A proposal to restructure 6 North Pediatric Unit to improve bed management -

Abstract

Aim:6 North is the only pediatric medical-surgical unit at AUB-MC. Many times it is impossible to admit patients because rooms are blocked for isolating children with infectious diseases. The aim of this project is to assess the bed management problem in 6 North and to propose a feasible short-term solution pending new buildings coming on stream. Methods: In depth examination of the bed management problem in 6 North and selected literature review to identify effective strategies for overcoming the problem in the short-term. Results: I t is proposed to convert three rooms in 6 South (occupancy rate 50percent) for the isolation of 6 North patients, and to reorganize patient care in 6 North. Conclusion: Converting three rooms in 6 South for the isolation of 6 North patients will ease the admission pressures on 6 North at reasonable costs, thereby facilitating better utilization of beds in 6 North and 6 South. The effect will be to reduce the number of pediatric patients staying unnecessarily in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and reduce loss of revenue by diverting patients who should be admitted to 6 North to other hospitals.