SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-HFNC in the Pediatric Ward vs Picu During Bed Crisis

Pdf Summary

This retrospective study examined whether high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) could be used safely on a pediatric ward during a 2022–2023 RSV surge and bed crisis, compared with HFNC use in the PICU during prior viral seasons (2019–2022). The authors reviewed patients 17 years old or younger with primary respiratory illnesses who were treated with HFNC.<br /><br />The study focused on safety outcomes, including transfer to outside facilities and need for higher-level ventilation, as well as resource use such as medications, hospital length of stay (LOS), duration on HFNC, and hospital costs. Statistical comparisons included chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests, regression analyses, and interrupted time-series modeling.<br /><br />Overall, ward-based HFNC use was associated with better efficiency and lower resource utilization than PICU-based care. Patients started on HFNC in the pediatric ward had shorter LOS, spent less time on HFNC, and incurred lower hospital costs. They also used fewer steroids, antibiotics, and sedative medications. There were no differences in albuterol use or in narrow-spectrum versus broad-spectrum antibiotic use.<br /><br />Importantly, ward HFNC use did not increase the need for higher-level ventilation therapy, suggesting that the ward setting was not less safe in this newly established protocol environment. There was also a non-statistically significant reduction in transfers to outside institutions.<br /><br />In conclusion, the study suggests that implementing HFNC on a pediatric ward during a period of high demand can reduce LOS, cost, and medication use without increasing escalation to more advanced respiratory support.

Asset Subtitle

Madison , S. Anderson

Meta Tag

Author List Amber Sturgill, Audra Pritt, Deborah L. Preston, Kelsey Matusic, Madison , S. Anderson, Mathew Dudich, Matthew Nudelman, Reesha Bodiwala

Category Research

Concept High-Flow Nasal Cannula

Concept Noninvasive Oxygen Delivery

Concept Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Concept Mechanical Ventilation

Concept Hospital Length of Stay

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Marshall University Joan C. Edward School of Medicine

Presenting Author Madison , S. Anderson

Track Pediatric

Keywords

high-flow nasal cannula

HFNC

pediatric ward

PICU

RSV surge

respiratory illness

hospital length of stay

hospital costs

resource utilization

ventilation escalation

High-Flow Nasal Cannula

Noninvasive Oxygen Delivery

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Mechanical Ventilation

Hospital Length of Stay