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Title: | Are routine investigations in acute paediatric admissions justified? |
Authors: | Pace, David Said Conti, Valerie Attard Montalto, Simon |
Keywords: | Pediatrics Hospitals -- Admission and discharge Gastroenteritis in children Medical audit Medical care -- Evaluation Pediatric gastroenterology |
Issue Date: | 2007 |
Publisher: | Malta Medical Journal |
Citation: | Malta Medical Journal. 2007, Vol.19(2), p. 18-22 |
Abstract: | Aim: To assess the appropriateness of investigations and their impact on management of acute paediatric admissions. Method: All investigations performed within the first six hours in all consecutive paediatric admissions (n=138) over a 6 week period, in a teaching general hospital, were recorded retrospectively and the results were analysed for normality/ abnormality and effect on patient management. Results: Out of a total of 480 emergency investigations performed on 89 patients, the complete blood count, electrolytes and chest X-rays were the three investigations most likely to be deranged and influenced management in 5% (n=3), 25% (n=8) and 46% (n=6) of subjects with an abnormal result, respectively. Impact on management was more evident on analysing a subgroup admitted with mild gastroenteritis, in whom serum electrolytes were abnormal in 50% (n=19), and 42% (n=8) of these needed a change in their management. Conclusion: Rationalising the number of investigations in acute paediatric admissions would result in less discomfort to children and in a significant cost benefit. |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/798 |
Appears in Collections: | MMJ, Volume 19, Issue 2 MMJ, Volume 19, Issue 2 Scholarly Works - FacM&SPae |
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File | Description | Size | Format | |
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2007.Vol19.Issue2.A3.pdf | Are routine investigations in acute paediatric admissions justified? | 259.17 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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