Risk Factors for Return Visits to the Pediatric Emergency Department: Systematic Search and Review

Abstract

Objectives Return visits (RVs) to the emergency department (ED) has always been a major concern. RVs to the emergency department are a big burden on the healthcare system as its cost is higher than the cost of the initial visit. This review was performed to identify factors associated with risk of RVs to the pediatric ED. Methods and Analysis An investigator searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Studies were identified by using MeSH and keywords and included RVs to the pediatric ED up to 1 year a primary outcome. All studies were screened by two independent reviewers for eligibility and in case of disagreement, a meeting was held to discuss the problematic studies and a consensus was achieved. Results The search identified 539 reports from which 28 articles were included. Data was then extracted from the included studies according to a preset format. The exposures were grouped in 3 different groups: very probable, possible, and less likely. As a result, young age, language barrier and high acuity were identified as very probable risk factors. Having a public insurance or with low income, patients with comorbidities and patients who had multiple previous ED visits were found to be possible risk factors for return visits. Conclusion Young age, high acuity and language barrier among others are risk factors for return visits to the pediatric ED. Physicians should be aware of these factors and have a low threshold for admission or a good discharge plan for patients with one or more factors.