Ten-year trends in acute hospital activity related to gastrointestinal infection

Aims: Recent studies have highlighted the impact of gastrointestinal infections in Ireland (1.5 million working days lost annually). We analysed National HIPE data returns from 1994–2003 as they related to intestinal infections to assess the impact of these disorders on acute hospital activity.

Results: Data for the total number of inpatient discharges and length of stay were analysed for HIPE returns with a principal diagnosis of intestinal infectious disease (ICD-9-CM, 001–009). Contrary to expectation, a reduction in both the number of in-patient episodes and length of stay over the period was noted. This corresponded to a reduction in annual bed days from over 26,200 in 1998 (the peak year) to 14,300 in 2003 (a 45% reduction). The trend was most marked in the former ERHA area and related almost exclusively to adult patients. NDSC statistics suggest no significant reduction in the incidence of intestinal infections overall and indeed document the rising frequency of outbreaks of viral intestinal infections (related to norovirus or similar).

Conclusions: Admission rates for adults with intestinal infections have fallen over the past 10 years. This trend may be explained by pressures on acute bed capacity, concern about institutional outbreaks of norovirus infection or changes in the type of intestinal infection presenting to hospital.