National study of emergency department observation services.

摘要: ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:959–965 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives:  The objective was to describe patient and facility characteristics of emergency department (ED) observation services in United States. Methods:  authors analyzed 2007 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). Characteristics EDs with units (OUs) were compared those without, patients a disposition ED “short-stay” (<48 hour) hospital admission. Results are descriptive without formal statistical comparisons this observational analysis. Results:  An estimated 1,746 U.S. (36%) reported having OUs, which 56% administratively managed staff. Fifty-two percent hospitals ED-managed OUs an urban location, 89% report boarding, 29 65% that do not have OU. admission rate is 38% at 15% OUs. Of 15.1% all who kept following visit, one-quarter either short-stay (1.8%) or (2.1%). Most (82%) discharged from ED. similar terms age (median = 52 years both, interquartile range = 36 70 years), self-pay (12% vs. 10%), ambulance arrival (37% 36%), urgent/emergent triage acuity (77% 74%), use ≥1 medication (64% vs.76%), most common primary chief complaints diagnoses. Conclusions:  Over one-third Short-stay as may represent opportunity growth