Acute care utilization due to hospitalizations for pediatric lower respiratory tract infections in British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

Abstract Background Pediatric LRTI hospitalizations are a significant burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems. This study determined the burden of pediatric LRTIs on hospital settings in British Columbia and the benefits of prevention strategies as they relate to healthcare resource demand. Methods LRTI inpatient episodes for patients Results During 2008–2010, LRTI as the primary diagnosis accounted for 32.0 and 75.9% hospitalizations for diseases of the respiratory system in children Conclusion Pediatric LRTI hospitalizations require significant use of acute care infrastructure particularly between November and April. Population projections show the burden may increase in the next 20 years, but implementation of effective public health prevention strategies may contribute to reducing the acute care demand and to supporting efforts for overall pediatric healthcare sustainability.

Keywords

• Pediatrics
• Lower respiratory tract infection
• Acute care resource utilization
• British Columbia