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Paediatric retrievals in South Australia

Insights

A coordinated retrieval service in South Australia has managed 379 pediatric patients since the 1970s. Analysis of these cases highlights a significant workload for anesthesia and intensive care departments.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Retrieval Services
  • Pediatric Critical Care
  • Health Informatics

Background:

  • A coordinated retrieval service for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients has operated in South Australia since the early 1970s.
  • The pediatric retrieval service is based at the Adelaide Children's Hospital.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the workload and patient data associated with the pediatric retrieval service.
  • To present and discuss the findings from the analysis of retrieval service records.

Main Methods:

  • Patient records from the pediatric retrieval service were collected up to the end of 1983.
  • Data were entered into a microcomputer file program for analysis.

Main Results:

  • The pediatric service managed a total of 379 patients by the end of 1983.
  • In 1983 alone, 90 pediatric patients were managed by the service.
  • The service represents a considerable workload for the Anaesthetic and Intensive Care Departments.

Conclusions:

  • The pediatric retrieval service has experienced significant growth, impacting departmental resources.
  • Data analysis provides insights into the demands placed on critical care services by patient retrievals.

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