Variation in rates of hospital admission for appendicitis in Wales.

In a study designed to investigate the variations in rates of admission to hospital for appendicitis in Wales Hospital Activity Analysis listings were analyzed according to the sex and age of the patients and the month and day of the week of admission. The incidence of hospitalization was greatest among boys aged 10-14 and girls aged 15-19. The number of admissions was higher on weekdays than at weekends, but there were no seasonal variations. Durations of stay differed between the 17 health districts.
We conclude that admission rates vary mainly because of differing hospital admission policies. Admission is not wholly governed by the sudden onset of abdominal pain;
Department of Community Medicine, Welsh National School of Medicine, Cardiff CF4 4XN R R WEST, MA, PHD, senior lecturer M J CAREY, medical student
other factors include the threshold of consultation of each patient, the referral habits of general practitioners, the availability of hospital beds, and the degree to which doctors and patients expect admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]