Article

The aim of this study was to identify children with neurodevelopmental
disorders and disabilities (NDD/D) and compare their healthcare service
utilization to children without NDD/D using provincial linked administrative
data. METHOD: The sample included children aged 6 to 10 years (n=183 041), who
were registered with the British Columbia Medical Services Plan. Diagnostic
information was used for the identification and classification of NDD/D in six
functional domains. Healthcare service utilization included outcomes based on
physician claims, prescription medication use, and hospitalization. RESULTS:
Overall, 8.3% of children were identified with NDD/D. Children with NDD/D had
higher healthcare service utilization rates than those without NDD/D. Effect
sizes were: very large for the number of days a prescription medication was
dispensed; large for the number of prescriptions; medium for the number of
physician visits, different specialists visited, number of different prescription
medications, and ever hospitalized; and small for the number of laboratory
visits, X-ray visits, and number of days hospitalized. INTERPRETATION: The
findings have policy implications for service and resource planning. Given the
high use of psychostimulants, specialized services for both NDD/D and psychiatric
conditions may be the most needed services for children with NDD/D. Future
studies may examine patterns of physician behaviours and costs attributable to
healthcare service utilization for children with NDD/D. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS:
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities (NDD/D) have higher
healthcare service utilization than those without. Based on provincial
population-based linked administrative health data, a sizeable number of children
are living with NDD/D. Given the high use of psychostimulants, specialized
services for children with both NDD/D and psychiatric conditions may be the most
needed services for children with NDD/D.
CI - (c) 2017 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS