Characteristics of Emergency Department Visits at King Abdulaziz University Hospital: A One Year Analysis

Abstract

This study seeks to report the frequencies of the Emergency Department visits at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, as well as an analysis of its operational parameters. This is a retrospective analysis of all emergency visits over one year. In 2017, 69,522 patients were triaged, 62.55% adults, 20.12% pediatrics, and 17.33% OB/GYN. Ineligible patients (lower acuity stable non-Saudi patients who hold health insurance through their sponsors) were 12.84% of triaged patients, they were advised to go to another hospital. Females were 57.11%, and 40.92% were between 24 and 43 years, 18.49% younger than 14 years, and 9.22% older than 64 years. Saudi patients were 64.76%. Only 0.40% arrived by ambulance. Full management was provided for 73.83% of registered patients, whereas 26.17% left the waiting room after triage and initial evaluation by a physician without being treated due to bed unavailability; 97.22% were lower acuity and stable. Admission rates were 23.44%. The overall emergency department mortality rate was 0.52%, and death on arrival rate was 0.25%. Most registered patients (86.18%) were lower acuity and stable. All cases in which the patient needed resuscitation were treated immediately. Emergency department use by patients with low acuity conditions that are potentially treatable in other settings must be addressed.