Citation

McNeill I, Staib A, Isoardi KZ. Emerg. Med. Australas. 2024; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and Australasian Society for Emergency Medicine, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1742-6723.14453

PMID

38837654

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the impact a Virtual Toxicology Service had on the ALOS of poisoned patients.

METHODS: This single-centre before-after study compares the ALOS of poisoned patients (diagnosis-related group X62, poisoning/toxic effects of drugs and other substances) following the introduction of a Virtual Toxicology Service in 2020.

RESULTS: The ALOS decreased from 0.89 days in the 2-year pre-intervention period to 0.62 days in the 3-year post-intervention period, with a potential bed saving of 703 days.

CONCLUSION: The introduction of a Virtual Toxicology Service appeared to be associated with a decreased ALOS of poisoned patients.

Language: en

Keywords

telehealth; toxicology; digital health; virtual health