Review of a paediatric emergency department observation unit

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.