The past years have shown a dramatic increase in pediatric hospitalist system across the United States and Canada. In 1999, 50% of pediatric department chiefs in academic hospitals reported that hospitalists worked in their units and another 27% expected to hire them in the next several years. Just recently the Harvard Medical School made a systematic review and concluded that the hospitalist system resulted in earlier discharges and reduced costs for children with asthma and dehydration. This proved that hospitalists can increase efficiency in the hospital and can reduce the cost for children with common pediatric conditions.
We shall see an increase in hospitalist system in the coming years since it is now proven that it is good for patient care, it reduces costs and it relieves primary care physicians of some of its stresses.