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Review of pediatric emergency care and the COVID-19 pandemic

Ashley A Foster1, Theresa A Walls2, Kiyetta H Alade3

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California USA.

Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open
|December 4, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted pediatric emergency care, leading to workforce challenges and the emergence of critical conditions like multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. This review examines these impacts and offers strategies for future emergency preparedness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health Crises

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally.
  • Children faced unique impacts, including altered care delivery and social consequences.
  • Initial pandemic phases saw shifts in pediatric emergency department (ED) volumes and workforce redeployment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted impact of COVID-19 on pediatric emergency care.
  • To identify factors influencing the emergency care of children during the pandemic.
  • To explore innovations in pediatric emergency medicine and preparedness for future health crises.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing data on COVID-19's impact on pediatric emergency care.
  • Analysis of workforce challenges, including personal protective equipment shortages and redeployment.
  • Examination of pediatric-specific complications, such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

Main Results:

  • COVID-19 led to decreased pediatric ED visits initially, followed by a surge in critically ill children due to MIS-C.
  • Workforce redeployment and shortages significantly affected pediatric care delivery.
  • Availability of pediatric-specific vaccines and therapeutics emerged as a critical factor.

Conclusions:

  • The pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in the pediatric emergency care continuum.
  • Innovations in workforce strategies and emergency preparedness are crucial for future health crises.
  • Addressing the unique needs of children in public health emergencies requires dedicated planning and resources.

Keywords:
COVID‐19pandemic emergency preparednesspediatric emergency medicinepediatrics

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