Determinants of non-urgent emergency department use

Abstract

Background: The use of the emergency department (ED) for non-urgent situations is a source of concern, both at the national and international levels. Objectives: To assess the sociodemographic characteristics and ED use of non-urgent patients and to identify the reasons for non-urgent ED use. Methodology: This cross-sectional study used patient interviews and the electronic medical records of 357 patients triaged as non-urgent at a Portuguese hospital ED, using an accidental sampling technique. Results: The majority of patients were women, middle-aged, and had a low education level; most of them used the ED during the day and on their own initiative. The most common reasons were: My disease justifies ED use (91.7%) and I can undergo all medical examinations on the same day (65.6%). The majority of patients (87.9%) were discharged, and 84.9% had access to a family doctor. Conclusion: Multiple determinants of non-urgent ED use were identified. Some recommendations were put for-ward to improve the rational use of healthcare services.