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CMAJ • October 16, 2001; 165 (8)
© 2001 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors

Review
Synthèse

Respiratory day hospital: a novel approach to acute respiratory care

Kevin Schwartzman, Guylaine Duquette, May Zaoudé, Marie-Josée Dion, Marie-Annie Lagacé, Jacinthe Poitras and Manuel G. Cosio

From the Respiratory Division, McGill University Health Centre, and the Respiratory Epidemiology Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Que.

Correspondence to: Dr. Kevin Schwartzman, Respiratory Epidemiology Unit, 1110 Pine Ave. W, Montreal QC H3A 1A3; kevin.schwartzman{at}mcgill.ca

Abstract

IN 1996 WE ESTABLISHED A DAY HOSPITAL DEDICATED to acute respiratory care, as an alternative to emergency department and inpatient treatment. The unit is staffed by respirologists, family physicians and specialized nurses; patients have access to all standard inpatient treatments and services. Between 1996/97 and 1998/99 the annual number of admissions to the day hospital increased from 658 to 922. By 1998/99 more than 75% of patients were referred for acute treatment, with a mean stay of 2.3 days. The most common diagnoses were asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which accounted for 58% and 32% respectively of treatment-related admissions. Treatment most often involved intravenous corticosteroid therapy and inhaled bronchodilator therapy. Between 1996/97 and 1998/9 the proportion of patients requiring transfer to overnight care decreased from 22% to 14%; complications and unscheduled return visits were rare. We believe that a respiratory day hospital provides a useful alternative to emergency department and inpatient care.




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