Which patients with lower respiratory tract infections need inpatient treatment? Perceptions of physicians, nurses, patients and relatives.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite recommendations for outpatient management, low risk patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are often hospitalized. This survey analyzed perceptions of physicians, nurses, patients and relatives about feasibility of outpatient management and required duration of hospital stay.

Methods

We performed a prospective, observational questionnaire survey in hospitalized patients with LRTI as part of a multicenter trial. Treating physicians and nurses, patients and their relatives were asked on admission and before discharge about feasibility of outpatient treatment over 5 dimensions (medical, nursing, organizational factors, and patients' and relatives' preferences) using continuous scales.

Results

On admission, 12.6% of physicians, 15.1% o

SUBMITTER: Baehni C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2850889 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature