Disparities in racial, ethnic, and payer groups for pediatric safety events in US hospitals.

Disparities in healthcare are emerging as a core patient safety issue. This population-based retrospective study examined disparities in the AHRQ pediatric safety indicators (PDIs). The findings indicate that Black and Hispanic pediatric patients have a higher risk of safety events (particularly sepsis and postoperative respiratory failure) compared to white patients. Findings were similar when comparing patients with Medicaid versus private insurance.