The association between opening a short stay paediatric assessment unit and trends in short stay hospital admissions

Abstract Background Many inpatient facilities in Scotland have opened short stay paediatric assessment units (SSPAU) which are clinical areas separate from the usual ward area and these where most (also called zero day) admissions accommodated. Here we describe effect of opening on proportion day relative to all emergency admissions. Methods Details medical Scottish hospitals between 2000 2013 were obtained, including number per month health board (i.e. geographic region). The year that an SSPAU each was provided by local clinicians. Results SSPAUs 7 boards, 2004 2012. Health boards with had a slower rise compared those without (0.6% [95% CI 0.04, 0.09]. Across associated 13% 10, 15] increase When considered individually, rose four after their opened, unchanged one fell two boards. Independent opening, there (0.1% month), this accelerated opened. Conclusion Opening has heterogeneous outcomes different settings. Zero could be reduced some understanding differences referral pathways contrasting trends opens.