1. Introduction
Hospital admissions can generally be classified into two main types:
- Emergency Admissions – When a patient requires immediate medical attention due to life-threatening conditions or urgent health issues.
- Scheduled (Elective) Admissions – When a patient’s hospital stay is pre-planned, often for non-urgent procedures or treatments.
Understanding the differences between these two types of admissions is crucial for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, ensuring that the admission process is smooth, efficient, and effective.
This lecture will explore:
✔ The key characteristics of emergency and scheduled admissions.
✔ The steps involved in each admission type.
✔ The documentation and financial aspects for both admission types.
✔ The challenges and best practices associated with each process.
By the end of this lecture, you will have a clear understanding of how hospital admissions work, enabling you to prepare effectively whether in an emergency or for a scheduled procedure.
2. Emergency Admissions
A. What is an Emergency Admission?
An emergency admission occurs when a patient requires immediate hospitalization due to a serious injury, sudden illness, or life-threatening condition. These admissions are unplanned and are often handled in the emergency department (ED) or casualty ward of a hospital.
B. Common Reasons for Emergency Admissions
✔ Accidents & Trauma – Road accidents, falls, burns, or severe injuries.
✔ Cardiac Emergencies – Heart attacks, strokes, or arrhythmias.
✔ Severe Respiratory Issues – Asthma attacks, pneumonia, or respiratory failure.
✔ Uncontrolled Bleeding – Internal bleeding, severe wounds, or hemorrhaging.
✔ Pregnancy-Related Emergencies – Pre-eclampsia, severe bleeding, or labor complications.
✔ Severe Infections – Sepsis, meningitis, or life-threatening fevers.
💡 Example: A patient involved in a car accident with severe bleeding is rushed to the emergency department, requiring immediate treatment and surgery.
C. The Emergency Admission Process
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Arrival & Initial Assessment
- The patient arrives at the hospital via ambulance, private transport, or referral from a smaller facility.
- Triage nurses assess the severity of the condition and prioritize treatment accordingly.
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Medical Stabilization
- The patient receives immediate life-saving interventions, such as CPR, oxygen therapy, or medication.
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Registration & Documentation
- If possible, hospital staff collect the patient’s identification details and medical history.
- If unconscious or critical, a relative or caregiver may provide the necessary documents.
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Treatment & Admission Decision
- Based on the severity of the condition, the doctor decides whether to:
✔ Discharge the patient after treatment.
✔ Admit the patient for further care.
✔ Transfer the patient to a higher-level facility if specialized care is needed.
- Based on the severity of the condition, the doctor decides whether to:
D. Challenges in Emergency Admissions
✔ Overcrowding in Emergency Departments – Many public hospitals face long waiting times.
✔ Limited Medical History Availability – Patients in critical condition may be unable to provide their health records.
✔ Insurance & Payment Issues – Some hospitals require financial deposits before admission, which can delay urgent care.
📌 Further Learning: Kenya Emergency Medical Care Policy
3. Scheduled (Elective) Admissions
A. What is a Scheduled Admission?
A scheduled admission (also called an elective admission) is planned in advance for non-emergency medical procedures, treatments, or surgeries.
💡 Example: A patient diagnosed with a hernia may schedule a surgery date weeks or months in advance.
B. Common Reasons for Scheduled Admissions
✔ Elective Surgeries – Knee replacement, hernia repair, cosmetic surgery.
✔ Chronic Disease Management – Cancer treatments, dialysis, or long-term care.
✔ Planned Maternity Admissions – C-sections, induced labor, or pregnancy monitoring.
✔ Diagnostic Procedures – Colonoscopies, biopsies, or advanced imaging requiring hospitalization.
📌 Further Learning: Planned Medical Procedures in Kenya
C. The Scheduled Admission Process
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Consultation & Diagnosis
- The patient consults a specialist, who determines the need for hospital admission.
- A date for hospitalization is scheduled based on the patient’s availability and hospital capacity.
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Pre-Admission Preparations
- The patient completes medical tests (e.g., bloodwork, X-rays) before admission.
- Insurance pre-authorization is completed to avoid last-minute payment issues.
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Admission & Treatment
- The patient arrives at the hospital on the scheduled date, completes paperwork, and is admitted to the appropriate ward.
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Post-Treatment Recovery & Discharge
- The patient is monitored post-treatment, given discharge instructions, and scheduled for follow-up care.
💡 Tip: Patients undergoing surgery should fast for 8–12 hours before admission if required.
📌 Further Learning: Kenya Surgical Care Policy
D. Advantages of Scheduled Admissions
✔ Better Planning – Allows time for financial and personal preparations.
✔ Lower Costs – Elective procedures may be less expensive than emergency treatments.
✔ Reduced Stress – Patients have time to understand procedures and prepare mentally.
4. Summary: Key Takeaways
✔ Emergency admissions are unplanned and occur due to life-threatening conditions requiring immediate treatment.
✔ Scheduled admissions are planned in advance for non-urgent medical treatments or procedures.
✔ Emergency admission challenges include overcrowding, lack of patient medical history, and financial constraints.
✔ Scheduled admissions allow better preparation, reducing stress and improving patient outcomes.
5. End of Lecture Quiz
1. What is the main difference between an emergency and a scheduled admission?
A) Emergency admissions involve pre-booked appointments.
B) Scheduled admissions are always covered by insurance.
C) Emergency admissions require immediate medical attention, while scheduled admissions are planned.
D) Scheduled admissions happen only in private hospitals.
Answer: C) Emergency admissions require immediate medical attention, while scheduled admissions are planned.
💡 Rationale: Emergency admissions are for urgent cases, while scheduled admissions allow advance planning.
2. Why are scheduled admissions preferred for non-urgent procedures?
A) They allow patients to prepare financially and medically.
B) They are always free.
C) They are faster than emergency treatments.
D) They do not require health insurance.
Answer: A) They allow patients to prepare financially and medically.
💡 Rationale: Scheduled admissions give patients time to organize finances, insurance, and personal care.
6. Further Learning Resources
📌 Kenya Ministry of Health – Emergency Care Guidelines: www.health.go.ke
📌 SHA (Former NHIF) Coverage for Emergency & Elective Admissions: www.sha.go.ke
📌 Kenya Red Cross Emergency Response Services: www.redcross.or.ke
