Research: Research paves way for kids to leave hospital

A worldwide review, by researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, has found young patients with acute infections, skin infections, appendicitis, urinary tract infections, chest infections in cystic fibrosis and infections in cancer, can be treated at home. It revealed at-home treatment was just as good as in hospital, in terms of safety, cost and patient satisfaction. The report’s author, Associate Professor Penelope Bryant, said the results would benefit families and hospitals. ‘‘This allows children to get home more quickly, as traditionally children spend more time in hospital than they need to,’’ Dr Bryant said. ‘‘It also benefits other children coming into the hospital, so there’s less wait time in emergency departments. For some children we might be able to avoid hospital altogether.’’ Right now, Dr Bryant said between 22 and 25 children in Victoria were receiving IV treatment at home daily. Nurses and doctors visit the families with all the equipment required.

Age, 18/08/2017, Page 8

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