Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2025
A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
Pediatric critical care capacity in Canada
Saptharishi Lalgudi Ganesan1,2,3, Daniel Garros4,5, Jennifer Foster6,7
1Department of Paediatrics & Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London.
Insights
Canadian pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) have limited capacity to handle surges in demand, despite having 275 funded beds. While comparable to other countries, the ability to manage pandemic-level pediatric critical illness may be insufficient.
Area of Science:
- Health Systems Research
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) capacity is a critical health system challenge, especially during pandemics and winter surges.
- There is a significant lack of data on PICU capacity across Canada.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the bed capacity of Canadian PICUs.
- To assess the ability of Canadian PICUs to accommodate surges in demand.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to all 19 Canadian PICUs.
- Data collected included funded/physical beds, unit characteristics, staffing, therapies, and surge management challenges.
- Quantitative data were summarized using counts and proportions; qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.
Main Results:
- All 19 Canadian PICUs responded, reporting 275 funded beds (217 level 3, 58 level 2) and 298 physical spaces.
- Canadian PICUs can add an average of 5.9 beds per unit during surges, totaling 108 temporary beds.
- Barriers to implementing surge plans were identified, indicating potential limitations in responding to increased demand.
Conclusions:
- Canadian PICU capacity is comparable to international benchmarks.
- The existing capacity may be insufficient to manage significant pediatric critical illness during a pandemic or epidemic.
- Further strategies are needed to enhance surge capacity and address identified barriers.
Objectives:
Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) capacity is a current and future health system challenge. Despite experiencing two pandemics in as many decades and surges every winter, we have little to no information on PICU capacity in Canada. Our objective was to characterize the bed capacity of Canadian PICUs and their ability to accommodate surges in demand.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional survey to gather information from Canadian PICUs regarding funded/physical beds, unit characteristics, medical staffing, therapies provided, and challenges related to surge management. The survey was completed by a representative from each PICU and validated by PICU Directors. Quantitative survey results were summarized as counts and proportions, while the free-text response was summarized using inductive content analysis.
Results:
Representatives from all 19 Canadian PICUs located in 17 hospitals completed the survey and reported having 275 (217 level 3 and 58 level 2) funded beds and 298 physical bed spaces. Of these, 47 beds (35 level 3 and 12 level 2) are in two specialized cardiac PICUs. Roughly 13,385, 13,419, 11,430, and 12,315 children were admitted in the years 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. During a surge, PICUs reported being able to add 5.9 ± 3.4 beds per unit totaling up to 108 temporary surge beds. Several barriers for the successful implementation of surge plans were identified.
Conclusions:
Canadian pediatric critical care capacity is comparable to that in many other high-income countries, though our ability to respond to a pandemic/epidemic with significant pediatric critical illness may be limited.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Respiratory Capacities
One key metric is the Inspiratory Capacity (IC), which represents the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled with full effort. IC is calculated by summing the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, typically ranging from 2.4 to 3.6 liters.
The Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) represents the air in the...
01:22Respiratory Volumes and Capacities
01:47Lung Capacity
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...