Determinants of non-urgent emergency department use

Dixe,  Maria dos Anjos; Passadouro, Rui; Peralta, Teresa; Ferreira, Carlos; Lourenço, Georgina; Sousa, Pedro Miguel Lopes

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/3203

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Authors

Dixe, Maria dos Anjos

Sousa, Pedro Miguel Lopes

Abstract(s)

Background: The use of the emergency department (ED) for non-urgent situations is a source of concern, both at the national and international levels. Objectives: To assess the sociodemographic characteristics and ED use of non-urgent patients and to identify the reasons for non-urgent ED use. Methodology: This cross-sectional study used patient interviews and the electronic medical records of 357 patients triaged as non-urgent at a Portuguese hospital ED, using an accidental sampling technique. Results: The majority of patients were women, middle-aged, and had a low education level; most of them used the ED during the day and on their own initiative. The most common reasons were: My disease justifies ED use (91.7%) and I can undergo all medical examinations on the same day (65.6%). The majority of patients (87.9%) were discharged, and 84.9% had access to a family doctor. Conclusion: Multiple determinants of non-urgent ED use were identified. Some recommendations were put forward to improve the rational use of healthcare services.