Trends in Hospital Resource Use for Children With Complex Chronic Conditions

What were the trends in hospital discharges and hospital resource use for US children with complex chronic conditions (CCCs) from 2000 to 2022?In this cross-sectional study of 26 342 497 pediatric discharges from the Kids’ Inpatient Database from 2000 to 2022, significant increases occurred in the hospital discharge rate and the percentage of total discharges, bed days, and hospital charges attributable to children with CCCs, especially multiple CCCs.The findings suggest the case mix of pediatric hospitalizations has become increasingly complex, emphasizing the need for health systems, policymakers, training programs, and payers to optimize inpatient care for children with CCCs.

Corresponding Author: Nathaniel D. Bayer, MD, Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Golisano Children’s Hospital, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 667, Rochester, NY 14642 (Nathaniel_Bayer@urmc.rochester.edu).

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