AI Article Synopsis
- The study analyzes the effects of the shelter-in-place orders during COVID-19 on pediatric trauma cases in the US from January to June in the years 2017-2020.
- A total of 8,772 pediatric trauma cases were assessed, showing a 13% reduction in trauma volume in 2020, particularly peaking 16 days after shelter-in-place orders were enacted.
- Despite the decrease in overall cases, the severity of injuries increased, with notable rises in nonmotorized vehicle accidents and gunshot wounds, suggesting a need for improved injury prevention strategies in future crises.
Article Abstract
Introduction: The first COVID-19 cases occurred in the US in January of 2020, leading to the implementation of shelter in place. This study seeks to define the impact of shelter in place on the epidemiology of pediatric trauma.
Methods: We examined pediatric trauma admissions at 5 Level 1 and 1 Level 2 US pediatric trauma centers between January 1 and June 30, 2017-2020. Demographic and injury data were compared between pre- and post-shelter in place patient cohorts.
Results: A total of 8772 pediatric trauma activations were reviewed. There was a 13% decrease in trauma volume in 2020, with a nadir at 16 days following implementation of shelter in place. Injury severity scores were higher in the post-shelter in place cohort. The incidence of nonmotorized vehicle accidents and gunshot wounds increased in the post-shelter in place cohort.
Conclusion: We found an overall decrease in pediatric trauma volume following shelter in place. However, injuries tended to be more severe. Our findings help inform targeted injury prevention campaigns during future pandemics.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8275016 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sopen.2021.06.001 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!