Why do Queenslanders seek care in emergency departments? A population study

Abstract

Patients who sought care for multiple times at EDs more often than first time users suffered from additional and chronic conditions. Their opinion of an ED as the most suitable place to address their current health problem was stronger than first time users. Any proposed demand management strategies need to address these beliefs together with the reasoning of patients to provide effective and appropriate care outside or within ED services.

General practitioner‐type patients in emergency departments in metro North Brisbane, Queensland: A multisite study

“…Many low acuity patients attend EDs because they consider their condition requires urgent treatment . However, other factors influence ED demand, including out‐of‐pocket fees for GP services, availability and access to preferred GPs, convenience and the perception that EDs offer ‘total care’ with available diagnostic services and multidisciplinary specialists …”

“…Patients attend EDs for various reasons. Many attend because of the perceived urgency and severity of their condition . Some are referred by health professionals (e.g.…”

“…general practitioner [GP], paramedic or telephone triage), and some attend because of limited social support . Furthermore, the ED is an attractive source of medical care because of perceived convenience and access to specialised care and ancillary investigations (pathology and radiology) . Strategies to reduce demand may include primary and secondary prevention, pre‐hospital diversion and telephone advice .…”

Patterns of low acuity patient presentations to emergency departments in New South Wales, Australia

“…2 The decision of LAPs to present to EDs is dependent on many factors, including individual patient characteristics, beliefs and sociodemographic factors, and the extent to which primary care services are available and accessible. [2][3][4][5] However, from a health-system perspective, there has been a policy focus on redirecting LAPs to primary care for management.…”

Exploring factors that influence adult presentation to an emergency department in regional Queensland: A linked, cross‐sectional, patient perspective study

“…Previous studies have asserted that convenience and the perceived need for urgent care are primary reasons for ED attendance. Urgent, appropriate care was the priority reason for ED attendance in our study.…”