Superlotação versus ociosidade: o paradoxo da ocupação dos leitos pediátricos no Estado de Sergipe, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the pattern of utilization of Sergipe’s pediatric public health system based on occupation rates of pediatric hospital beds from Sergipe’s health zones and the severity of lower respiratory tract infections cases hospitalized at Hospital de Urgências de Sergipe (HUSE). Methodology The study was carried from May/2012 to April/2013 using questionnaires; clinical exams and evaluation of the severity of the cases; analysis of the regional distribution of the cases. Occupation rates were obtained from State Health Secretary. Results A total of 244 patients were included: 108 (44,2%%) had severe infection and 136 (55,7%) had non-severe infection. HUSE's occupation rate was 101,1%. The occupation rates from the state's health zones were: 25,9%, 11,5%, 42,5%, 16,1%, 11,9%, 10,1%, 5,3%. Conclusions The pattern of utilization of Sergipe's pediatric public health system was inappropriate: there was overcrowding at HUSE and idleness in the occupation of state's health zones hospital beds. 55,7% of the patients hospitalized at HUSE not really need to be admitted at a referral institution. The creation of a hospital bed management department and the implantation of a referral protocol could reduce HUSE's overcrowding and improve Sergipe's health network efficiency.