@article{ref1,
title="Fall injuries in the pediatric population: safer and most cost-effective management",
journal="Journal of trauma",
year="2000",
author="Pillai, S. B. and Bethel, C. A. and Besner, G. E. and Caniano, D. A. and Cooney, D. R.",
volume="48",
number="6",
pages="1048-50; discussion 1050",
abstract="BACKGROUND: At our children's hospital, 30% of all trauma admissions are from falls. The aim of this study was to outline inefficiencies and unnecessary costs incurred in the care of these patients. METHODS: The charts of 127 children admitted for falls (height > or = 9 feet) from 1993 to 1996 were reviewed. Patient demographics, injuries, and treatment costs were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven children (45%) were evaluated at an outside facility before transfer. Of these, 73% had injuries requiring treatment at the pediatric center. Local hospital work-up resulted in an average treatment delay of 4.5 hours. Additionally, significant cost was incurred by duplication of radiographic studies, the majority of which were normal. CONCLUSION: Improved and more cost-effective care in pediatric falls can be ensured by immediate transfer of patients with significant injuries, omission of radiographs before transfer, and avoidance of multiple routine x-ray films, the majority of which are normal.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0022-5282",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}