Investigation of Causes of Emergency Service Admission and Triage of the Newborn

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the reasons for the emergency admission of the newborn. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on the records of newborns aged 0-28 days (n=4212) admitted to the pediatric emergency department of a public hospital between 01.01.2020-31.12.2022. The analyses were performed using the SPSS 26.0 program. Descriptive data were presented as numbers, percentages, and mean, and categorical data were evaluated using the chi-square test. Significance level p<0.05 was accepted. Results: 28.9% (n=1217) of the applications were in 2020, 36.7% (n=1545) in 2021, and 34.4% (n=1450) in 2022. The number of applications increased in the fall months, and the most common diagnoses were healthy baby examinations and jaundice. Looking at the number of admissions over the years, it was determined that the number of 1-7-day admissions was higher in 2021 (?2=10.470, p=0.005), healthy infant examination showed a significant difference, jaundice was low in 2020, and admissions with restlessness and agitation increased in 2022 (?2=222.467, p=0.000). According to triage levels, it is seen that there are generally T3 applicants who receive a yellow area. In 2022, yellow area T2 applications increased, green area decreased in 2021, yellow area T3 increased in 2021 (?2=94.526; p=0.000), hospitalizations increased (?2=50.029, p=0.000), and deaths were high in 2020 (?2=7.388, p=0.025). Conclusion: Newborns use pediatric emergency departments significantly, and admissions increase, especially in the fall season. Admissions are generally more frequent due to healthy baby examinations and jaundice.