Characteristics of youth who leave the emergency department without being seen following sports-related concussion

Abstract

Aim: Despite the rising incidence of emergency department (ED) visits for sports-related concussion, the frequency and characteristics of youth leaving before being seen are unknown. Methodology: National estimates of ED visits for sports-related head injuries among youth (10-18 years) were generated for 2006-2017 using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. Logistic regression models estimated the odds of leaving without being seen across patient characteristics and time. Results: From 2006 to 2017, 985,966 (95% CI: 787,296-1,184,637) ED visits were identified for sports-related concussions, of which 5015 (95% CI: 3024-7006) left without being seen. Conclusion: Youth with sports-related concussion must receive timely care and ED improvements may reduce rates of leaving without being seen.