Propensity-matched study examines return-to-care rates for children discharged from the PICU, indicating similar outcomes between direct home discharge and ward transfer.
Key Points
Children discharged directly home from the PICU showed similar return-to-care rates as peers transferred to the ward.
Of 560,815 PICU discharges, 150,126 were directly discharged home, with a return-to-ED care rate of 2.9%.
Propensity-matched cohort study involving 94,048 children discharged directly home and 153,887 transferred to the ward.
Direct home discharge may offer enhanced efficiency for healthcare systems by lowering costs while maintaining care outcomes.