Practice variation across five European paediatric emergency departments: a prospective observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To compare paediatric healthcare practice variation among five European emergency departments (EDs) by analysing variability in decisions about diagnostic testing, treatment and admission.

Design and population

Consecutive paediatric visits in five European EDs in four countries (Austria, Netherlands, Portugal, UK) were prospectively collected during a study period of 9-36 months (2012-2015).

Primary outcome measures

Practice variation was studied for the following management measures: lab testing, imaging, administration of intravenous medication and patient disposition after assessment at the ED.

Analysis

Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for general patient characteristics and markers of disease severity. To assess whether ED wa

SUBMITTER: Ropers F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8971764 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature