Understanding low acuity emergency department presentations in infancy: A cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Low acuity presentations (LAPs) contribute to large numbers of ED presentations and carry numerous consequences. The present study sought to improve the understanding of regional infant LAPs by analysing temporal patterns of presentation, discharge diagnoses and potential predictive factors. METHODS: This retrospective observational study examined ED presentations among children less than 12 months old (infants) to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital between 2017 and 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to identify temporal patterns of presentation and common discharge diagnoses among LAPs. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between early life, demographic and perinatal factors and low acuity presenters. RESULTS: Of 6881 infant ED presentations, 19.8% were LAPs, occurring disproportionately on weekdays (82.2%) and during hours of 08.00-17.00 (69.9%). Respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal complaints were most common overall, though non-allergic rash, feeding difficulties, eczema and developmental concerns contributed substantially among LAPs. Socio-economic status (SES) (odds ratio [OR] 1.71), overseas maternal nationality (OR 1.25) and Medicare ineligible maternal financial class (OR 0.49) were associated with low acuity presenters. Low appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration score (OR 3.53), low SES (OR 3.26), complicated delivery (OR 1.64), maternal multiparity (OR 0.50), maternal partner presence (OR 0.40) and obstetric complications (OR 0.37) were associated with repeat, multi-low acuity presenters (multi-LAPs). CONCLUSION: A substantial minority of infant ED presentations are LAPs. Targeted interventions may benefit from focusing on families with a background of socioeconomic disadvantage, social isolation, cultural and linguistic diversity and perinatal complications, with a view to strengthening engagement with community-based services among these groups.