Objetivo: Diseñar un Mapa de Riesgos (MR) como herramienta para identificar y gestionar los riesgos en Urgencias Pediátricas y analizar el impacto de las acciones de mejora desarrolladas a partir de los riesgos identificados, en el nivel de riesgo para la Seguridad del Paciente (SP).Metodología: Un grupo de trabajo multidisciplinar revisó todo el proceso asistencial aplicando la herramienta Análisis Modal Fallos y Efectos (AMFE). Fases del proyecto: 1ª) MR 2017 y planificación acciones de mejora. 2ª) Desarrollo e implantación de acciones de mejora. 3ª) MR 2019. 4ª) Análisis: evolución del MR e impacto de las acciones de mejora. Resultados: En el MR 2017 se identificaron 106 modos de fallo (MF) (54,7% riesgo alto o muy alto). Se aplicaron criterios de priorización para seleccionar las acciones de mejora que debían planificarse. Se planificaron 19 acciones de mejora, con responsables y plazos, que permitían abordar 46 MF prioritarios. Se implantaron el 100%. En el MR 2019 se identificaron 110 MF (48,2% riesgo alto) y se objetivó una reducción global del nivel de riesgo del 20%. Analizando los 46 MF prioritarios que se habían abordado mediante las 19 acciones de mejora planificadas, se comprobó que el 60% habían pasado de nivel de riesgo alto a medio y que se había reducido el nivel de riesgo tanto a nivel global (-27,8%) como desglosado por procesos. Conclusión: El AMFE es una herramienta útil para identificar riesgos, analizar el impacto de las estrategias de mejora y monitorizar el nivel de riesgo de un servicio clínico complejo. Las acciones de mejora desarrolladas han logrado reducir el nivel de riesgo de nuestros procesos, mejorando la SP. (AU)
Objective: To design a risk map (RM) as a tool for identifying and managing risks in the paediatric emergency department and to assess the impact of the improvement actions developed based on the identified risks in terms of the level of risk to patient safety. Methodology: A multidisciplinary working group reviewed the entire care process by applying the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) tool. Project phases: 1) RM 2017 and planning of improvement actions; 2) Development and implementation of improvement actions; 3) RM 2019; 4) Analysis: evolution of the RM and impact of improvement actions. Results: A total of 106 failure modes (FMs) were identified in the 2017 RM (54.7% high- or very high risk). We applied prioritization criteria to select the improvement actions to plan. Nineteen improvement actions were planned, with assigned responsible parties and deadlines, to address 46 priority FMs. One hundred percent were implemented. In the 2019 RM, we identified 110 FMs (48.2% high risk) and found an overall reduction of the risk level of 20%. Analysing the 46 priority FMs that had been addressed by the 19 planned improvement actions, we found that 60% had changed from high to medium risk level and that the risk level had decreased, both overall (27.8%) and by process. Conclusión: The FMEA is a useful tool to identify risks, analyse the impact of improvement strategies and monitor the risk level of a complex clinical care department. The improvement actions developed succeeded in reducing the level of risk in the processes in our unit, improving patient safety. (AU)
Humans , Risk Map , Patient Safety , 34628 , Pediatric Emergency Medicine , Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis , Quality Improvement
OBJECTIVE: To design a risk map (RM) as a tool for identifying and managing risks in the paediatric emergency department and to assess the impact of the improvement actions developed based on the identified risks in terms of the level of risk to patient safety. METHODOLOGY: A multidisciplinary working group reviewed the entire care process by applying the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) tool. Project phases: (1) RM 2017 and planning of improvement actions; (2) Development and implementation of improvement actions; (3) RM 2019; (4) Analysis: evolution of the RM and impact of improvement actions. RESULTS: A total of 106 failure modes (FMs) were identified in the 2017 RM (54.7% high- or very high risk). We applied prioritization criteria to select the improvement actions to plan. Nineteen improvement actions were planned, with assigned responsible parties and deadlines, to address 46 priority FMs. One hundred percent were implemented. In the 2019 RM, we identified 110 FMs (48.2% high risk) and found an overall reduction of the risk level of 20%. Analysing the 46 priority FMs that had been addressed by the 19 planned improvement actions, we found that 60% had changed from high to medium risk level and that the risk level had decreased, both overall (-27.8%) and by process. CONCLUSION: The FMEA is a useful tool to identify risks, analyse the impact of improvement strategies and monitor the risk level of a complex clinical care department. The improvement actions developed succeeded in reducing the level of risk in the processes in our unit, improving patient safety.
Patient Safety , Risk Management , Child , Emergency Service, Hospital , Emergency Treatment , Humans
BACKGROUND: The main objective was to determine the clinical or analytical factors that independently predict risk of serious bacterial infection (RSBI) in immunocompetent patients older than 90 days given a diagnosis of fever and for whom neutropenia was an incidental finding. The secondary objective was to describe the prevalence of serious bacterial infections (SBIs). METHODS: This is a 3-year-long, multicenter, prospective analytical and observational study carried out at 6 pediatric emergency departments. Data for epidemiological, clinical, and analytical variables were collected. RESULTS: One hundred forty patients with febrile neutropenia (60.7% mild, 39.3% moderate to severe) were recruited. Serious bacterial infection incidence was 15.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9-21): 1 Invasive Bacterial Infection (Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteremia), 10 urinary tract infections, 8 pneumonias, and 2 cellulitis. Median total neutrophil counts per microliter showed no statistically significant differences (P = 0.512; 1000 [750-1200] in SBI patients vs 1100 [800-1300] in non-SBI patients). Higher RSBI was observed in patients with neutrophils less than 20% relative to total leukocytes (SBI, 15, 26.3%) than in those with neutrophils of 20% or greater (SBI, 6, 7.2%) (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.7-12.7). In patients with greater than 5000 leukocytes/µL, a percentage of neutrophils less than 20% was related to a greater RSBI with a trend toward statistical significance (odds ratio, 6.1; 95% CI, 0.7-51.1; P = 0.066). The clinical variables did not show a significant association with RSBI. CONCLUSIONS: None of the clinical or analytical variables assessed were associated with the RSBI. However, according to a post hoc analysis, in patients with greater than 5000 leukocytes/µL, a neutrophil percentage less than 20% could be an independent risk factor for SBI. A thorough physical examination and basic diagnostic tests (urinalysis and chest x-ray) may help to establish a diagnosis of SBI in the vast majority of cases.
Bacterial Infections , Neutropenia , Bacterial Infections/diagnosis , Child , Fever/etiology , Humans , Infant , Neutropenia/epidemiology , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors
INTRODUCCIÓN: Cada año se tratan 38 millones de pacientes con lesiones en los servicios de Urgencias, siendo el 90% en forma de lesiones no intencionadas (LNI). Actualmente no existen registros globales de su manejo en España ni de los factores de riesgo que puedan llevar asociados. Nuestro objetivo es describir el manejo de las LNI en los Servicios de Urgencias Pediátricos (SUP) y analizar los factores relacionados con la presencia de lesiones graves. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Subestudio de estudio observacional prospectivo multicéntrico desarrollado durante 12 meses en 11 SUP de hospitales de la Red de Investigación de la Sociedad Española de Urgencias Pediátricas (RiSEUP-SPERG), incluyéndose niños de 0 a 16 años de edad que consultan por una LNI, los días 13 de cada mes. Se registraron datos epidemiológicos, circunstancias de la lesión y datos sobre la atención en el SUP y destino al alta. RESULTADOS: Se registraron 10.175 episodios, de los que 1.941 fueron LNI (19,1%). Se incluyeron 1.673, de los cuales 257 (15,4%) fueron graves. La prueba complementaria realizada más frecuentemente fue la radiografía simple (60,0%) y el procedimiento más frecuente fue la inmovilización de extremidad (38,6%). Se encontró asociación significativa entre presentar una LNI grave y la edad > 5 años (OR 2,24; IC 95%: 1,61-3,16), el antecedente de fractura (OR 2,05; IC 95%: 1,22-3,43) o la actividad deportiva como mecanismo lesional (OR 1,76; IC 95%: 1,29-2,38), entre otros. CONCLUSIÓN: En España, la mayoría de los casos de LNI no son graves. Las radiografías y la inmovilización de extremidades son las pruebas y procedimientos más frecuentemente realizados. La LNI grave se asoció con factores individuales, como la edad > 5 años o el antecedente de fractura, y con la actividad deportiva como mecanismo asociado a gravedad. Resulta vital implementar medidas para mejorar la prevención de estas lesiones y apoyar la capacitación de los cuidadores mediante programas educacionales
INTRODUCTION: Thirty-eight million patients with injuries are treated in Emergency Departments every year, 90% of them being in the form of unintentional injuries (UIs). There are currently no global records of its management in Spain, or the risk factors that may be associated with them. The objective of this study is to describe the management of UIs in Spanish paediatric emergency departments, and to analyse factors related to the presence of serious injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sub-study of a prospective multicentre observational study conducted over 12 months in 11 hospitals of the Spanish Paediatric Emergency Research Group (RiSEUP-SPERG), including children from 0 to 16 years of age consulting for UIs. Epidemiological data, circumstances of the injury, and data on emergency care and discharge destination were recorded on the 13 th day of each month. RESULTS: A total of 10,175 episodes were recorded, of which 1,941 were UIs (19.1%), including 1,673, of which 257 (15.4%) were severe. The most frequent complementary test was simple radiography (60.0%), and the most frequent procedure was limb immobilisation (38.6%). A significant relationship was found between presenting with a severe UI and age > 5 years (OR 2.24; 95% CI: 1.61-3.16), history of fracture (OR 2.05; 95% CI: 1.22-3.43), or sports activity as a mechanism of injury (OR 1.76; 95% CI: 1.29-2.38), among others. CONCLUSION: In Spain, most UIs are not serious. X-rays and immobilisation of extremities are the most frequently performed tests and procedures. Severe UIs were associated with individual factors, such as age > 5 years or history of fracture, and with sports activity as a mechanism associated with severity. It is vital to implement measures to improve the prevention of these injuries and to support the training of caregivers through educational programmes
Humans , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Wounds and Injuries/epidemiology , Wounds and Injuries/therapy , Emergencies , Injury Severity Score , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Spain/epidemiology
INTRODUCTION: Thirty-eight million patients with injuries are treated in Emergency Departments every year, 90% of them being in the form of unintentional injuries (UIs). There are currently no global records of its management in Spain, or the risk factors that may be associated with them. The objective of this study is to describe the management of UIs in Spanish paediatric emergency departments, and to analyse factors related to the presence of serious injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sub-study of a prospective multicentre observational study conducted over 12months in 11hospitals of the Spanish Paediatric Emergency Research Group (RiSEUP-SPERG), including children from 0 to 16years of age consulting for UIs. Epidemiological data, circumstances of the injury, and data on emergency care and discharge destination were recorded on the 13th day of each month. RESULTS: A total of 10,175 episodes were recorded, of which 1,941 were UIs (19.1%), including 1,673, of which 257 (15.4%) were severe. The most frequent complementary test was simple radiography (60.0%), and the most frequent procedure was limb immobilisation (38.6%). A significant relationship was found between presenting with a severe UI and age >5 years (OR2.24; 95%CI: 1.61-3.16), history of fracture (OR2.05; 95%CI: 1.22-3.43), or sports activity as a mechanism of injury (OR1.76; 95%CI: 1.29-2.38), among others. CONCLUSION: In Spain, most UIs are not serious. X-rays and immobilisation of extremities are the most frequently performed tests and procedures. Severe UIs were associated with individual factors, such as age >5years or history of fracture, and with sports activity as a mechanism associated with severity. It is vital to implement measures to improve the prevention of these injuries and to support the training of caregivers through educational programmes.
Accidental Injuries/epidemiology , Accidental Injuries/therapy , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Emergencies , Humans , Infant , Injury Severity Score , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Spain/epidemiology
OBJETIVO: Analizar las características clínico-epidemiológicas de los niños que consultan en urgencias por una lesión no intencionada (LNI) en España. MÉTODOS: Serie de casos multicéntrica con recogida de datos prospectiva desarrollada durante 12 meses, en los servicios de urgencias pediátricos (SUP) de 11 hospitales pertenecientes a la Red de Investigación de la Sociedad Española de Urgencias Pediátricas. La recogida de datos comenzó entre septiembre de 2014 y enero de 2015, continuando durante un año en todos los servicios de urgencias pediátricos, incluyéndose los niños de 0 a 16 años que consultaron por LNI. RESULTADOS: Durante el estudio se registraron 10.175 episodios, de los que 1.941 correspondieron a LNI (19,1%, IC 95%: 18,3-19,8%), incluyéndose 1.673 en el estudio. Las caídas, traumatismos directos y las lesiones derivadas de actividades deportivas constituyeron más del 80%, observándose variaciones significativas del mecanismo lesional en diferentes grupos de edad. Más de la mitad se produjeron en casa o en el colegio. En el 39% la LNI no fue presenciada por un adulto. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue traumatismo de extremidades (63,0%), objetivándose una fractura en 242 (14,4% de las LNI). Ingresaron 34 (2,0%) pacientes, sobre todo para reducción quirúrgica de fracturas (21, el 61,8% del total de ingresos). No se registraron fallecimientos en las primeras 24 h. CONCLUSIONES: Las LNI constituyen un motivo muy frecuente de consulta en urgencias en España. El conocimiento de las circunstancias que rodean a estas LNI ayudaría a desarrollar medidas preventivas adecuadas y mejorar la capacitación de las personas, sanitarias o no, que pueden participar en la atención a estos niños
OBJECTIVE: To analyse the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children who are attended in Emergency Departments (EDs) for an unintentional injury in Spain. METHODS: Multicentre case series with prospective data collection conducted during 12 months in the ED of 11 hospitals belonging to the Spanish Paediatric Emergency Research Group. Data were collected between September 2014 and January 2015, continuing for one year in all paediatric EDs, and included children between 0 and 16 years old seen for an unintentional injury. RESULTS: A total of 10,175 episodes were recorded during the study, of which 1,941 were due to unintentional injuries (19.1%, 95% CI: 18.3%-19.8%), and 1,673 of these were included in the study. Falling, direct injuries, and injuries due to sports activities represented more than 80%, with significant variations in the injuries mechanism observed in different age groups. More than occurred at home or school. About 40% of the unintentional injuries were not witnessed by an adult. The most frequent diagnosis was limb trauma (63.0%), with a fracture being observed in 242 (14.4% of unintentional injuries). As regards fractures, 34 (2.0%) were admitted to hospital, with 21 (61.8%) for surgical reduction of the fracture. No deaths were recorded in the first 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Unintentional injuries constitute a very common reason for consultation in EDs in Spain. The circumstances surrounding the unintentional injuries should be considered, in order to develop preventive measures and to improve the training of people involved in the care of these children
Humans , Male , Female , Infant, Newborn , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Pediatric Emergency Medicine , Primary Health Care , Accidental Falls , Athletic Injuries/epidemiology , Prospective Studies , Societies, Medical/organization & administration , Emergency Medical Services , Surveys and Questionnaires
OBJECTIVE: To analyse the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children who are attended in Emergency Departments (EDs) for an unintentional injury in Spain. METHODS: Multicentre case series with prospective data collection conducted during 12 months in the ED of 11 hospitals belonging to the Spanish Paediatric Emergency Research Group. Data were collected between September 2014 and January 2015, continuing for one year in all paediatric EDs, and included children between 0 and 16 years old seen for an unintentional injury. RESULTS: A total of 10,175 episodes were recorded during the study, of which 1,941 were due to unintentional injuries (19.1%, 95% CI: 18.3%-19.8%), and 1,673 of these were included in the study. Falling, direct injuries, and injuries due to sports activities represented more than 80%, with significant variations in the injuries mechanism observed in different age groups. More than occurred at home or school. About 40% of the unintentional injuries were not witnessed by an adult. The most frequent diagnosis was limb trauma (63.0%), with a fracture being observed in 242 (14.4% of unintentional injuries). As regards fractures, 34 (2.0%) were admitted to hospital, with 21 (61.8%) for surgical reduction of the fracture. No deaths were recorded in the first 24h. CONCLUSIONS: Unintentional injuries constitute a very common reason for consultation in EDs in Spain. The circumstances surrounding the unintentional injuries should be considered, in order to develop preventive measures and to improve the training of people involved in the care of these children.
Accidental Falls/statistics & numerical data , Athletic Injuries/epidemiology , Fractures, Bone/epidemiology , Wounds and Injuries/epidemiology , Accidents/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Age Factors , Child , Child, Preschool , Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Prospective Studies , Spain/epidemiology
Objetivos: Describir y analizar las lesiones asociadas a caídas en los menores de un año, la actuación durante su atención en urgencias, los medios empleados en su manejo y los factores que condicionan un mayor uso de los mismos. Material y métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, descriptivo y analítico. Se incluyeron los menores de un año que habían acudido por caídas al servicio de urgencias de 8 hospitales integrantes del Grupo de Trabajo de Lesiones no Intencionadas de la Sociedad Española de Urgencias Pediátricas. Se recogieron datos sobre las circunstancias previas a la llegada a urgencias, las lesiones observadas, la actuación en urgencias y los medios empleados durante su manejo. Resultados: Se identificaron 1.022 pacientes, un 0,35% de las urgencias atendidas (IC 95%: 0,348-0,352). La localización más frecuente del traumatismo fue craneal (58%). La indicación de radiografía de cráneo (31,8%) se relacionó con hematomas o signos de fractura en la exploración física (p < 0,001), alturas mayores de 100cm (p < 0,001) y edad menor de 3 meses (p = 0,004). Tras el traumatismo craneal leve (85,6%), las fracturas fueron el diagnóstico más frecuente, fundamentalmente craneales (7,1%), asociándose con una edad menor de 3 meses (p < 0,001) y con la existencia de hematoma o signos de fractura en la exploración física (p < 0,001). Un 6% de los casos requirieron hospitalización, identificándose la edad menor a 3 meses y una caída mayor a 50 cm como factores de riesgo. Conclusiones: Las lesiones por caídas en los menores de un año se producen fundamentalmente por traumatismos craneales y siguen constituyendo una indicación frecuente de realización de pruebas complementarias (AU)
Objectives: A study was performed in order to describe injuries associated with falls in children aged <1 year who attended the emergency department. The approaches used were examined, as well as the factors associated with the greater use of these approaches, and the management of the patient. Patients and methods: This was a multicentre, descriptive and analytical study that included all patients aged <1 year who had experienced a fall for which they attended the emergency departments of one of 8 Spanish Hospitals belonging to the "Unintentional Paediatric Injury Working Group" of the Spanish Paediatric Society. A record was made of the data regarding the visit, circumstances before arrival at the hospital, injuries observed, and the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches used. Results: A total of 1022 patients had experienced falls, that is, 0.35% of the emergencies attended in the study hospitals (95% CI, 0,348-0,352). The most commonly affected part was the head (58%). Cranial radiography was ordered in 31.8% of cases, and was associated with the presence of bruising or signs of fracture on examination (P < .001), falls from heights > 100cm (P < .001), and age < 3 months (P = .004). Minor head injury was the most common finding (85.6%), followed by fractures, especially cranial fractures (7.1%), which were associated with bruising or signs of fracture on examination (P < .001), and age < 3 months (P < .001). Six percent of the patients required admission to hospital. The risk factors for hospital admission in this group were falls from heights >50 cm and age < 3 months. Conclusions: Injuries after falls in infants aged < 1 year are commonly due to head trauma and frequently require additional diagnostic tests (AU)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant , Accidental Falls/statistics & numerical data , Emergency Treatment/methods , Multiple Trauma/epidemiology , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/diagnosis , Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures/statistics & numerical data , Risk Factors
Objetivos: Describir las características epidemiológicas de las caídas en menores de un año y analizar los factores de riesgo asociados a las lesiones de mayor gravedad. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, observacional y transversal, de los niños menores de un año que acudieron por caídas a las Urgencias de 8 hospitales del territorio nacional, pertenecientes al Grupo de Trabajo de Lesiones No Intencionadas de la Sociedad Española de Urgencias de Pediatría, entre el 1 de marzo de 2014 y el 28 de febrero de 2015. Resultados: De un total de 289.887 consultas, 1.022 correspondieron a caídas en menores de un año. La mediana de edad fue de 8 meses y el 52,5% fueron varones. Las lesiones por caídas fueron más frecuentes entre los 9 y los 12 meses (37,6%) y en el 83,5% el lugar de caída fue el domicilio habitual. Hasta un 69,4% sufrieron la caída desde dispositivos infantiles y desde una altura inferior a 50cm el 47,8%. En un 68% las caídas fueron presenciadas; sin embargo, en la mitad de los casos (329) el cuidador no se encontraba en el área de alcance. Un 12% de las lesiones fueron graves. En la muestra se identificaron la altura de la caída mayor a 50cm, las caídas en la vía pública, desde los brazos del cuidador y desde las escaleras como factores de gravedad independientes. Conclusiones: Las lesiones más graves se producen en niños <3 meses y desde una altura de >50cm, sin embargo, no se relacionan con caídas no presenciadas. Debido a que el mecanismo más frecuente en las lesiones graves es la caída desde los brazos del cuidador, desde las escaleras y en la vía pública, debemos alertar sobre este hecho para evitar la morbilidad asociada (AU)
Objectives: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of unintentional injuries due to falls in children under one year and to analyse the risk factors associated with severe injuries. Patients and methods: This multicentre, observational and cross-sectional study included all children less than one year treated for unintentional fall in the Emergency Departments of 8 Spanish Hospitals, belonging to the «Unintentional Paediatric Injury Workshop» of the Spanish Paediatric Emergency Society, between March 1st, 2014 and February 28th, 2015. Results: Out of 289,887 emergency department cases, 1,022 were due to unintentional falls. The median age was 8 months and 52.5% were males. Fall injuries were more frequent among children aged 9-12 months (37.6%), and 83.5% occurred at home. The most common mechanism was fall from nursery equipment (69.4%), and 47.8% occurred from a height under 50cm. More than two-thirds (68%) of falls were witnessed, but in half of the cases (329) the caregiver was not in area. Serious injuries were seen in 12% of cases. In this study, a fall height greater than 50cm, falls in the street, from the arms of the carer, and from the stairs were identified as independent risk factors for worse outcomes. Conclusions: The most serious injuries occur in children <3 months and from a height of >50cm, though not related to unwitnessed falls. Because the most common serious injury mechanism is the fall from the arms of the carer, from stairs, and falls in the street, these facts should be highlighted in order to avoid morbidity (AU)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant , Accidental Falls/statistics & numerical data , Wounds and Injuries/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Cross-Sectional Studies , Trauma Severity Indices , Infant Equipment/adverse effects
OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of unintentional injuries due to falls in children under one year and to analyse the risk factors associated with severe injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This multicentre, observational and cross-sectional study included all children less than one year treated for unintentional fall in the Emergency Departments of 8 Spanish Hospitals, belonging to the «Unintentional Paediatric Injury Workshop¼ of the Spanish Paediatric Emergency Society, between March 1st, 2014 and February 28th, 2015. RESULTS: Out of 289,887 emergency department cases, 1,022 were due to unintentional falls. The median age was 8 months and 52.5% were males. Fall injuries were more frequent among children aged 9-12 months (37.6%), and 83.5% occurred at home. The most common mechanism was fall from nursery equipment (69.4%), and 47.8% occurred from a height under 50cm. More than two-thirds (68%) of falls were witnessed, but in half of the cases (329) the caregiver was not in area. Serious injuries were seen in 12% of cases. In this study, a fall height greater than 50cm, falls in the street, from the arms of the carer, and from the stairs were identified as independent risk factors for worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The most serious injuries occur in children <3 months and from a height of >50cm, though not related to unwitnessed falls. Because the most common serious injury mechanism is the fall from the arms of the carer, from stairs, and falls in the street, these facts should be highlighted in order to avoid morbidity.
Accidental Falls/statistics & numerical data , Wounds and Injuries/epidemiology , Wounds and Injuries/etiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Infant , Injury Severity Score , Male , Risk Factors
OBJECTIVES: A study was performed in order to describe injuries associated with falls in children aged <1 year who attended the emergency department. The approaches used were examined, as well as the factors associated with the greater use of these approaches, and the management of the patient. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a multicentre, descriptive and analytical study that included all patients aged <1 year who had experienced a fall for which they attended the emergency departments of one of 8 Spanish Hospitals belonging to the "Unintentional Paediatric Injury Working Group" of the Spanish Paediatric Society. A record was made of the data regarding the visit, circumstances before arrival at the hospital, injuries observed, and the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches used. RESULTS: A total of 1022 patients had experienced falls, that is, 0.35% of the emergencies attended in the study hospitals (95% CI, 0,348-0,352). The most commonly affected part was the head (58%). Cranial radiography was ordered in 31.8% of cases, and was associated with the presence of bruising or signs of fracture on examination (P<.001), falls from heights >100cm (P<.001), and age <3 months (P=.004). Minor head injury was the most common finding (85.6%), followed by fractures, especially cranial fractures (7.1%), which were associated with bruising or signs of fracture on examination (P<.001), and age <3 months (P<.001). Six percent of the patients required admission to hospital. The risk factors for hospital admission in this group were falls from heights >50cm and age <3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Injuries after falls in infants aged <1 year are commonly due to head trauma and frequently require additional diagnostic tests.
Accidental Falls , Wounds and Injuries/therapy , Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Facilities and Services Utilization/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Wounds and Injuries/etiology
