Potential pediatric intensive care unit demand/capacity mismatch due to novel pH1N1 in Canada.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the possibility of pediatric intensive care unit shortfalls, using pandemic models for a range of attack rates and durations. The emergence of the swine origin pH1N1 virus has led to concerns about shortfalls in our ability to provide pediatric ventilation and critical care support.


METHODS
Modeling of pediatric intensive care demand based on pH1N1 predictions using simulation techniques.


METHODS
Simulation laboratory.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
Data collected during the first wave of the pH1N1 in children in Canada were applied to several second wave pandemic models to explore potential pediatric intensive care unit ventilatory demands for Canada and to investigate the impact of vaccination upon these demands. In almost all cases studied, even for relatively low attack rates of 15%, significant pediatric intensive care unit shortages would be expected to occur. Vaccination strategies targeting 50% of the population significantly reduced demand, but shortages may still be expected. Although shortfalls can occur in all provinces, Ontario and British Columbia may experience the greatest supply-demand difference, even at low attack rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Reducing the attack rate among children, whether through vaccination or additional measures, such as social distancing, will be critical to ensure sufficient pediatric intensive care unit capacity for continued pediatric care.
Stiff
David
D
Risk Analytica Research, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Kumar
Anand
A
Kissoon
Niranjan
N
Fowler
Robert
R
Jouvet
Philippe
P
Skippen
Peter
P
Smetanin
Paul
P
Kesselman
Murray
M
Veroukis
Stasa
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D058873:Pandemics; D055872:Surge Capacity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014611:Vaccination; D055815:Young Adult