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[Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics in Portugal: Hospital Patient Volume, Resources and Needs - Changes After Ten Years]
Guiomar Oliveira1, Inês Nunes Vicente2, Micaela Guardiano3
1Serviço do Centro de Desenvolvimento da Criança. Centro de Investigação e Formação Clínica. Hospital Pediátrico. Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra. Coimbra; Clínica Universitária de Pediatria. Faculdade de Medicina. Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra. Portugal.
Insights
Patient volume in Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics nearly tripled in a decade, yet professional growth lagged. Despite this, waiting lists for initial consultations were nearly halved, showing dedicated professional efforts.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders are prevalent chronic pediatric conditions, often persisting into adulthood.
- Effective national healthcare requires understanding care needs for these conditions.
- A national survey was conducted in 2007 and repeated in 2017 to assess the state of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current hospital care reality in Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics.
- To assess patient volume, human resource allocation, and needs for professional reinforcement.
- To compare care provision between 2007 and 2017.
Main Methods:
- A national survey of 45 hospital units was conducted in the 2016-2017 biennium.
- Data collected included patient volume, human resources, and needs for professional reinforcement.
- A 100% response rate was achieved.
Main Results:
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics consultations increased from 38,238 (2007) to 99,815 (2017).
- The number of pediatricians in the field rose from 82 to 156.
- The median number of children awaiting their first consultation decreased from 185 (2007) to 101 (2017).
Conclusions:
- Patient volume nearly tripled over ten years, while professional increases were less proportional.
- Despite resource challenges, the number of children on waiting lists for initial appointments was significantly reduced.
- Continued multidisciplinary human resource reinforcement is crucial for ongoing improvement in Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics care.
Introduction:
Neurodevelopmental disorders are, in modern societies, the most common chronic pediatric conditions. Many remain in adulthood. Organizing the national health care network to respond efficiently and effectively requires grounded knowledge of care needs. The Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics Society of the Portuguese Society of Pediatrics in order to know the current hospital care reality of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics, carried out a national survey in 2007, repeating it ten years later. Material e Methods: In the 2016-2017 biennium, a survey of 45 hospital units was conducted on the patient volume of Neurodevelopmental clinics, the allocation of human resources, and the needs for professional reinforcement.
Results:
We obtained a 100% response rate. The total number of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics consultations rose from 38 238 (2007) to 99 815 (2017). The number of professionals has also increased: pediatricians increased from 82 to 156. A median of 101 children were awaiting first consultation, compared with 185 in 2007.
Discussion:
In a decade, the patient volume almost tripled. The reinforcement of professionals, even though it was beneficial, did not increase accordingly; even so, the number of children on the waiting list for their first appointment has almost halved, reflecting the commitment of professionals.
Conclusion:
It is noteworthy that the overall improvement of the national response in the area of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics is remarkable. However, the requested reinforcement of human resources from a multidisciplinary perspective should not be neglected in view of the continuous improvement in care delivery in an area of great chronicity and complexity.
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