Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on inpatient admissions and management of patients with anorexia nervosa within a single tertiary paediatric gastroenterology department

ABSTRACT

N3 Figure 1New inpatient admissions and average length of stay by quarters from June 2018 - May 2021[Figure omitted. See PDF] N3 Figure 2Average daily bed occupancy with anorexia nervosa patients per month from May 2018 - June 2021[Figure omitted. See PDF]Summary and ConclusionThis study has demonstrated an increase in number of inpatient admissions for patients with Anorexia Nervosa at a single centre over the past year. A national shortage in specialised Tier 4 ED beds has also likely contributed to increase in patient volume, length of stay and requirement for more intensive management, placing a greater demand on hospital resources.It is recognised that there is an increasing number of patients presenting with Anorexia Nervosa. The observed trend of patients with increased complexity and severity, delay in presentation and prolonged hospital stay is likely to have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic.