Abstract

PINCHAK, María Catalina et al. Estrategia de atención hospitalaria de niños con infección respiratoria aguda baja. Arch. Pediatr. Urug. [online]. 2007, vol.78, n.1, pp.15-22. ISSN 1688-1249.

Introduction: the first cause of hospitalization at the Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell is low respiratory tract infections, especially during winter. An assistance strategy called ¨Plan Invierno¨ (PI) (winter plan) is being implemented since 1999. In the year 2005 a unit for probable viral respiratory tract infections was opened. Costs and functions are described in order to evaluate the contribution of this unit to the plan (PI). Results: the unit functioned from June 15 to October 31. 625 (29,3%) children of the whole hospitalized children with probable viral respiratory tract infection entered at the unit; also 102 children with probable bacterial pneumonia and 112 children with other diseases were included. VRS and Adenovirus investigation through nasal aspiration was done in 98% of the children, where the first one prevailed. Treatment plan was done according to the recommended; however it was insufficiently accomplished. Hospital stay was 4,3 days with a bed occupation of 97%. 39 (6,25%) children required intensive care treatment; half of them required invasive ventilation. 4 VRS intrahospitalary infections were detected. No children died. The assistance cost of the unit was $1.358.126,7; general services and functioning expenses must be added. Total expenses distribution in human resources, drugs and assets are described. Conclusions: the unit contributed mainly in improving the quality of medical attention given to the hospitalized children at the Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell despite some detected flaws. In order to improve the quality and functioning of the winter plan some actions are proposed.

Keywords : RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS;   BRONCHIOLITIS; RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS INFECTIONS; QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE; HOSPITALIZATION-statistics & numerical data.

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