American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume 24, Issue 7 , Pages 818-821, November 2006

A reduction in hospitalization, length of stay, and hospital charges for croup with the institution of a pediatric observation unit

  • Richard A. Greenberg, MD

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Emergency Department, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, PO Box 581289, Salt Lake City, UT 84158, USA. Tel.: +1 801 587 7438; fax: +1 801 587 7455.
    • ,
  • Nanette C. Dudley, MD
    • ,
  • Kristine K. Rittichier, MD

Emergency Department, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, PO Box 581289, Salt Lake City, UT 84158, USA

Received 5 January 2006; received in revised form 9 May 2006; accepted 10 May 2006.

Abstract 

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of an observation unit (OU) on hospital resource utilization for patients with croup.

Methods

A retrospective review with the use of a historical control was performed for 2 years of nondischargeable emergency department (ED) patients with croup.

Results

The total number of ED patients with croup was 694 in the first year and 789 in the second year. Hundred seventy patients were enrolled, 66 in the first year and 104 in the second year (76 admitted to the OU and 33 admitted to the ward). There was a reduction in the ward admission rate from 9.5% to 4.2% (P < .0001) from the first to the second year. The median length of stay for the pre-OU group was 27.2 vs 21.3 hours for the post-OU group (P = .03). The median charge for the pre-OU group was $1685 vs $1327 for the post-OU group (P = .03).

Conclusions

After the introduction of the OU, hospitalization was reduced, and the overall resource utilization for the care of nondischargeable ED patients with croup was reduced.

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

 Presented at the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, May 2001.

PII: S0735-6757(06)00127-6

doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2006.05.003

American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume 24, Issue 7 , Pages 818-821, November 2006

Article Tools