At-risk characteristics for hospital admissions and ED visits.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore the factors associated with hospital utilization among infants and young children with complex chronic conditions (CCC). Design and MethodsA descriptive, retrospective study was conducted with 216 medical records of children with CCC. ResultsGreater complexity, younger age, living with siblings, use of public insurance or self-pay, use of more than one type of insurance, and presence of conditions affecting certain body systems were associated with increased hospital and emergency department (ED) utilization. Practice ImplicationsNurses must have a heightened awareness of these at-risk characteristics to prevent avoidable hospital admissions and ED visits.