Prevalence of Preceding and Follow-up Outpatient Care Surrounding Emergency Department Visits for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Identifying Opportunities for Quality Improvement

Abstract

Introduction: To assess prevalence of outpatient care received before and after emergency department (ED) visits for pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods: Using commercial claims, we identified patients 2-18 years old with IBD and a related ED visit (2015-2018). We identified outpatient visits in 2 weeks before and after ED visits, then used logistic regression to assess relationships between care received and patient characteristics.

Results: Forty-one percent received care in 2 weeks before an IBD-related ED visit and 51% in 2 weeks after. High-risk medications and outpatient continuity were associated with higher odds of outpatient care.

Discussion: Gaps in preceding and follow-up care signal opportunities to improve care quality.