Pediatrics
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Multicenter Study
Volume-outcome relationships in pediatric intensive care units.
Pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) have expanded nationally, yet few studies have examined the potential impact of regionalization and no study has demonstrated whether a relationship between patient volume and outcome exists in these units. Documentation of an inverse relationship between volume and outcome has important implications for regionalization of care. ⋯ The volume of patients in PICUs is inversely related to risk-adjusted mortality and patient length of stay. A further understanding of this relationship is needed to develop effective regionalization and referral policies for critically ill children.