A short-stay observation unit improves care in the paediatric emergency care setting.

: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a short-stay observation unit (SSOU) on the hospitalization rate, the authors have analysed the activity of a SSOU opened in 1992 in a paediatric emergency department (PED) and the number of children hospitalized between 1987 and 1996. Among 2321 patients admitted to the SSOU in 1996, 644 medical patients have been analysed, showing a young population (55% under 3 years old), living in the town or surroundings (70%) and usually have not been referred by a general practitioner (64%). Twenty per cent were admitted for accurate diagnosis (group A), 49% for treatment and observation of a recognized acute pathology before decision of discharge (group B), and 31% waiting for a bed in a paediatric ward (group C). Sixty-eight per cent of children spent less than 6 hours in the SSOU, and 79% of those from groups A and B were thereafter discharged home. Between 1987 and 1991, the number of children hospitalized increased 5% per year on average. After the opening of the SSOU in 1992, this increase has been stopped although the number of medical referrals to PED was still going up. The SSOU in a PED can provide comprehensive care to young children requiring short-term treatment or observation, and is effective in limiting unappropriate hospitalizations.