In-hospital pediatric patient transfers to the pediatric emergency department

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether the clinical features of the cases referred from in-hospital areas to the pediatric emergency department (ED) with "reverse transport" have emergency characteristics and the reasons for the transfer, and to contribute to intra-hospital transfer protocols to be prepared. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. The clinical properties of 120 patients who were sent to the ED from the hospital area were evaluated. Results: 57.5% (69) of the patients were male and the median age was 42 months (0-210 months). 45.8% (55) were referred to the ED because their clinical condition required emergency treatment. 54.8% of these patients were stable according to Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) and 78.6% were category 3, 4, 5 according to Emergency Severity Index (ESI). Only 4 patients received ESI life-saving procedures. 70% (84) were treated in the ED. There was a statistically significant difference between the PAT and ESI and the group of patients whose clinical status needed urgent treatment. Conclusion: Most of the patients sent to PED from other wards within the hospital are stable patients. For the effective use of the PED, the patients who will be transferred to the PED should be carefully evaluated by the relevant physician, priority should be given to the transport of hemodynamically unstable patients to the emergency room, and they should be treated appropriately in short-term follow-up or treatment units. For stable patients, an area independent from the emergency department should be created in line with the facilities of each hospital.