Respiratory day hospital: a novel approach to acute respiratory care.
In 1996 we established a day hospital dedicated to acute respiratory care, as an alternative to emergency department and inpatient treatment. The unit is staffed by respirologists, family physicians and specialized nurses; patients have access to all standard inpatient treatments and services. Between 1996/97 and 1998/99 the annual number of admissions to the day hospital increased from 658 to 922. By 1998/99 more than 75% of patients were referred for acute treatment, with a mean stay of 2.3 days. The most common diagnoses were asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which accounted for 58% and 32% respectively of treatment-related admissions. Treatment most often involved intravenous corticosteroid therapy and inhaled bronchodilator therapy. Between 1996/97 and 1998/9 the proportion of patients requiring transfer to overnight care decreased from 22% to 14%; complications and unscheduled return visits were rare. We believe that a respiratory day hospital provides a useful alternative to emergency department and inpatient care.
Schwartzman
K
K
Respiratory Division, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Que. kevin.schwartzman@mcgill.ca
Duquette
G
G
Zaoudé
M
M
Dion
M J
MJ
Lagacé
M A
MA
Poitras
J
J
Cosio
M G
MG
D000208:Acute Disease; D001249:Asthma / Q000628:therapy*; D003631:Day Care, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006739:Hospital Administration; D006801:Humans; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D011792:Quebec; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012124:Respiratory Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data