[Observations and reflections on the management of pediatric emergencies in Belgium].
Similar to the findings of other nations, inappropriate utilization of the pediatric emergency departments is a major problem in Belgium. The majority of patients come with non-urgent complaints. Maximum rush is seen in the evening when the outpatient clinic is closed. It results in a waste of resources, stress among the emergency room staff and an increase in waiting time for patients requiring attention. It appears important to adapt to this new situation by improving the organisation of the pediatric emergency departments (triage, human resources, equipment), but also by finding alternative solutions such as health education of families and greater availability of primary care providers. This article describes the present situation and evaluates strategies that could be applied in Belgium.
Massin
M
M
Département Universitaire de Pédiatrie, CHR Citadelle, ULg.
Lepage
Ph
P
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001530:Belgium; D002648:Child; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D010372:Pediatrics; D011320:Primary Health Care