Review of a paediatric emergency department observation unit. Issue 8 (20th July 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levett, I; Berry, K; Wacogne, I
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine journal. Volume 23:Issue 8(2006)
• Page Start: 612
• Page End: 613
• Publication Date: 2006-07-20
• Subjects: BCH, Birmingham Children's Hospital -- ED, emergency department; paediatric -- observation unit -- emergency department; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1136/emj.2005.029470
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0205

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To review the function of an emergency department paediatric observation unit. Method: A retrospective observational study reviewing the activity of the observation unit for 12 months Results: During 12 months, 4446 children were admitted to the observation unit and 76% were discharged home: usually within 8 hours. The average admission rate was 12 children in 24 hours. The commonest causes for children being admitted to the observation unit were respiratory problems and gastroenteritis or dehydration. Conclusion: The emergency paediatric observational unit was used to assess and treat children with a variety of conditions. This enabled many children to be managed in the emergency department rather than being admitted to the paediatric wards.