Work

Hospital admissions and school absences of primary school children with and without neurodisability

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: To inform integrated support by education and health services by comparing hospitalization and school absence rates during primary school in children with and without neurodisability. METHOD: In this linked administrative data cohort study, we followed 2 351 589 children born in England between 2003 and 2008 from enrolment in Reception class (age 4/5 years) to the end of primary school (age 10/11 years) using linked hospital and school records, identifying those with hospital-recorded neurodisability before starting school. We described rates of hospital admissions (per 100 person-years at risk) and school absences (percentage of total school days). RESULTS: Compared with those without neurodisability, the 2.2% of children with neurodisability had higher rates of planned and unplanned hospital admission during primary school (29.0 and 16.6 per 100 person-years at risk respectively, vs 4.3 and 3.7 per 100 person-years at risk) and missed more school days (6.5% vs 4.2%). Among subgroups of children with neurodisability, rates of admission and absence were consistently highest for those with cerebral palsy and lowest for those with high-risk perinatal conditions. INTERPRETATION: Children with neurodisability have far higher rates of hospital admission and school absence compared with those without neurodisability throughout primary school. A joined-up approach is needed between hospital and school to support children with neurodisability to participate in education.

Source: Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology

DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.70128

Authors: Laura Gimeno, Ania Zylbersztejn, Ayana Cant, Ruth Gilbert, Katie Harron, the HOPE Study Group

Institutions: University College London, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre

Language: English

Topic: Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,300