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A paediatric day unit: the first year's experience
K P Dawson1, N Mogridge, G D Abbott
1Department of Paediatrics, Christchurch School of Medicine.
Insights
Christchurch Hospital
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Care
- Hospital Management
Background:
- A pediatric day unit was established at Christchurch Hospital in June 1989.
- The unit aimed to manage pediatric admissions more efficiently.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the new pediatric day unit.
- To assess patient outcomes and resource utilization.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1308 admissions over one year.
- Tracking of same-day discharges and readmission rates.
- Recording of average length of stay and common diagnoses.
Main Results:
- 40.6% of children were discharged on the day of referral.
- Only 4% required readmission within a week.
- Average stay was 4 hours and 30 minutes.
- Asthma and acute respiratory infections were the most common conditions.
Conclusions:
- The pediatric day unit effectively reduced overnight inpatient admissions.
- Higher staff ratios are needed for optimal efficiency.
- Increased weekend utilization and inter-specialty use could further enhance effectiveness.
Abstract:
In June 1989 a day unit was introduced into the paediatric department of Christchurch Hospital. Over the subsequent year, 1308 admissions occurred to the unit. Five hundred and thirty (40.6%) of the children were discharged home on the day of referral, only 22 (4%), were readmitted to the inpatient facility within a week of their first assessment. The common conditions dealt with were asthma and acute respiratory tract infection and the pattern generally reflected that normally seen in the inpatient wards. The average stay in the day unit was four hours thirty minutes. The day unit has proved to be effective in reducing overnight inpatient admissions but it requires a higher staff ratio than allocated to ensure rapid and efficient turnover. Utilisation on the weekends and wider use by other specialities dealing with children would increase the units effectiveness further.