Journal article
Evaluating the length of stay and value of time in a pediatric emergency department with two models by comparing two different albuterol delivery systems
Journal of medical economics, Vol.15(4), pp.704-711
01 Aug 2012
PMID: 22400716
Abstract
Objective:
Asthma is one of the most common childhood illnesses and accounts for a substantial amount of pediatric emergency department visits. Historically, acute exacerbations are treated with a beta agonist via nebulizer therapy (NEB). However, with the advent of the spacer, the medication can be delivered via a metered dose inhaler (MDI + S) with the same efficacy for mild-to-moderate asthma exacerbations. To date, no study has been done to evaluate emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) and opportunity cost between nebulized vs MDI + S. The objective of this study was to compare ED LOS and associated opportunity cost among children who present with a mild asthma exacerbation according to the delivery mode of albuterol: MDI + S vs NEB.
Methods:
A structured, retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Medical records were reviewed from children aged 1-18 years treated at an urban pediatric ED from July 2007 to June 2008 with a discharge diagnosis International Classification of Disease-9 of asthma. Length of stay was defined: time from initial triage until the time of the guardian signature on the discharge instructions. An operational definition was used to define a mild asthma exacerbation; those patients requiring only one standard weight based albuterol treatment. Emergency department throughput time points, demographic data, treatment course, and delivery method of albuterol were recorded.
Results:
Three hundred and four patients were analyzed: 94 in the MDI + S group and 209 in the NEB group. Mean age in years for the MDI + S group was 9.57 vs 5.07 for the NEB group (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients that received oral corticosteroids was 39.4% in the MDI + S group vs 61.7% in the NEB group (p < 0.001). There was no difference between groups in: race, insurance status, gender, or chest radiographs. The mean ED LOS for patients in the MDI + S group was 170 minutes compared to 205 minutes in the NEB group. On average, there was a 25.1 minute time savings per patient in ED treatment time (p < 0.001; 95% CI = 3.8-31.7). Significant predictors of outcome for treatment time were chest radiograph, steroids, and treatment mode. Opportunity cost analysis estimated a potential cost savings of $213,532 annually using MDI + S vs NEB.
Conclusion:
In mild asthma exacerbations, administering albuterol via MDI + S decreases ED treatment time when compared to administering nebulized albuterol. A metered dose inhaler with spacer utilization may enhance opportunity cost savings and decrease the left without being seen population with improved throughput.
Limitations:
The key limitations of this study include its retrospective design, the proxy non-standard definition of mild asthma exacerbation, and the opportunity cost calculation, which may over-estimate the value of ED time saved based on ED volume.
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Details
- Title
- Evaluating the length of stay and value of time in a pediatric emergency department with two models by comparing two different albuterol delivery systems
- Creators
- Lauren Staggs - University of Louisville Health Sciences CenterMeagan Peek - University of Louisville Health Sciences CenterGary Southard - University of Louisville Health Sciences CenterEd Gracely - Drexel University College of MedicineSidney Baxendale - University of Louisville School of BusinessKeith P Cross - University of Louisville Health Sciences CenterIn K Kim - University of Louisville Health Sciences Center
- Publication Details
- Journal of medical economics, Vol.15(4), pp.704-711
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- MD (Doctor of Medicine) Program
- Identifiers
- 991014878211904721