A Demographic Overview of Children in the Emergency Department: Findings from the NHAMCS, 2019-2021

Madison Taylor, Allie Rice, Amy Hendrix-Dicken, Christine Beeson, Micah Hartwell

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: Our primary objective was to analyze and describe the population characteristics —including race and ethnicity, age, insurance status, and comorbidities—among all pediatric ED visits included in the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Survey (NHAMCS). Due to prevalent healthcare disparities, our secondary objective was to evaluate the demographic factors in triage level, ED wait times, and intentional vs unintentional traumas and poisoning.

Design Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using the 2021 NHAMCS data to determine the prevalence of pediatric ER visits in the United States. Our sample consisted of 337 hospitals in the US, reporting 16,207 ED visits. We used X2 tests logistic regression to assess wait times, triage level, and self-inflicted injuries or poisoning.

Results: Our results showed that Indigenous children's wait times were twice that of other racial groups. Additionally, rates of ED visits for trauma, poisoning, or overdose were higher in non-MSA regions. Lastly, children aged 15-17 had the highest percentage of emergent triage level visits—nearly double the percentage for all other age group categories.

Conclusion: In summary, our study represents a pediatric ED population primarily composed of children under 7 years of age, within MSA regions, and consistent with the national ethnoracial census. More than 12% of pediatric ED patients had 1 or more comorbidities, and nearly 3 in 5 visits were covered through Medicaid/CHIP. To improve overall access and decrease non-emergent ED usage, we recommend that healthcare workers implement extended hours, expanded language services, and use of telehealth.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages59
StatePublished - 13 Sep 2024
Event2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health - Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, United States
Duration: 13 Sep 202413 Sep 2024

Conference

Conference2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health
Abbreviated titleSTRIDE 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTahlequah
Period13/09/2413/09/24

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A Demographic Overview of Children in the Emergency Department: Findings from the NHAMCS, 2019-2021'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this