Optimizing pediatric bronchiolitis management through an integrated hub-and-spoke network: evidence from a regional Italian experience.

This study aimed to describe the implementation and functioning of a regional hub-and-spoke model ("Gaslini Diffuso") for managing pediatric bronchiolitis in Liguria, Italy, during the 2023-2024 season, focusing on severity stratification, resource allocation, and outcomes. A retrospective observational study was conducted across one tertiary hub (IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa) and four affiliated spoke hospitals. Medical records of all patients aged 0-2 years hospitalized with bronchiolitis (ICD-9-CM 466.19) between October 2023 and March 2024 were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, microbiological, and treatment data were analyzed. Predictors of centralization to the hub were identified through multivariable logistic regression. A total of 562 patients were included (median age 95 days; 40.4% female). Most cases were mild to moderate, with 56.6% requiring respiratory support-mainly low-flow oxygen or HFNC-and only 2% requiring mechanical ventilation. Thirteen patients (2.3%) were admitted to the PICU, and no deaths occurred. Centralized patients (n = 10) were significantly younger (median 43.5 days) and had higher severity indicators, including elevated CO₂ and CRP levels, and longer respiratory support (median 5 vs. 3-4 days, p < 0.001). Independent risk factors for centralization were age < 60 days (OR 23.1, p = 0.004) and HFNC use (OR 20.5, p = 0.006). Spoke centers showed homogeneous adherence to referral criteria, though some variability in ancillary treatments persisted.

conclusionsThe Ligurian hub-and-spoke model demonstrated internal consistency between referral criteria and observed patient severity, supporting appropriate case stratification within the regional network. This integrated framework enhanced regional coordination and represents a scalable, sustainable model for pediatric respiratory disease management. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants under two, with seasonal surges that may overwhelm pediatric services; management remains largely supportive. • Hub-and-spoke models have been proposed to optimize care and resource allocation, but real-world data on their clinical and organizational impact, especially post-COVID, is limited. WHAT IS NEW: • This study evaluates, for the first time in Italy, the real-world implementation of a regional hub-and-spoke model (Gaslini Diffuso) for bronchiolitis management. • The model enabled effective stratification of disease severity, with high specificity in centralizing only the most critical cases, ensuring efficient use of pediatric intensive care resources.