Publication: Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Department Admissions and Outcome
Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Health Research Council
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Emergency Department admissions have changed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding this variation may play a crucial role in rearranging hospital resources for better outcome. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department admission and outcome.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional retrospective study conducted at Bharatpur Hospital, Nepal comparing pre- pandemic data of the 4 months (March 24 to July 21, 2019) with the initial 4 months of the pandemic (March 24 to July 21, 2020).
Results: Admission in emergency ward decreased during covid period among female admission (47%vs43%), age-group(0-14)(18%vs12%), Dalit(17%vs11%) p<0.0001.Diagnosis increased during covid for acute abdomen(11%vs13%), animal and insect bite(10%vs13%), psychiatric illness(2%vs6%),poisoning and drug over dose(0.9%vs2.6%)(p<0.0001).The odds for referral(cOR 3.62,95% CI:2.70-4.84), Left against medical advice(cOR 6.03,95% CI:.06-8.94) and death(cOR 3.28,95% CI:1.64-6.68) increased during the covid respectively.
Conclusions: There was decrease in rates of emergency department utilization during the Covid-19 pandemic. Admissions due to trauma, gastrointestinal, respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal and coronary artery disease showed a decline whereas psychiatric disorders, diabetes and hypertension, animal and insect bites cases increased. Overall, mortality rate was increased.
Keywords: Admission; Covid-19; emergency department
Description
Jagannath Tiwari
Bharatpur Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
Pramod Paudel
Bharatpur Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
Sujan Adhikari
Bharatpur Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
Sharmila Lamichhane
Bharatpur Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
Anjali Basnet
Global Star Education Foundation, Maitidevi, Kathmandu, Nepal
Kirtipal Subedi
Paropakar Maternity and Women Hospital, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal
Pratiksha Bhattarai
Golden Community, Chakupat, Lalitpur Nepal
Prajwal Paudel
Paropakar Maternity and Women Hospital, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal