[Pediatric emergency patients in the emergency departments of a German metropolitan region : A retrospective cross-sectional study over a one-year period].

Capacity planning for inpatient emergency care of pediatric patients requires planning for more beds than can be expected on a population basis. The availability of panel physician care influences patient volume in the EDs. Initial medical assessment tools for treatment need and urgency are needed to distribute patients. The pediatric emergency centers planned as part of the current reform of emergency care must be adequately staffed and financed in order to be able to handle-in close cooperation with statutory health insurance-accredited medical care-the expected demand for care.