The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operation of the Emergency Department at the University Hospital in Opole over 12 months: a retrospective study

Aim of the study
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic profoundly impacted paediatric patient presentations at hospital emergency departments (EDs) worldwide. This study, conducted between 1 September 2019, and 31 August 2020, aimed to compare the admissions of paediatric patients before and after the outbreak of the pandemic (two 6-month periods) in a reference paediatric centre in the Opole voivodeship.

Material and methods
The research involved a retrospective analysis of anonymised data from Clininet – an elec­tronic medical record system covering patient demographics, referral information, and diagnoses.

Results
The results indicated a significant decrease of approximately 70% in paediatric admissions to the ED after the outbreak of the pandemic. This decrease was accompanied by an increase in the proportion of patients admitted based on referrals from primary care providers or brought in by emergency medical teams. Before the outbreak of the pandemic, respiratory infections were the most common reason for paediatric ED visits. However, after the outbreak of the pandemic, diseases related to the digestive system became the predominant cause of admission.

Conclusions
These findings suggest significant shifts in healthcare utilisation patterns after the outbreak of the pandemic. The study emphasises the need for healthcare systems to adapt and improve their strategies for managing future health crises. By analysing the changes in patient presentations during this period, healthcare providers can enhance their preparedness and develop more effective responses to future public health emergencies.