This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Availability of admission, anesthesia capabilities may influence transfer of pediatric patients
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Although the decision to initiate transfer of pediatric patients with hand or wrist injuries may be influenced by the availability of pediatric admission and anesthesia capabilities, it is not influenced by the presence or absence of surgical coverage, according to results.
Researchers retrospectively identified 169 pediatric patients who underwent emergent transfer to a pediatric level 1 trauma center and academic tertiary referral center for evaluation and management of injuries to the hand or wrist. Researchers collected demographic and transfer data for all patients and subcategorized referring hospitals by the presence or absence of hand surgical emergency department coverage and the capability to admit and operate on children.
Results showed 59 patients transferred were admitted for definitive care, and surgical intervention was required within 24 hours for 51 of these patients. Researchers found 27 of 110 patients discharged from the emergency department underwent elective surgical intervention within 2 weeks. Regardless of hand surgical emergency department coverage status, researchers noted a greater number of transfers from institutions without the ability to admit children. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts