U.S. Pediatric Hospital Units Plummet 30%, Rural Areas Hardest Hit
Children's Hospital Colorado
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
Between 2008 and 2022, the United States experienced a nearly 30% decline in pediatric inpatient units, disproportionately affecting rural areas, where more than half of such units closed. In contrast, adult inpatient units only decreased by 4%, indicating a troubling trend in child healthcare accessibility that persisted despite the minimal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bed availability. The findings highlight critical issues such as financial challenges, staffing shortages, and resource allocation, with significant implications for healthcare technology and infrastructure, particularly in ensuring equitable access to specialized pediatric care. Future research will be essential to assess the impact of these closures on patient outcomes and healthcare costs, prompting a reevaluation of resource distribution in pediatric healthcare settings.
