Low-value Care and Variation in Practice for Children Hospitalized With Bronchiolitis A Multicentric Prospective Observational Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the use of low-value healthcare services in infants aged 1 to 12 months hospitalized with bronchiolitis. Low-value care refers to medical services where the harms or costs outweigh the benefits, which can lead to unnecessary procedures and stress for children. This prospective observational study aims to measure how often six specific low-value services are used, their costs, and the variability in their use across different patients, doctors, and hospitals in Canada. The study also examines whether patient and family characteristics contribute to differences in care. The study focuses on six low-value health services: respiratory virus testing, chest x-rays, continuous pulse oximetry, short-acting beta-agonists, systemic corticosteroids, and antibiotics. Data will be collected from medical records of infants admitted to pediatric wards at 15 Canadian hospitals. Participants will complete two questionnaires—one during the child’s hospital stay and another 30 days after discharge—to gather information about additional medical care and perceptions of the care received. During the study, researchers will review infants’ medical charts and collect information on treatments, hospital stay length, ICU transfers, mechanical ventilation use, and other health outcomes. Parents will provide input on shared decision-making and involvement in care decisions. The main measure is the proportion of patients receiving each low-value service over 24 months. This study aims to improve understanding of bronchiolitis care and guide efforts to reduce unnecessary treatments.

Low-value Care, and Variation in Practice for Children Hospitalized With Bronchiolitis