The appropriateness evaluation protocol: application in an Australian children's hospital.

Abstract

Objective: The study was undertaken to evaluate the use of the Paediatric Evaluation Protocol (PAEP) in the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Western Australia. A random sample of 557 patient records was reviewed using the United States Paediatric Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP).

Results: Thirteen per cent of admissions and 10% of days of stay may have been medically inappropriate in the year of study. The PAEP is a useful tool for utilization review in children's hospitals in Australia and may with benefit be modified.