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A profile of pediatric practice in the United States
Insights
This 1977 study analyzed US pediatric practice, finding child health supervision and respiratory illnesses dominated visits. These insights aid in planning pediatric residency training and national pediatrician distribution.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Health Services Research
- Medical Practice Analysis
Background:
- Understanding the landscape of pediatric practice is crucial for effective healthcare planning.
- Historical data provides valuable context for current and future healthcare needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To profile pediatric practice in the United States based on 1977 data.
- To analyze pediatrician demographics, practice arrangements, and patient visit patterns.
- To identify the primary reasons for pediatric visits.
Main Methods:
- Second-order analysis of data from 429 practicing pediatricians in the US.
- Evaluation of pediatrician characteristics: age, sex, board certification, practice setting, and location.
- Tabulation of visit reasons and patient demographics (age, sex) for 21,784 visits.
Main Results:
- Child health supervision and respiratory tract diseases constituted 84.5% of principal diagnoses.
- Analysis covered pediatrician demographics and practice patterns.
- Visit data was stratified by patient age and sex.
Conclusions:
- The findings offer insights into the primary drivers of pediatric healthcare utilization.
- Data can inform the development of pediatric primary care residency curricula.
- The study supports national planning for the number and distribution of pediatricians.
Abstract:
We profiled pediatric practice in the United States through a second-order analysis of data gathered in 1977 from 429 practicing pediatricians. Age, sex, board certification status, practice arrangement, and practice location of pediatricians in the United States were evaluated, as well as their patterns of practice. The number of and reasons for visits made to pediatricians by patient age and sex were tabulated. Child health supervision and diseases of the upper and lower parts of the respiratory tract accounted for 84.5% of the principal diagnoses made in 21,784 visits to the sample of pediatricians studied. These data may be useful in planning pediatric primary care residency training program curricula and in making planning decisions regarding the number and distribution of pediatricians nationally.