Effect of using pediatric emergency department virtual observation on inpatient admissions and lengths of stay.

Objective: To determine whether using emergency department (ED) virtual observation for select pediatric conditions decreases admission rates for these conditions, and to examine effects on length of stay.

Methods: The option of ED virtual observation care for 9 common pediatric conditions was introduced in 2009; associated order sets were developed. Retrospective secondary analyses of administrative data from our tertiary care pediatric ED and children's hospital were performed for the year before (year 0) and after (year 1) this disposition option was introduced.

Underlying Rationale and Approach to Treat Hypertension in Adolescents by Physicians of Different Specialty.

Objective: To describe the underlying clinical decision-making rationale among general pediatricians, family physicians, pediatric cardiologists and pediatric nephrologists in their approach to an adolescent with hypertension.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured phone interviews with a convenience sample of physicians from the above-mentioned 4 specialties. Each participant was asked to "think aloud" regarding their approach to a hypothetical patient - 12 year old boy with persistent hypertension for 6 months.