Retrospective observational study of neonatal attendances to a children's emergency department

Blakey, Sarah J.; Lyttle, Mark D.; Magnus, Dan

Abstract

Aim
Attendances to emergency departments (EDs) in the UK are increasing, particularly for younger children. Community services are under increasing pressure and parents may preferentially bring their babies to the ED, even for non-urgent problems. This study aimed to characterise the presenting features, management and disposition of neonatal attendances to a children's ED (CED).

Methods
Retrospective observational review of neonatal attendances (≤28 days) to the CED at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC) from 01/01/2016 to 31/12/2016. Further information was obtained from investigation results and discharge summaries. Data abstracted included sex, age, referral method, presenting complaint, diagnosis, investigations and treatments.

Results
Neonatal attendances increased from 655 to 1,205 from 2008 to 2016. The most common presenting complaints were breathing difficulty (18.1%) and vomiting (8.3%). The most common diagnoses were ‘no significant medical problem’ (41.9%) and bronchiolitis (10.5%). Half of neonatal attendances to the CED had no investigations performed and most (77.7%) needed advice or observation only.

Conclusion
Many neonates presenting to the CED were well and discharged with observation only. This suggests potential for improving community management and in supporting new parents. Drivers of health policy should consider developing enhanced models of out of hospital care which are acceptable to clinicians and families.

Citation

Blakey, S. J., Lyttle, M. D., & Magnus, D. (2021). Retrospective observational study of neonatal attendances to a children's emergency department. Acta Paediatrica, 110(11), 2968-2975. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16039

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 21, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jul 23, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Deposit Date: Aug 23, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 24, 2022
• Journal: Acta Paediatrica
• Print ISSN: 0803-5253
• Electronic ISSN: 1651-2227
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 110
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 2968-2975
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16039
• Keywords: General Medicine; Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7676346