Commentary on: Roland D, Gardiner A, Razzaq D, Rose K, Bressan S, Honeyford K, Buonsenso D, Da Dalt L, De T, Farrugia R, Parri N, Oostenbrink R, Maconochie IK, Bognar Z, Moll HA, Titomanlio L, Nijman RGG; in association with the REPEM network (Research in European Paediatric Emergency Medicine) as part of the EPISODES Study. Influence of epidemics and pandemics on paediatric ED use: a systematic review. Arch Dis Child. 2023 Feb;108(2):115–122. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-324108. Epub 2022 Sep 26.
Healthsystems must be prepared for paediatric emergency department (ED) volume shifts during epidemics and pandemics. Two interventions to increase efficient paediatric ED use include: (1) parental education about home care and (2) real-time remote advice.
Epidemics and pandemics have major impacts on ED care. Studies examining the COVID-19 pandemic noted large early US ED visit declines.