Variations in bronchiolitis management between five New Zealand hospitals: Can we do better?
- 31 January 2003
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
- Vol. 39 (1), 40-45
- https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1754.2003.00069.x
Abstract
To determine the current management of bronchiolitis by five major New Zealand hospitals and to identify areas for improvement. Lists of infants under 1 year of age admitted with bronchiolitis during 1998 were obtained from the casemix offices of the five largest New Zealand hospitals with paediatric services. Hospital records from a random sample of these admissions were reviewed. Out of the 409 infants admitted overnight, 8% had been born less than or=32 weeks gestation and 53% were aged younger than 6 months. Overall, 59% received oxygen, 21% had nasogastric fluids, 22% had intravenous fluids, 34% were prescribed antibiotics, 42% received bronchodilators and 60% had a chest radiograph. Respiratory secretions were collected for viral studies from 58% of infants and, in 59%, respiratory syncytial virus was detected. Significant variations in management were detected between hospitals. The overall proportion of infants requiring oxygen, intravenous or nasogastric fluids (65%) was significantly higher than that found in a 1986-1988 Christchurch study where only 25% received one or more of these interventions (P < 0.001). Opportunities exist to rationalize bronchiolitis management in New Zealand with potential cost savings, particularly by reducing the number of chest radiographs and prescribing of unnecessary antibiotics and bronchodilators.Keywords
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