[Assessment of workload in pediatric emergency units due to acute gastroenteritis during the epidemic season in France].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the burden of medical and paramedical activities related to the management of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases in France.

METHODS

An observational, multicenter study was carried out in 23 French pediatric emergency units. Each unit was requested to include the first 25 children less than five years of age, consulting for AGE during the epidemic season.

RESULTS

A total of 443 children was included between January and April 2007. The median age was 13 months. Symptoms had been persisting for an average of 2.7 days, and 60.7% of patients had already consulted. In 62.6% of cases, oral rehydration solution (ORS) had been prescribed. The median waiting time in the EU was 15 minutes. The median time spent by a health care professional with a child was 55 minutes (30 minutes for paramedical care and 25 minutes for medical care). The length of these visits increased significantly (p<0.0001) if children presented with signs of dehydration or behavioral changes. The child's age had no significant impact. Rehydration in the EU was 70% oral rehydration, 16% parenteral rehydration (8% were combined). Among the children, 37% were discharged after consultation in the EU, 39% after observation, and 24% were hospitalized. 90% of the children who were given a prescription on discharge were prescribed at least one ORS (n=333).

CONCLUSION

The time spent by a health care professional with a child presenting with acute gastroenteritis could cause organizational problems during an epidemic outbreak.