To evaluate the association of race and ethnicity with the delivery of low-value care (LVC) in hospitalized children.
Approach:
Data Source: Utilized the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) LVC Calculator to assess delivery of 30 low-value services across 49 children's hospitals.
Study Design: Analyzed hospitalizations from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, focusing on 26 measures of LVC excluding those specific to emergency departments.
Race and Ethnicity Data: Recorded race and ethnicity as social constructs reflecting structural determinants of health, categorized into specific groups.
Outcome Measures and Statistical Analysis: Quantified encounters and LVC delivery rates, excluding measures with fewer than 1000 encounters.
Key Findings:
Racial and ethnic variation in LVC delivery among hospitalized children has not been previously investigated.
Emerging literature indicates potential biases and structural factors contributing to disparities in LVC delivery.
Interpretation:
The study aims to highlight disparities in LVC delivery based on race and ethnicity.
Limitations:
The study only includes data from hospitals participating in PHIS, which may not represent all pediatric populations.
Exclusions based on specific criteria may limit the generalizability of findings.
Conclusion:
Understanding disparities in LVC delivery can inform future research and healthcare policies.
by Elisha McCoy, Megan E. Collins, Jillian M. Cotter, Natalie Grills, Matt Hall, Jessica Markham, Matthew J. Molloy, Michelle Polich, Michael J. Steiner, John R. Stephens, Michael J. Tchou, Ronald Teufel, Irma Ugalde, Andrew Yu, Samantha A. House
