[Utilization of a continuing care center by the child population, assessing the need of care delivered by pediatricians].
OBJECTIVE
To discover the paediatric demand at a child health clinic (CHC) and its hourly spread. Based on this, to see if the attendance of paediatricians is justified during the hours covered by the CHC. To evaluate, too, whether consumers properly use the CHC.


METHODS
Descriptive, crossover, non-random study.


METHODS
Primary Care.


METHODS
All children under 14 attended at Soria's urban Primary Care centre between 31 January and 31 March, 1991, by the paediatricians and general practitioners.


RESULTS
Paediatricians attended 49.8% of the consultations, which covered 17.7% of the weekly opening-time. Nine per cent of children were breast-fed. The most common reasons for attending were: temperature (48%) and cough (20%). The most common diagnoses were tonsillitis (29.4%), Acute Respiratory Infection (16%) and otitis (12.3%). Emergency treatment was given in 4.5% of cases. Prescriptions were given for 94.7% of cases and 1.6% were referred to hospital.


CONCLUSIONS
Paediatric demand is to a high degree occasioned by infectious, respiratory and ENT conditions. The proportion of referrals to hospital and the application of treatment in the Primary Care centre indicate insufficient use by the consumer. On the basis of the present study, we are unable to determine whether the presence of paediatricians is justified or not.
Sánchez de Dios
M
M
Centro de Salud Soria Norte.
Machín Valtueña
M
M
Carnicero Laseca
R M
RM
Cameo Rico
M I
MI
Moro Monge
R
R
Burgoa Arribas
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors
Utilización de un punto de atención continuada por la población infantil, valorando la necesidad de atención prestada por pediatras.