Scientific Publications Database
Article Title: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities: a population-based study of healthcare service utilization using administrative dataAuthors: Arim, Rubab G.; Miller, Anton R.; Guevremont, Anne; Lach, Lucyna M.; Brehaut, Jamie C.; Kohen, Dafna E.
Journal: DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND CHILD NEUROLOGY Volume 59 Issue 12
Date of Publication:2017
Abstract:
AIM 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.