC compared to a CMC. The majority (81%) of patients undergoing initial endoscopy at a CMC required repeat endoscopy at our PBRC. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who are candidates for pancreaticoduodenectomy frequently undergo ERCP. At a CMC, ERCP is often unsuccessful, is rarely accompanied by EUS, and often requires repeat endoscopy. Our findings support regionalizing the management of suspected pancreatic malignancy into dedicated specialty centers. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:647-651. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemotherapy drug shortages in paediatric oncology: A 14-year single-centre experience in Belgium.

Shortages of chemotherapy are a growing challenge for the healthcare system. We present the burden of drug shortages of chemotherapeutics in the paediatric hemato-oncology unit of a tertiary care hospital and solutions that were used to manage them. Between January 2001 and December 2014, 54 individual shortages were detected, affecting a total number of 21 different drugs. In total, 4127 shortage days were registered with a mean duration of 196.5 SD ± 144.0 days per individual drug shortage. Methotrexate, doxorubicin and carboplatin had the longest supply disruptions. Solutions to address the problems were purchase of a generic alternative, a change of individual treatment plans, cohorting of patients and import from abroad.

An analysis of multidisciplinary staffing levels and clinical activity in Australian tertiary persistent pain services.

OBJECTIVE: To document staffing (medical, nursing, allied health [AH], administrative) in Australian multidisciplinary persistent pain services and relate them to clinical activity levels. METHODS: Of the 68 adult outpatient persistent pain services approached (Dec'08-Jan'10), 45 agreed to participate, received over 100 referrals/year, and met the contemporaneous International Association for the Study of Pain criteria for Level 1 or 2 multidisciplinary services. Structured interviews with Clinical Directors collected quantitative data regarding staff resources (disciplines, amount), services provided, funding models, and activity levels. RESULTS: Compared with Level 2 clinics, Level 1 centers reported higher annual demand (referrals), clinical activity (patient numbers) and absolute numbers of medical, nursing and administrative staff, but comparable numbers of AH staff. When staffing was assessed against activity levels, medical and nursing resources were consistent across services, but Level 1 clinics had relatively fewer AH and administrative staff. Metropolitan and rural services reported comparable activity levels and discipline-specific staff ratios (except occupational therapy). The mean annual AH staffing for pain management group programs was 0.03 full-time equivalent staff per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Reasonable consistency was demonstrated in the range and mix of most disciplines employed, suggesting they represented workable clinical structures. The greater number of medical and nursing staff within Level 1 clinics may indicate a lower multidisciplinary focus, but this needs further exploration. As the first multidisciplinary staffing data for persistent pain clinics, this provides critical information for designing and implementing clinical services. Mapping against clinical outcomes to demonstrate the impact of staffing patterns on safe and efficacious treatment delivery is required.

Influence of parental occupation on access to specialised treatment for paediatric chronic pain: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine patients' travel distances to a tertiary paediatric pain clinic and to analyse the association between travel distance and the parents' occupational skill level and the patients' pain characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective study consisted of 2,248 children assessed at the first evaluation. All children (0-20 years) who visited the clinic during a 5-year period (2005-2010) were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: The mean travel distance was 81 km, and the 80 % catchment area was 109 km. Children of parents with a high occupational skill level had a 1.5-fold higher probability of travelling from outside the catchment area. The 80 % catchment area increased constantly with increasing occupational skill level. Additional significant factors for greater distance travelled were high impairment, musculoskeletal pain, long pain duration and a high number of previous physician contacts. CONCLUSION: The association between travel distance and parental occupational skill level suggests that there is social injustice due to access barriers based on socioeconomic deprivation and education. An increase in the number of health care facilities for chronic pain in children would be a first step in rectifying this injustice.