LAUSR

Methods In this observational hospital based study electronic data was analysed focusing on medical diagnosis and seasonal distribution over a period of 5 years (Sep 2013 to August 2018). Data was collected and analysed by the two authors. Excluded from the study neonates and those attended with non-medical conditions (e.g. injuries, surgical problems). Results 32474 eligible patients attended the PE Department during the study period. Top medical diagnoses contributed to 65% (n = 21108) of total attendances and included fever without focus; (n=3949; 12%); tonsillitis (n= 2485; 7.5%); gastritis and/or gastroenteritis (n=2971; 9%); acute bronchiolitis (n= 2042; 6%); bronchial asthma (n=1602; 5%); upper respiratory tract infection (n= 1122; 3.5%); seizure (2443; 7.5%); skin rash (n=1772; 5.5%); sickle cell disease and other causes of anaemia (n=2845; 9%). Seasonal distribution of most common medical diagnoses was autumn (29%); summer (19%); winter (27%) and spring (25%). Conclusion Our findings showed convincing evidence that majority of medical diagnoses of PE attendance can be managed by an experienced general paediatricians and paediatric nurses. Furthermore, we found there was no considerable seasonal variation among these medical causes. .