Factors associated with recurrent hospitalization in chronically ill children and adolescents

To determine factors associated with recurrent hospitalization in children with chronic illnesses in the Barwon Region.

Patients with four or more admissions to the Geelong Hospital children's ward over a 12-month period were identified. Their records were reviewed and the opinions of involved staff (medical, nursing, psychiatry, psychology, and social work) were sought. Multidisciplinary discussions were held to identify factors precipitating or maintaining the need for hospitalization. The numbers, illnesses and profiles of those admitted recurrently were compared with the data from the Barwon Paediatric Consultation Profile from the same period, and with those patients seen by the local counselling service for young people with chronic illnesses.

Twenty-seven children had four or more admissions over the 12 months; these represent 0.05% of the child population regionally, or 2% of those with chronic illness. They account for 8.7% of hospital admissions and 16% of inpatient days. Two-thirds (18/27) had major psychosocial issues largely responsible for their admissions. A checklist was formulated of important medical, family, social, psychological, developmental, and institutional considerations. The most frequently identified psychosocial issues were medical dependency, psychological or medical problems affecting other family members, family and medical disparity regarding the treatment agenda, the lack of more intensive community supports, and medical controversy regarding best management.

Ongoing medicalization and medical dependency, driven both by staff and families, can perpetuate recurrent hospitalization. Further awareness and training in these issues and development of community resources will be necessary if this process is to be changed.