COVID-19 impact on the emergency and hospitalization of a tertiary hospital. Management lessons learned. / Impacto COVID-19 en la urgencia y hospitalización de un hospital terciario. Lecciones de gestión aprendidas.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The objective is to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pediatric emergencies and hospital admissions. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients treated in a tertiary hospital, from March 14 to April 26, 2020, compared to the same period of the previous 3 years. RESULTS: A notable overall reduction in emergency room visits and admissions is observed in all pediatric areas, maintaining care in neonatology and scheduled admissions in oncology. DISCUSSION: The reduction in global activity in pediatric emergencies is not only explained by the decrease in contagious diseases. The decrease in inadequate demand and inappropriate income may have contributed. The availability of pediatric beds would make the reduction of programmed surgical activity unnecessary and would allow the redistribution of resources to areas with greater healthcare pressure.