COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts Respiratory Care in Pediatric Long-term Care Facilities

Strategic Insights -

A study published in Pediatric Allergy Immunology and Pulmonology has found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected respiratory care in pediatric long-term care facilities (pLTCFs). Researchers at the University of Louisville conducted a retrospective study of 76 residents' oxygen, albuterol, hypertonic saline (HTS), and pulmonary hygiene treatment use from January 2019 to December 2022. The study found a statistically significant increase in oxygen use among residents during the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in oxygen use among residents in pediatric long-term care facilities.
  • A retrospective study of 76 residents' treatment use from January 2019 to December 2022 found a statistically significant increase in oxygen use.
  • The study demonstrated that patterns of oxygen and HTS use in a pLTCF changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Pediatric Allergy Immunology and Pulmonology.
  • The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Louisville, including Rose Hawkins, Scott Bickel, Ronald Morton, Corrie Harris, Heather Huxol, Mary Elise McClanahan, and Theresa Kluthe.
  • The study focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on respiratory care in pLTCFs, highlighting the need for improved infection control policies.
  • The findings of the study have important implications for the management of respiratory care in pLTCFs during future pandemics.

Statistics:

  • 76 residents were included in the retrospective study.
  • 5.67 (95% CI 3.44-7.8; P < 0.001) was the increase in rate of oxygen use among residents during the pandemic.
  • The study evaluated oxygen, albuterol, HTS, and pulmonary hygiene treatment use from January 2019 to December 2022.
  • The study found a statistically significant increase in oxygen use among residents.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings in COVID-19 Reported from University of Louisville (Changes In Respiratory Care Use During the Covid-19 Pandemic In a Pediatric Long-term Care Facility). Pediatrics Week. July 19, 2025; p 80.
  • Pediatric Allergy Immunology and Pulmonology. Changes In Respiratory Care Use During the Covid-19 Pandemic In a Pediatric Long-term Care Facility. 2025.