Pediatric Respiratory Support Technology and Practices: A Global Survey.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
• Respiratory Support Technologies
• Global Health Equity

Background:

• Pediatric acute respiratory illness requires advanced respiratory support.
• Economic disparities may influence access to and quality of critical care resources globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare pediatric respiratory support capabilities in high-income countries (HIC) versus low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).
• To identify global variations in equipment availability and staffing for pediatric respiratory failure management.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous online survey distributed globally to pediatric critical care providers.
• Data collected on respiratory support methods, equipment availability, and staffing ratios over three months.

Main Results:

• 295 participants from 64 countries responded, with most in urban tertiary care centers.
• Mechanical ventilation and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) are widely used in both HIC and LMIC.
• Low- and middle-income countries reported higher patient-to-provider ratios and less frequent patient monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Urban pediatric intensive care units globally show similar respiratory support systems, but quality and functionality remain unassessed.
• Increased patient-to-staff ratios and reduced monitoring frequency in LMIC necessitate a focus on patient safety with new interventions.