Trends in rates and inequalities in paediatric admissions for Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions in Victoria, Australia (2003 to 2013).

ABSTRACT

AIM: To examine 10-year trends and inequalities in paediatric admission rates for acute and chronic Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions (ACSCs) in Victoria, Australia. METHODS: Secondary data analysis of the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset of children aged 0-17 years and 11 months admitted with a principal diagnosis of acute ACSCs gastroenteritis/dehydration, dental conditions and urinary tract infections (UTIs) or chronic ACSCs asthma and diabetic ketoacidosis, from 2003 to 2013. Main outcome measure was trends in paediatric hospital admission rates for ACSCs (per 1000 population). RESULTS: Over the 10 years, hospital admission rates remained consistently high for asthma and dental conditions. Children from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas were more likely to be admitted for all acute conditions over time. Dental conditions were the only ACSC associated with increased rates of admissions in regional areas. CONCLUSIONS: Inequalities in paediatric hospital admissions exist for acute conditions and have not changed from 2003 to 2013; disadvantaged Victorian children were more likely to be admitted to hospital at each time point. More equitable access to medical and dental care is needed. Primary care (medical and dental) should be a critical platform to address socio-economic differences and effectively prevent avoidable hospital admissions in children.