title: Care coordination for children with complex care needs significantly reduces hospital utilization.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose was to evaluate an ambulatory care coordination program for children with complex care needs.
  
  
  METHODS
  A pre- and postcohort evaluation design was implemented to analyze the impact on hospital utilization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results included a decrease in emergency department presentations (15%, p < .001), hospital admissions (9%, p < .019), and hospital bed days (43%, p < .001). Economic analysis indicated a cost savings of $A 1.9 million per annum.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hospital utilization is significantly reduced for children with complex care needs through 24/7 care coordination.
authors.affiliation: Princess Margaret Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Peter
authors.forename: Gervase
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chaney
authors.forename: Theresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zappia
authors.forename: Corinne
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Van Veldhuisen
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Santamaria
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002648:Child; D002673:Child, Hospitalized / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017046:Cost Savings; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*