[Evaluation and Utilization - Quality Management in a Paediatric University Outpatient Department]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Increasing outpatient treatments necessitate robust demand planning for quality medical care.
• University outpatient clinics require specific research due to their unique role.
• The position of pediatric outpatient clinics remains largely uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the operational status and patient demographics of a pediatric outpatient clinic.
• To establish a foundation for demand planning in pediatric healthcare.
• To assess the specialization and service needs of a university pediatric clinic.

Main Methods:

• Survey of 2283 patients and physicians at a university hospital for children and adolescents.
• Collection of sociodemographic, economic, and medical data via questionnaires.
• Separate questionnaires for patients/accompanying persons and physicians.

Main Results:

• Analysis of patient volume and daily clinic operations.
• Less than 20% of patients were new consultations; most arrived via referral.
• 58% of patients were under 6 years old, with 35% from outside the Leipzig region.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the need for a 24/7 pediatric institution in Leipzig.
• The high specialization of the outpatient clinic was evident.
• Further investigation into physician cooperation and potential overlapping examinations is recommended.