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.