Pediatric Resource Group (PRG)’s Post

 Access to Pediatric Care Is Rapidly Eroding | MedPage Today https://lnkd.in/ecpkVEHH "Adult and pediatric residency programs also receive vastly different amounts of governmental support. An adult medicine program may receive nearly twice as much per-resident funding from Medicare as a freestanding children's hospital does from Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) -- whose budget, unlike Medicare, is set by annual congressional approval.... Reimbursements play a role too: the pediatric population is proportionally much more dependent on Medicaid, which reimburses inpatient care at a 22% lower rate opens in a new tab or window  than Medicare does (and a much lower rate than private insurers.) Even when procedures and admissions have similar complexity, many state Medicaid/CHIP programs still reimburse pediatric care at lower rates. Many of the best pediatric hospitals in the U.S. still depend upon donors, grants, and philanthropic partnerships in order to keep their doors open. Healthcare in America is expensive and hospitals have an impossible task trying to stay in the black. But with infant mortality, adolescent suicidality, and childhood chronic diseases all on the rise, pediatrics is not the place to cut corners. Yet policymakers keep doing just that. Earlier this spring, Congress approved an $8 billion cut in the yearly budget for Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital payments, a program many children's hospitals depend on to support lower-income families." If you have children or grandchildren, if you teach children or create lifestyle products for children, and you care about the health of children, ask candidates for federal and state office what THEY are going to do to protect pediatric beds in hospitals and pediatrician access in the community. Because adult voters need to care if we want politicians who make budget decisions to care. Thanks, Dr. Kristen Sparagna, for this insightful oped. American Academy of Pediatrics Massachusetts Medical Society

Cincinnati Children's and Parkview Health have signed a letter of intent to expand access to world-class pediatric healthcare in Fort Wayne and the surrounding region. The joint initiative would bring together the operations of Parkview’s current pediatric hospital services, pediatric primary care and pediatric specialty services with Cincinnati Children’s, all to deliver world-class care closer to home for families. The letter of intent also includes a shared aspiration to build a dedicated pediatric hospital on the Parkview Regional Medical Center campus. The feasibility of this project will also require philanthropic support to bring this transformational care to our community.   This would be the latest collaboration between the two health systems, which have worked together successfully for more than a decade to meet their shared vision of improving health and outcomes for kids and their families in the Fort Wayne, Ind., region.   “Both Cincinnati Children’s and Parkview Health are dedicated to serving our communities by ensuring that our patients can access quality care close to home,” said Raymond Dusman, MD, president, Physician and Clinical Enterprise, Parkview Health. “Our two health systems share excitement of the impact that a new pediatric hospital could have for families located not just in Fort Wayne but also throughout northern Indiana and northwest Ohio. As we define a new vision for pediatric specialty care in the region, we’ll continue to leverage our existing partnership to enhance quality, helping patients today.”   “Cincinnati Children’s has a long history of collaborating with other healthcare organizations to share best practices and provide exceptional care for patients,” said Steve Davis, MD, MMM, Cincinnati Children’s President and CEO. “Ensuring the highest quality pediatric services are available at a conveniently accessible pediatric hospital would be transformative for patients and families living in the region.”   As an initial step to increasing access, the two systems have expanded their telehealth collaboration. Patients and families can now consult Cincinnati Children’s experts in pediatric neurosurgery, rheumatology, preventive cardiology and drug-resistant epilepsy.    The health systems, which are about 180 miles apart, initially began working together in 2011 to enhance trauma services in the Fort Wayne region.    Parkview Health is the region’s leading provider of pediatric care, operating a 27-bed pediatric inpatient unit, including seven pediatric intensive care unit beds and employing more than 20 pediatric specialists, who provide care locally in Fort Wayne in partnership with Cincinnati Children’s pediatric subspecialists in Cincinnati.   Ranked No. 1 among the nation’s Best Children’s Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Cincinnati Children’s has more than 760 registered beds across its three hospital campuses and each year sees pediatric patients from all 50 states and dozens of countries.

Study explores pediatric healthcare interruptions amid COVID-19 This study explores the extent to which pediatric health care was interrupted during and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was measured based on three primary outcomes of interest: foregone care, foregone well-child or vaccination-related visits, and complete absence of well-child or vaccination-related visits. Researchers extracted data from a nationwide longitudinal survey known as CovEx (COVID Experiences Survey) that had been administered in two "waves'' to a cohort of parents of children between five and 12 years of age. Wave 1 took place October 8-November 13, 2020, and Wave 2 took place March 24-May 7, 2021, with an 82% retention rate of participants. Data was examined through the lens of four categories: child-level, parent-level, household-level, and county-level. Almost one-third (30.1%) of children in the cohort had not had a well-child or vaccination-related visit in over one year, making up the largest percentage among the three primary outcomes of interest. Among the other two measured gaps, 16.3% of children in the cohort had foregone care and 10.9% had foregone well-child or vaccination-related visits. Non-Hispanic White children were at a much lower risk of experiencing any of the three gaps, with the greatest difference seen in their being less than half as likely to have a foregone well-child or vaccination-related visit in comparison to their non-White counterparts. Children who were in school using a completely virtual platform were 1.43 times as likely to forgo care than kids who were in a part-virtual/part-in-person (i.e., hybrid) format or only in-person. What we know: Health care barriers such as racism and low socioeconomic status continue to disproportionately affect specific populations. The COVID-19 pandemic only compounded these issues, once again affecting the same populations to disproportionate heights and making access to health care even more difficult. What this study adds: This study reiterates how, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatric patients missed routine appointments, with racial disparities increasing this risk. Children in counties with fewer primary care doctors per capita were more likely to miss their well-child or vaccination-related visits. Additionally, children with an existing emotional, mental, or developmental behavioral condition had more than twice the risk of foregone care. Posted by Larry Cole

Pediatric Palliative Care Market Size, Top Key Players And Growth Analysis By Forecast to 2030 The global pediatric palliative care market size was estimated at USD 10.39 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.95% from 2024 to 2030. The increasing prevalence of life-threatening conditions among children is driving the growth of the market. There is a higher demand for specialized, comprehensive services that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs among these young patients. Get Latest Update: https://lnkd.in/dY_wzqvv In addition, increasing awareness regarding these services is expected to drive the market growth. For instance, in October 2023, the International Children's Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) launched a campaign program called 'Hats on for Children's Palliative Care' aimed at raising international awareness of the need for children's pediatric services and the work of Children's Palliative Care (CPC) services globally.Supportive government initiatives Key Pediatric Palliative Care Companies: The following are the leading companies in the pediatric palliative care market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends. Adventist Health Agape Care Group Banksia Palliative Care Service Inc. Baptist Health Boston Children’s Hospital Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

🚀 Announcing Pediatric Doses: The New Standard in Pediatric Medication Management We are thrilled to unveil Pediatric Doses, a groundbreaking app designed to streamline and simplify pediatric healthcare for professionals. With Pediatric Doses, calculate drug doses, equipment sizes, and IV fluid requirements with precision and ease, tailored specifically for children from newborns to older kids. 🔍 Why Pediatric Doses? Calculating drug doses for children involves nuanced processes primarily based on weight to ensure safety and effectiveness. Pediatric Doses provides healthcare professionals with precise, weight-based dosing calculations, vital for effective treatment in pediatric care. 🔑 Key Features: • Simple Input, Instant Results: Enter a child’s weight to get accurate calculations for drug dosages, equipment sizes, and IV fluids. • Designed for Professionals: Easy to integrate into any practice, whether you're a pediatrician, nurse, or other healthcare provider. • User-Friendly Interface: Clean, accessible design, ensuring ease of use without a steep learning curve. • Regular Updates: Committed to continuous improvement with updates reflecting the latest advancements in pediatric care. Pediatric Doses is more than just an app; it’s a vital resource. Designed for ease of use by all healthcare professionals, regardless of technological proficiency, aiming to foster better pediatric care and outcomes through technology. ✅ https://lnkd.in/dxsavFZi

As a pediatric pharmacist, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of medication errors in children. It is with great concern that I bring forth this petition to address a critical issue in pediatric healthcare. Currently, in the United States, drug prescriptions for pediatric patients who are 18 years or younger do not mandate the inclusion of the patient's weight on the prescription. This omission poses a significant risk to children's safety and well-being. Personal Story: I have encountered numerous cases where children have been seriously harmed or even lost their lives due to medication errors. Without accurate weight information, pharmacists are left guessing when it comes to determining appropriate dosages for pediatric patients. This lack of crucial data places our children at serious risk of being overdosed, leading to harmful side effects or even fatalities. On the other hand, underdosing can render medications ineffective and prolong illness unnecessarily. According to a study published by Pediatrics Journal (2018), medication errors occur frequently in pediatrics due to various factors including incomplete prescribing information such as missing patient weights on prescriptions. These errors can result in severe harm or even death among young patients who rely on these medications for their health and well-being. It is imperative that we take immediate action to rectify this issue by mandating all drug prescriptions for pediatric patients who are 18 years or younger to include their weight as an essential component of accurate prescribing practices. By requiring physicians and healthcare providers to include a patient's weight on every prescription written for children, we can ensure that pharmacists have access to vital information necessary for safe dispensing practices. This simple yet crucial step will significantly reduce the risk of medication errors and improve patient outcomes. We call upon the relevant authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory bodies, to implement this mandate as a standard practice across all healthcare facilities in the United States. We also urge medical associations and organizations to support this initiative by promoting awareness among healthcare professionals about the importance of including weight information on pediatric drug prescriptions. Together, let us protect our children from unnecessary harm caused by preventable medication errors. By signing this petition, we demand that all drug prescriptions for pediatric patients who are 18 years or younger include their weight as a mandated requirement. Let's ensure accurate dosing practices for our most vulnerable population and safeguard their health and well-being. Sincerely, Your pediatric pharmacist and mom Jena Quinn, PharmD, BCPPS CEO of Perfecting Peds We are at 14K signatures. Let's continue to circulate this and decrease the chances of medication errors in children.

In a major collaboration, the Pediatric Endocrine Society of Kenya (PESK), the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and the Ministry of Health, Kenya, have joined forces to address the critical issue of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in children and adolescents. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the healthcare landscape of Kenya, aiming to equip healthcare workers with the necessary knowledge and tools for early diagnosis and effective management of T1DM. Co-Creation and Validation of Training Materials: Central to this initiative is the co-creation and validation of training materials tailored specifically for the Kenyan context. Drawing upon the expertise of PESK, CHAI, and the Ministry of Health, these materials are meticulously crafted to provide comprehensive guidance on identifying, diagnosing, and managing T1DM in pediatric patients. By combining clinical insights, best practices, and local insights, these training materials are poised to serve as invaluable resources for healthcare professionals across Kenya. Empowering Healthcare Workers: The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to empower healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to make early and accurate diagnoses of T1DM in children and adolescents. By enhancing their understanding of the condition and its management, healthcare professionals will be better equipped to provide timely interventions and improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, this initiative seeks to foster a supportive environment for ongoing learning and development within the healthcare community, ensuring that knowledge dissemination is continuous and sustainable. A Milestone in Healthcare: The co-creation and validation of these training materials represent a major milestone in the collective effort to address T1DM in Kenya. By leveraging the expertise of multiple stakeholders and engaging in collaborative partnership, PESK, CHAI, and the Ministry of Health are setting a precedent for effective healthcare interventions tailored to the needs of local communities. This initiative not only highlights the importance of collaboration in healthcare but also serves as a testament to the dedication and commitment of all involved parties to improve the lives of children and adolescents affected by T1DM. As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to build upon the foundation laid by this collaboration. By prioritizing education, awareness, and access to resources, we can further empower healthcare workers to effectively manage T1DM and ultimately enhance the quality of care for pediatric patients across Kenya. Together, we can make significant strides towards a healthier future for all.

Selecting the proper treatment for a pediatric patient is a large part of the Pediatric Board Exam. Here are the three main aspects of treatment that are generally tested on the pediatric boards.👇 https://buff.ly/42RYGo0 #PediatricBoards #ThePassMachine

"Beyond Borders: Bridging Gaps in Pediatric Care through PALS Training" Recently, I completed a refresher course in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), enhancing my skills in managing various pediatric emergencies like cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, and shock. Despite prior training in medical school, and even though I am an adult surgery trainee, here are two reasons justify my commitment to pediatric care. First, in Malawi, local healthcare often involves doctors who treat both adults and children. While some tertiary facilities and a handful or private hospitals specialize in pediatric care, they are limited. Therefore, having doctors trained in adult and pediatric medicine is crucial, as young patients present unique challenges distinct from adults. Second, I believe courses like PALS are some of the crucial distinguishing features of the rich and the poor, the developed and the developing, the low mortality and the high mortality countries. Consider a scenario where a young relative contracts mild malaria versus severe malaria requiring complex interventions like seizures management, blood transfusions, and medication for cardiac support. In the severe illness, having healthcare providers trained in PALS is essential for seamless and effective treatment, emphasizing the importance of both knowledge and skill in pediatric care. Medically, the sick child rarely behaves like the adult. Our Own Hunt for Specialised Care  Over the past three years, a curious trend emerged whenever my wife and daughter, traveled to Lilongwe. Our daughter would often fall ill with minor ailments like flu, diarrhea, or rashes. I jokingly suggested avoiding the city altogether. However, during our recent trip, she remained healthy, while our youngest son, became unwell, crying incessantly until noon. Concerned about his medical history, I sought a pediatrician's opinion, leading us on a two-hour hunt across Lilongwe. Fortunately, it turned out to be a minor issue. This experience highlighted two key points: Firstly, even in the Capital City and with ability to pay, access to pediatric specialists isn't guaranteed, emphasizing the need for more specialized care. Secondly, children have unique medical needs, underscoring the importance of refresher courses like PALS for adult doctors to provide appropriate pediatric care in a country still developing its child health services.

RICHMOND, VA - Just a year after opening a massive expansion of its downtown pediatric hospital, VCU Health is already looking to expand the facility’s capacity. The health system is planning to add roughly 40 more inpatient beds to The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU at 1000 E. Broad St. VCU Health Interim CEO Marlon Levy, MD, MBA confirmed the project in a recent interview, saying it is expected to be completed within the next two years. Levy said the expansion and other new facilities come in response to demand for services the hospital has seen since it was opened to patients. “(There are) more surgeries, more ER visits, more hospitalizations, more outpatient visits. Every metric one could possibly look to that addresses the question, ‘Are we serving more kids and their families,’ the answer is yes,” Levy said. When the health system completed its Children’s Tower, a 16-story, 72-bed addition last year, it set aside 144,000 square feet of shell space to be used in the future. The new beds will occupy 58,000 square feet across two of those unfinished floors. Also teed up to fill in existing shell space is a cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology lab slated to open this summer. In the fall, VCU Health plans to open a kids activity space called the Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone. In that space, patients will be able to do art projects, create music, watch movies and do other activities. The nonprofit foundation behind the concept was founded by country musician Garth Brooks and there are more than a dozen other similar play zones in pediatric hospitals across the U.S. “We’re looking for ways to fill (shell space) in,” Levy said. “We reached the point we’re ready for that, probably we were ready for that soon after we opened.” The total anticipated cost of the three projects is around $75 million, according to a health system spokeswoman. The beds expansion is planned to consist of surgical beds as well as neonatal intensive care unit bassinets. The surgical beds are subject to regulatory approval through the state’s certificate of public need program (COPN). The lab and neonatal beds slated to be added to the Children’s Tower are already approved, the spokeswoman said. There would still be remaining shell space after the new beds, lab and kids activity space are completed. The building is also engineered to allow the construction of an additional two more stories when needed, but there aren’t immediate plans to do so. “At some point, we’ll bring in a crane and raise the roof,” Levy said. The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU marked the completion of the $420 million Children’s Tower a little more than a year ago. It was added onto the Children’s Pavilion, an inpatient facility that was completed on the same city block in 2016. Together the two facilities make up the pediatric hospital. For more, click on the link below. #escrowcredirt #newmarktitleservices