At-risk characteristics for hospital admissions and ED visits.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the factors associated with hospital utilization among infants and young children with complex chronic conditions (CCC). DESIGN AND METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted with 216 medical records of children with CCC. RESULTS: Greater complexity, younger age, living with siblings, use of public insurance or self-pay, use of more than one type of insurance, and presence of conditions affecting certain body systems were associated with increased hospital and emergency department (ED) utilization. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses must have a heightened awareness of these at-risk characteristics to prevent avoidable hospital admissions and ED visits.