Emergency Department Volume and Delayed Diagnosis of Pediatric Appendicitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine the association of emergency department (ED) volume of children and delayed diagnosis of appendicitis.

Background

Delayed diagnosis of appendicitis is common in children. The association between ED volume and delayed diagnosis is uncertain, but diagnosis-specific experience might improve diagnostic timeliness.

Methods

Using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project 8-state data from 2014 to 2019, we studied all children with appendicitis <18 years old in all EDs. The main outcome was probable delayed diagnosis: >75% likelihood that a delay occurred based on a previously validated measure. Hierarchical models tested associations between ED volumes and delay, adjusting for age, sex, and chronic conditions. We compared complication rates by delayed d

SUBMITTER: Michelson KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10756921 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature