Background: There is a paucity of data on the clinical and economic impact of seasonal influenza in children. This study estimated the incidence of diagnosed influenza and related complications and associated health care resource utilization and costs in US children.
Methods: Children ≥6 months and <18 years old diagnosed with influenza using International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification, 9th revision codes and enrolled in a health plan during at least one influenza season between 2010 and 2014 were matched to similar patients without diagnosed influenza (GSK study identifier: HO-15-15728). Outcomes included incidence of influenza and complications, health care resource utilization frequency and health care costs during 21 days of follow-up. Adjusted costs were estimated using generalized linear models.
Results: Incidence (per 1000) of influenza was 20.3 (commercially insured) and 32.6 (Medicaid), with the highest incidence among 6-35 months old (Commercial: 26.8; Medicaid: 47.9). Approximately 12%-17% of influenza patients experienced complications, with the 6-35 months group having the highest percentage (25%-30%). The 6-35-month-old influenza patients with complications had the highest proportion with hospitalizations (5%-6%) and emergency room visits (Commercial: 19%; Medicaid: 36%). Influenza patients with (vs. without) complications had greater adjusted mean influenza-specific costs (Commercial: $1161 vs. $337; Medicaid: $1199 vs. $354; P<0.05), and influenza cases (vs. controls) had greater adjusted mean all-cause costs (Commercial: $688 vs. $470; Medicaid: $818 vs. $453; P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Pediatric patients with influenza incurred higher health care costs compared with matched controls, and influenza-specific costs were greater among those with complications.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/INF.0000000000001693 | DOI Listing |
Eur Stroke J
January 2025
Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Background: We aimed to assess impairments on health-related quality of life, and mental health resulting from Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) with monocular visual field loss and posterior circulation ischemic stroke (PCIS) with full or partial hemianopia using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).
Methods: In a prospective study, consecutive patients with acute RAO on fundoscopy and PCIS on imaging were recruited during their surveillance on a stroke unit over a period of 15 months. Baseline characteristics were determined from medical records and interviews.
Subst Use Misuse
January 2025
Defense Personnel and Security Research Center, Peraton, Seaside, California, USA.
Background: This study investigated relationships between low-income adolescent drinkers' frequent alcohol use and five factors: social disorganization, social structural, social integration, mental health, and access to healthcare.
Objective: A sample of 1,256 low-income adolescent drinkers and caregivers were extracted from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study.
Results: Logistic regression yielded results showing adolescent drinkers' weekly drinking to be associated positively with Hispanic adolescents, drinking peers, adolescents' depression/anxiety, and caregiver's daily drinking.
Nurs Leadersh (Tor Ont)
June 2025
Current nursing shortages, particularly in complex practice or specialty areas, coupled with high attrition rates of both seasoned and new graduate nurses, have required nursing leaders to consider creative approaches to recruit, prepare and retain nurses in specialty areas. This article describes a collaborative partnership between post-secondary institutions and health authorities in one province to address the need to prepare and retain nurses in high-priority specialized areas, such as the intensive care unit or the emergency department. This partnership allows for a proactive connection that leverages the strengths and resources of both healthcare and educational institutions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNurs Leadersh (Tor Ont)
June 2025
Clinical Practice Leader Corporate Interprofessional Practice Lakeridge Health Durham Region, ON.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare represents a paradigm shift with the potential to enhance patient care and streamline clinical operations. This commentary explores the Canadian perspective on key organizational considerations for nurse executives, emphasizing the critical role they play in fostering the establishment of AI governance structures and advancing the front-line adoption of AI in nursing practice. The discussion delves into five domains of consideration, analyzing recent developments and implications for nursing executives.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNurs Leadersh (Tor Ont)
June 2025
Adjunct Professor School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine Faculty of Graduate Studies Dalhousie University Halifax, NS.
Introduction: Black nurses are under-represented in the Canadian nursing workforce. A legacy of discrimination and systemic barriers reinforce the under-representation of Black nurses in the nursing workforce throughout the health system.
Objective: The objective of this study was to identify and describe organizational initiatives for the recruitment, retention and advancement of Black nurses in the healthcare system.
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!