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  • Title: Respiratory day hospital: a novel approach to acute respiratory care.
    Author: Schwartzman K, Duquette G, Zaoudé M, Dion MJ, Lagacé MA, Poitras J, Cosio MG.
    Journal: CMAJ; 2001 Oct 16; 165(8):1067-71. PubMed ID: 11699705.
    Abstract:
    In 1996 we established a day hospital dedicated to acute respiratory care, as an alternative to emergency department and inpatient treatment. The unit is staffed by respirologists, family physicians and specialized nurses; patients have access to all standard inpatient treatments and services. Between 1996/97 and 1998/99 the annual number of admissions to the day hospital increased from 658 to 922. By 1998/99 more than 75% of patients were referred for acute treatment, with a mean stay of 2.3 days. The most common diagnoses were asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which accounted for 58% and 32% respectively of treatment-related admissions. Treatment most often involved intravenous corticosteroid therapy and inhaled bronchodilator therapy. Between 1996/97 and 1998/9 the proportion of patients requiring transfer to overnight care decreased from 22% to 14%; complications and unscheduled return visits were rare. We believe that a respiratory day hospital provides a useful alternative to emergency department and inpatient care.
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