Variability in processes of care and outcomes among children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Substantial care variation occurs in a number of pediatric diseases.

Methods

We evaluated the variability in healthcare resource utilization and its association with clinical outcomes among children, aged 1-18 years, hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Each of 29 children's hospitals contributing data to the Pediatric Hospital Information System was ranked based on the proportion of CAP patients receiving each of 8 diagnostic tests. Primary outcome variable was length of stay (LOS), revisit to the emergency department or readmission within 14 days of discharge.

Results

Of 21,213 children hospitalized with nonsevere CAP, median age was 3 years (interquartile range: 1-6 years). Laboratory testing and antibiotic usage varied widely across hos

SUBMITTER: Brogan TV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3504613 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature