We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities: a population-based study of healthcare service utilization using administrative data.
- Authors
Arim, Rubab G; Miller, Anton R; Guèvremont, Anne; Lach, Lucyna M; Brehaut, Jamie C; Kohen, Dafna E
- Abstract
<bold>Aim: </bold>The aim of this study was to identify children with neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities (NDD/D) and compare their healthcare service utilization to children without NDD/D using provincial linked administrative data.<bold>Method: </bold>The sample included children aged 6 to 10 years (n=183 041), who were registered with the British Columbia Medical Services Plan. Diagnostic information was used for the identification and classification of NDD/D in six functional domains. Healthcare service utilization included outcomes based on physician claims, prescription medication use, and hospitalization.<bold>Results: </bold>Overall, 8.3% of children were identified with NDD/D. Children with NDD/D had higher healthcare service utilization rates than those without NDD/D. Effect sizes were: very large for the number of days a prescription medication was dispensed; large for the number of prescriptions; medium for the number of physician visits, different specialists visited, number of different prescription medications, and ever hospitalized; and small for the number of laboratory visits, X-ray visits, and number of days hospitalized.<bold>Interpretation: </bold>The findings have policy implications for service and resource planning. Given the high use of psychostimulants, specialized services for both NDD/D and psychiatric conditions may be the most needed services for children with NDD/D. Future studies may examine patterns of physician behaviours and costs attributable to healthcare service utilization for children with NDD/D.<bold>What This Paper Adds: </bold>Children with neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities (NDD/D) have higher healthcare service utilization than those without. Based on provincial population-based linked administrative health data, a sizeable number of children are living with NDD/D. Given the high use of psychostimulants, specialized services for children with both NDD/D and psychiatric conditions may be the most needed services for children with NDD/D.
- Subjects
BRITISH Columbia; NEURAL development; NEURODEVELOPMENTAL treatment for infants; PHYSICAL therapy for infants; BRAIN Development &; Cognition: A Reader (Book); DEVELOPMENTAL neurobiology; DISEASES; HOSPITAL care; PATIENTS' attitudes
- Publication
Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 2017, Vol 59, Issue 12, p1284
- ISSN
0012-1622
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1111/dmcn.13557