Epidemiology and resource utilization for patients hospitalized for lower respiratory tract infection

摘要: Objectives To determine referral rates, patient characteristics, and resource utilization for patients admitted to hospital with community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). Methods Six hundred thirteen patients, accounting 704 LRTI episodes, were included in the study, if diagnosis was both signs symptoms on admission management consistent this diagnosis. Patient records abstracted collect information co-morbidities, demographics, utilization, episode outcome, pharmacy prescribing diagnostic service utilization. Results Annual admissions ranged from 15 per 10 000 population age range 16–40 years over 300 aged >79 years, a average of 62.3 000. Less than 37% pneumonia majority episodes pre-existing disease (41.2%). Marital status, gender, diabetic type infection number days within past year all significantly associated changes mean length stay. Conclusions Hospital are seen predominantly over-60 group, which account almost 90% bed day yet represent only 27% adult population. Referral represents major implication secondary health-care provision.