A study of admissions and inpatients over the Christmas period using the appropriateness evaluation protocol (AEP)

The aim of the study was to examine appropriateness of admissions and inpatients over Christmas especially in the elderly. The study was a prospective audit of admissions and inpatients to the Whittington Hospital. The main outcome measures were appropriateness of admission or day of hospital residence using the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol. The protocol was applied to admissions and inpatients over Christmas and control periods. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the number of elderly admissions between the control period and Christmas period, 94 (34%) vs. 104 (43%) (P=0.02). However there was no corresponding change in appropriateness of elderly admissions, ten (10.6%) vs. six (5.8%), (P=0.2). The inappropriateness of day of hospital residence increased from 10% on the control day to 20% on the study day (P=0.02). In conclusion elderly patients are not admitted more inappropriately over Christmas but their discharge at this time appears to be delayed resulting in inappropriate bed use.