This shrinking availability of hospital beds could lead to longer wait times at emergency departments, delays in care and increased medical costs, the study’s authors said. For example, during the 2022-2023 “tripledemic” — a surge in flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus cases increased — access to care was significantly impaired.
In 2008, U.S. hospitals had 1,749 pediatrics inpatient units. By 2022, that number declined to 1,226 — a 29.9% reduction. During this period, pediatric bed counts dropped 19.5%, while adult bed counts decreased 4.4%.
As a result of this trend, general hospitals have increasingly transferred children to large pediatric centers for inpatient care, which may contribute to overcrowding at these facilities.
The study authors work at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Children’s Hospital of Colorado in Aurora.
Read more here.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.