Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/798
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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