Pediatric surgical border health: Supply may not be meeting demand in South Texas communities - 27/08/24

Doi : 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2024.115908

Toluwani Akinpelu ^a,^⁎ , Aaron I. Dadzie ^a, Victoria M. Jacobsen ^a, Valentine S. Alia ^a, Nikhil R. Shah ^b, Edward M. Diaz ^a,^c, Daniel Bolton ^a,^c
^a University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Edinburg, TX, USA
^b Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
^c Department of Surgery, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, TX, USA

^⁎Corresponding author. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, 1214 W Schunior St, Edinburg, USA, TX.University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine1214 W Schunior StEdinburgTXUSA

Sous presse. Épreuves corrigées par l'auteur. Disponible en ligne depuis le Tuesday 27 August 2024

Abstract

Introduction

The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) has historically high incidence of congenital defects (CDs) necessitating intervention by pediatric surgical specialties. We examined mortality in this region and related workforce patterns.

Methods

Mortality data related to CDs (2007–2021) and surgical workforce trends/projections (2024–2032) were collected using multiple databases: National Vital Statistics System, Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Medical Board, Center for Disease Control.

Results

Nationally, RGV counties rank as high as 5th in CD mortality rates. Between 2020 and 2024, 3 of 4 studied pediatric surgical specialties experienced stagnant/decreasing workforces ranging from 0 to 66 %. Furthermore, the RGV is projected to have some of the most marked state-wide disparities in surgical providers over the next 8 years.

Conclusion

High infant mortality rates along with ongoing and future shortages of surgical specialists is concerning. These results may inform allocation of public health resources and workforce distribution to improve outcomes.

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Highlights

•	The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is home to a diverse rapidly growing population.
•	Ongoing RGV maternal-fetal crisis contributes to rates of congenital defects (CDs).
•	Mortality rates from CDs in the RGV are among some of the nation's highest.
•	There are current and future projected shortages of pediatric surgical specialists in the RGV.
•	These critical findings necessitate systemic reevaluation.