title: [Observation Unit].
abstract: Observation Unit is an extention of Emergency Department for evaluation and stabilization of patients beyond the traditional 2- to 3-hour limit. A benefit of this continued patient management is better definition of the patient's problem, with resulting reduction in costs and inappropriate dispositions. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of medical care for patients through extended evaluation and treatment while reducing inappropriate admissions and health care costs.
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vincenzo
authors.forename: Fernanda
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pignataro
authors.forename: Arcangelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sero
authors.forename: Domenico Lorenzo
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Urso
mesh_terms: D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational / Q000191:economics; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006742:Hospital Bed Capacity; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D007902:Length of Stay; D010343:Patient Admission; D011787:Quality of Health Care