Impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Outbreaks on the Use of Emergency Department Medical Resources

Abstract

The SARS outbreak did not eliminate the need of critically ill patients for advanced medical support. However, besides an overall decrease in patient numbers, the SARS epidemic markedly altered demographic information, clinical characteristics, and the use of medical services by adult patients in the ED of a SARS-dedicated hospital.

Hospitalization for Ambulatory-care-sensitive Conditions in Taiwan Following the SARS Outbreak: A Population-based Interrupted Time Series Study

“…5 SARS reduced considerably access to medical care and health service utilization during the outbreak. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] The effects of this reduced utilization on the population's health has been studied rarely.Taiwan was confirmed to have 346 probable cases and 37 deaths caused by SARS, and was one of the countries affected significantly by the outbreak. 4 Due to the fear of SARS, many patients and care providers were reluctant to seek or provide care.…”

“…6,15 Health service utilization for lifethreatening diseases was nearly unaffected. 10,15 Although a SARS outbreak has not recurred, other potential infectious diseases such as pandemic influenza or avian flu may emerge in the future. To guide preparation and planning, it is necessary to investigate the potential health impact of decreased service utilization caused by disruption to the health care system during major outbreaks.…”

“…Health services utilizations of acute conditions were not significantly affected by SARS during the outbreak. 10,11 2. Acute conditions, in general, are more life-threatening.…”

The emergency medical services in Singapore

“…An outbreak such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) will certainly have an impact on the EAS and EMS. [15][16][17] Policies and changes had to be implemented rapidly and information disseminated effectively to all personnel for full compliance. All paramedics were put on high alert.…”

“…Temperature was used as a monitor for both patients and staff. 15,16 When taking the clinical history, emphasis was given to travel history, history of febrile illnesses and associated symptoms. Algorithms for the management of febrile patients were circulated and adhered to.…”