Strategy to Increase Pediatric Department Capacity of Selected Hospitals During Disasters

Background: Early discharge of inpatients is one of the most well-known strategies for hospital surge capacity in disasters. This study aimed to determine the rate of inpatient surge capacity created by early discharge in disasters in pediatrics departments of hospitals affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of all children (1-14 years old) admitted to the pediatrics departments of hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. No sampling was performed and all study population including 207 children were enrolled. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data. The validity of the questionnaire was verified by the relevant experts. Data collection was done by direct referring to the hospitals. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including Pearson, Chi-square, and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: Pediatric inpatients surge capacity created by early discharge of the four studied hospitals, including Imam Reza (AS), Ghaem (aj), Shahid Hasheminejad, Dr. Sheikh, and the total were 16(59%), 24(57%), 10(55%), 14(48%) and 64(55%) beds, respectively. There was no statistically significant relationship between the demographic variables of the patient’s doctor and his/her decision about early discharge, or between patients demographic characteristics and decision about early discharge. Conclusion: By using early discharge of inpatient pediatrics during disasters, a notable admission capacity can be created for pediatrics casualties of disasters.