Safety Events in Children's Hospitals During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-2021
Identifier
DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2020-004937
Abstract
Background and objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted hospitals, potentially affecting quality and safety. Our objective was to compare pediatric hospitalization safety events during the pandemic versus previous years.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study of hospitalizations in the Pediatric Health Information System, we compared Pediatric Quality Indicator (PDI) rates from March 15 to May 31, 2017-2019 (pre-COVID-19), with those from March 15 to May 31, 2020 (during COVID-19). Generalized linear mixed-effects models with adjustment for patient characteristics (eg, diagnosis, clinical severity) were used.
Results: There were 399 113 discharges pre-COVID-19 and 88 140 during COVID-19. Unadjusted PDI rates were higher during versus pre-COVID-19 for overall PDIs (6.39 vs 5.05; P < .001). In adjusted analyses, odds of postoperative sepsis were higher during COVID-19 versus pre-COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio 1.28 [95% confidence interval 1.04-1.56]). The remainder of the PDIs did not have increased adjusted odds during compared with pre-COVID-19.
Conclusions: Postoperative sepsis rates increased among children hospitalized during COVID-19. Efforts are needed to improve safety of postoperative care for hospitalized children.
Journal Title
Hosp Pediatr
Volume
11
Issue
5
Recommended Citation
Masonbrink AR, Harris M, Hall M, et al. Safety Events in Children's Hospitals During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Hosp Pediatr. 2021;11(6):e95-e100. doi:10.1542/hpeds.2020-004937
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