PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - M Mahon
AU  - M S Kibirige
TI  - Patterns of admissions for children with special needs to the paediatric assessment unit
AID  - 10.1136/adc.2002.019158
DP  - 2004 Feb 01
TA  - Archives of Disease in Childhood
PG  - 165--169
VI  - 89
IP  - 2
4099  - http://adc.bmj.com/content/89/2/165.short
4100  - http://adc.bmj.com/content/89/2/165.full
SO  - Arch Dis Child2004 Feb 01; 89
AB  - Background: Children with special needs present a challenge to those involved in their care. Aims: To determine the role of the acute assessment unit for these children. Methods: Case notes and other records were reviewed for information on referrals, admissions, readmission within 7 and 28 days, length of stay, and management of 86 children registered for special needs. The study covered five years between January 1997 and December 2001. Results: Of the 86 children, 48 (58%) were boys; 62 children had cerebral palsy and 52 learning disability. There were 914 episodes, with 44% of these being self referrals and 35% from general practitioners; 35.5% of the episodes were managed in the assessment unit. The average length of stay in hospital was 5 days, ranging from <24 hours to 63 days; 37.5% of those admitted to the ward stayed for less than 24 hours. Respiratory tract infections and seizures were the main reasons for referral and admission. Conclusion: Children with special needs tend to have a predictable pattern of conditions requiring inpatient care. One third of the inpatients episodes did not need a prolonged stay in hospital. This latter group of children could be managed at home with support of community nurses. Integrated care pathways need to be developed to minimise disruption to their lives. Appropriate resources should be made available to achieve these goals.