COVID-19 Pandemic Disproportionately Affected Vulnerable Populations, Causing Significant Changes in Pediatric Emergency Department Imaging

Strategic Insights -

Children from underrepresented minorities and marginalized populations were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic led to a significant decrease in pediatric emergency department (ED) imaging for non-COVID-19-related diseases, particularly among Hispanic patients. However, the odds of positive imaging results increased overall, and for all racial/ethnic groups except Hispanic patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 37% decrease in pediatric ED imaging for non-COVID-19-related diseases in April 2020 compared to pre-2020 (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.52, 0.76).
  • The odds of positive imaging results increased by 118% overall (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.59, 3.00) and for all racial/ethnic groups except Hispanic patients (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.34, 2.03).
  • Admission rates for positive imaging results remained the same in 2020 compared to pre-2020.
  • There were decreased imaging and increased positivity rates for non-respiratory and non-trauma ED visits in April 2020 compared to pre-2020.
  • COVID-19 stay-at-home advisories might have resulted in triaging for urgent healthcare by families or referring clinicians during the pandemic.

Statistics:

  • 1,418 ED encounters were included in the analysis.
  • The study used multivariable Poisson regression models to report rate ratio (RR) and binomial logistic regression models to report odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).
  • The odds of positive imaging results increased from 1.59 to 3.00 in 2020 compared to pre-2020.

Sources:

  • Advanced Imaging of Disease Unrelated To the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) During the Pandemic: Effect of Patient Demographics In a Pediatric Emergency Department. Pediatric Radiology, 2022.
  • NewsRx. Data from New York Presbyterian Hospital Advance Knowledge in COVID-19 [Advanced Imaging of Disease Unrelated To the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) During the Pandemic: Effect of Patient Demographics In a Pediatric Emergency Department]. Pediatrics Week. May 28, 2022; p 149.