A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has revealed that there was no significant increase in preventable conditions or deaths in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to understand the impact of the pandemic on pediatric healthcare use and children’s health by analyzing data on emergency visits, hospital admissions, and deaths of children aged 0-17 years in Ontario, Canada’s largest province. The researchers compared data from before the pandemic (January 2017 to February 2020) with data from the first 2.5 years of the pandemic (March 2020 to August 2022).
The study found that rates of emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and stays in intensive care units were lower during the pandemic, particularly in the early stages. However, there were delays in the diagnosis of new cases of cancer and diabetes. Furthermore, children with diabetes presented more frequently with diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition. This suggests that the pandemic has had an impact on the timely detection and treatment of certain illnesses in children.
During the spring and summer of 2022, there was an increase in hospital admissions for pneumonia and asthma. This could be attributed to a longer flu and respiratory syncytial virus season, as well as the easing of pandemic restrictions. It is important to note that these conditions are not necessarily preventable, but their increase during the pandemic highlights the impact of COVID-19 on respiratory health in children.
The authors of the study recommend implementing education campaigns for parents and caregivers to raise awareness about the important signs and symptoms of health conditions in children. This will enable parents to identify when their child may need urgent medical attention, even during future pandemics. By providing this information, it is hoped that caregivers will be better equipped to seek medical help promptly, reducing the risk of delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Astrid Guttmann, a senior scientist at ICES and a pediatrician and senior scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Ontario, spoke about the findings of the study. She stated that despite the ongoing challenges faced by pediatric care due to the pandemic, the analysis indicates that most urgent medical needs of children have been met, despite the disruptions to the healthcare system. Dr. Guttmann emphasizes the importance of public messaging about symptoms that require urgent attention in the event of future healthcare system disruptions.
Overall, the study provides reassurance that the COVID-19 pandemic did not result in a significant increase in preventable illnesses or deaths in children. However, the delays in certain diagnoses serve as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance in pediatric healthcare during challenging times. Through education and awareness campaigns, parents and caregivers can play a crucial role in ensuring timely medical care for children.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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