The accuracy of interqual criteria in determining the need for observation versus hospitalization in emergency department patients with chronic heart failure.

McKesson's Interqual criteria are one of the medical screening criteria that are widely used in emergency departments (EDs) to determine if patients qualify for observation or inpatient admission. Chronic heart failure (CHF) is one of the most common yet severe cardiovascular diseases seen in the ED with a relatively higher admission rate. This study is to evaluate the accuracy of Interqual criteria in determining observation versus hospitalization need in CHF patients. From January 2009 till December 2010, data from 503 CHF patients were reviewed. One hundred twenty-two patients were observed and 381 patients were admitted. Only one variable (blood urea nitrogen, ≥30 mg/dL; odds ratio, 2.44) from Interqual criteria had reached statistical significant difference between observation and hospitalization groups. Our results showed that based on the initial review at ED, clinical variables from Interqual criteria did not appear to help accurately predict the level of care in CHF patient in our patient population. Other clinical variables may need to be added in the criteria for better prediction.