Dje. Henshaw et al., A study of admissions and inpatients over the Christmas period using the appropriateness evaluation protocol (AEP), ARCH GER G, 31(1), 2000, pp. 77-83
The aim of the study was to examine appropriateness of admissions and inpat
ients over Christmas especially in the elderly. The study was a prospective
audit of admissions and inpatients to the Whittington Hospital. The main o
utcome measures were appropriateness of admission or day of hospital reside
nce using the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol. The protocol was applied
to admissions and inpatients over Christmas and control periods. The resul
ts showed that there was a significant difference in the number of elderly
admissions between the control period and Christmas period, 94 (34%) vs. 10
4 (43%) (P = 0.02). However there was no corresponding change in appropriat
eness of elderly admissions, ten (10.6%) vs, six (5.8%), (P = 0.2). The ina
ppropriateness of day of hospital residence increased from 10% on the contr
ol day to 20% on the study day (P = 0.02). In conclusion elderly patients a
re not admitted more inappropriately over Christmas but their discharge at
this time appears to be delayed resulting in inappropriate bed use. (C) 199
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