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

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic significantly impacted healthcare systems globally.
• Public health interventions, such as state-wide stay-at-home orders, were implemented to control viral spread.
• Understanding the effects of these measures on pediatric emergency care is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze changes in pediatric emergency department (ED) utilization during the initial phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
• To compare ED visit volume, acuity, and chief complaints before and after a state-wide stay-at-home order.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive time-series study design was employed.
• Data were collected on pediatric emergency healthcare use for 3 years prior to 2020 (2017-2019) and for the year 2020.
• Analysis focused on changes in visit volume, patient acuity, and the frequency of chief complaints.

Main Results:

• A notable decrease in the overall volume of pediatric emergency visits was observed in 2020 compared to the preceding three years.
• There was a significant increase in the acuity of pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department.
• While most chief complaints remained consistent, ingestions emerged as a significantly more common reason for emergency visits in 2020.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders led to reduced pediatric emergency visit volumes but higher acuity.
• Ingestions represent a critical shift in pediatric emergency care needs during the pandemic.
• These findings highlight the need for targeted public health messaging and resource allocation for pediatric emergency services during public health crises.