Changes in hospitalization populations by level of complexity at children's hospitals

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare utilization
• Healthcare management
• Chronic disease epidemiology

Background:

• Understanding trends in pediatric hospitalizations is vital for healthcare systems to adapt services.
• Children with medical complexity (CMC) represent a growing and resource-intensive patient group.
• Previous research has highlighted the increasing burden of chronic conditions in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze changes in hospitalizations for children with medical complexity (CMC) versus non-CMC over time.
• To project future hospitalization trends for pediatric patients with varying levels of complexity.
• To inform resource allocation and strategic planning in children's hospitals.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of pediatric hospitalization data from 2012-2022.
• Categorization of patients based on the number of complex chronic conditions (CCC).
• Examination of trends in discharges, hospital days, and associated costs.

Main Results:

• Children with 3 or more complex chronic conditions (CCC) constituted 7% of discharges but over 25% of hospital days and 33% of costs.
• A positive association was observed between the number of CCCs and increased discharges, hospital days, and costs.
• Growth in hospitalizations was significantly linked to the severity and number of chronic conditions.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric hospitalizations are increasingly driven by children with multiple complex chronic conditions.
• Hospitals must prepare for a future with a higher proportion of complex pediatric patients.
• Data-driven insights into hospitalization trends are essential for optimizing pediatric healthcare resource management and training.