Changes in emergency department utilization by neonates during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a single-center study in Korea

Abstract

Purpose: This study describes changes in the utilization pattern of emergency departments (EDs) by neonates during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic to ensure efficient resource allocation during future infectious disease outbreaks. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study by reviewing the medical records of neonates (≤ 30 days) who visited the ED. They were divided into pre-pandemic (February 2018-January 2020) and pandemic (February 2020-January 2022) groups. We compared data regarding ED utilization, including length of stay, disposition, and chief complaints. Results: A total of 156 neonates visited the ED during the study period. A 42.4% decrease in the visits was observed during the pandemic group (n = 57), compared with the pre-pandemic group (n = 99). In particular, the proportion of visits by neonates aged 7 days or younger has decreased from 14.1% (14/99) to 3.5% (2/57; P = 0.035). The proportion of plain radiography performed and median ED length of stay increased from 36.4% (36/99) to 63.2% (36/57; P = 0.001), and from 66.0 minutes (interquartile range, 42.0-116.0) to 86.0 minutes (59.0-153.0; P = 0.007), respectively. Among the chief complaints, fever, respiratory symptoms, and minor clinical problems increased during the pandemic (29.3% to 36.8%, 11.1% to 14.0%, and 9.1% to 14.0%, respectively). Conclusion: The pandemic led to a marked reduction in neonatal ED visits, particularly among those aged 7 days or younger. Increases were noted in the rates of plain radiography performed, fever, respiratory, and minor clinical symptoms, as well as median ED length of stay. EDs should prepare for efficient emergency treatments tailored to neonates.