Increasing emergency hospital activity in Denmark, 2005–2016: a nationwide descriptive study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo describe changes in unplanned acute activity and to identify and characterise unplanned contacts in hospitals in Denmark from 2005 to 2016, including following healthcare reform.DesignDescriptive study.SettingData from Danish nationwide registers.PopulationAdults (≥18 years).ParticipantsAll adults with an unplanned acute hospital contacts (acute inpatient admissions and emergency care visits) in Denmark from 2005 to 2016.Primary and secondary outcome measuresOutcomes were annual number of contacts, length of stay, number of contacts per 1000 citizen per year, age-adjusted contacts per 1000 citizens per year, sex, age groups, country of origin, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, discharge diagnosis and time of arrival.ResultsWe included a total of 13 524 680 contacts. The annual number of acute hospital contacts increased from 1 067 390 in 2005 to 1 221 601 in 2016. The number also increased with adjustment for age per 1000 citizens. In addition, regional differences were observed.ConclusionsUnplanned acute activity changed from 2005 to 2016. The national number of contacts increased, primarily because of changes in one of the five regions.

Dysphagia Prevalence, Time Course, and Association with Probable Sarcopenia, Inactivity, Malnutrition, and Disease Status in Older Patients Admitted to an Emergency Department: A Secondary Analysis of Cohort Study Data

“…Research on dysphagia and sarcopenia is still in its infancy and further research in various settings is needed [ 8 , 11 ]. During the last decades, the Danish healthcare system has been reorganized and centralized into fewer hospitals and a single-entry point through the emergency department (ED) with the aim to support cooperation across medical specialties and to contribute to faster treatment, reduced LOS and/or avoidance of unnecessary hospitalization [ 19 ]. In addition, the number of ED contacts and the proportion of contacts lasting < 24 h among the older population have increased, and a growing part of healthcare, treatment, and rehabilitation services are provided by the municipalities in the primary care setting [ 20 ].…”

Prevalence of crowding, boarding and staffing levels in Swedish emergency departments - a National Cross Sectional Study

“…Crowding in Swedish EDs has previously been a limited problem [12], but news reports have raised the issue in recent years, and several research projects on the topic have been initiated [13]. Sweden lacks unified national information about ED attendances but based on government reports from 2010 and 2015, it is clear that ED attendances and waiting times have increased [14] Similar trends are seen in Denmark which has a comparable health care system [15]. With no proportional increase in hospital beds during the last 30 years, Sweden now has the fewest inpatient beds per capita of all OECD countries [16].…”

Prevalence of Crowding, Boarding and Staffing Levels in Swedish Emergency Departments - a National Cross Sectional Study

“…Crowding in Swedish EDs has previously been a limited problem [12], but news reports have raised the issue in recent years, and several research projects on the topic have been initiated [13]. Sweden lacks uni ed national information about ED attendances but based on government reports from 2010 and 2015, it is clear that ED attendances and waiting times have increased [14] Similar trends are seen in Denmark which has a comparable health care system [15]. With no proportional increase in hospital beds during the last 30 years, Sweden now has the fewest inpatient beds per capita of all OECD countries [16].…”