Caring for young adults on a paediatric ward

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare
• Adolescent Medicine
• Hospital Management

Background:

• Adolescents and young adults (AYA) require age-specific inpatient facilities, a need often unmet.
• Existing healthcare models frequently fail to address the unique needs of this demographic.
• Lack of dedicated facilities leads to suboptimal care for young people in transition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the successful implementation of a young person's unit (YPU) for AYA aged 17-24 years.
• To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating AYA care within a pediatric ward.
• To assess patient satisfaction and operational efficiency of the YPU model.

Main Methods:

• Established an 8-bed YPU within a 24-bed pediatric ward.
• Trained pediatric ward staff in AYA care.
• Developed and implemented policies for admission, safeguarding, patient choice, and visiting.
• Collaborated with adult clinicians and site managers for seamless integration.
• Prioritized pediatric admissions during bed crises.

Main Results:

• In 2012, 379 (16%) of 2351 pediatric admissions were YPU patients (17-24 years).
• Median length of stay was 2 days for YPU patients vs. 1 day for pediatric patients (≤16 years).
• Patient surveys indicated high satisfaction with the YPU facility.

Conclusions:

• Young adults can be safely and effectively managed on a pediatric ward with a dedicated YPU.
• Successful implementation requires stakeholder discussion, clear admission policies, and trained staff.
• This model offers a cost-effective solution for age-specific inpatient care for AYA.