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Why are we here? A study of patient actions prior to emergency hospital admission

Benger, Jonathan R.; Jones, Victoria

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Authors

Jonathan R. Benger

Victoria Jones



Abstract

Introduction: Emergency department (ED) attendances and subsequent hospital admissions are rising in the United Kingdom. The reasons for this are unclear but may relate to recent changes in primary care and public perception. The actions taken by patients or their relatives before emergency hospital admission, the reasons for these actions and their outcome were determined. Methods: Adult patients admitted to an inner city teaching hospital with a medical or surgical illness were interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire. Data were collected and analyzed regarding the actions taken before arrival at hospital, the reasons for taking these actions, their outcome and future intentions. 200 patients were interviewed. Results: Direct attendance at the ED was more common when help was sought by bystanders or persons known only slightly to the patient (p = 0.03). 57 patients (28.5%) attended the ED directly, 45 of whom dialled 999 for an emergency ambulance. Most patients who attended the ED directly did so as a result of the perceived severity or urgency of their condition and there was incomplete awareness of the out-of-hours GP service. Conclusion: The majority of adult patients who are admitted to hospital with an acute illness seek professional help from primary care in the first instance. Those who attend the ED generally perceive their problem as more urgent or severe, or have an ambulance called on their behalf. The shift towards ED care appears partly driven by changes in general practice and unfamiliarity with the new arrangements for out-of-hours primary care provision.

Citation

Benger, J. R., & Jones, V. (2008). Why are we here? A study of patient actions prior to emergency hospital admission. Emergency Medicine Journal, 25(7), 424-427. https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2007.050856

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jul 1, 2008
Deposit Date Jan 21, 2010
Publicly Available Date May 19, 2016
Journal Emergency Medicine Journal
Print ISSN 1472-0205
Publisher BMJ Publishing Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 25
Issue 7
Pages 424-427
DOI https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2007.050856
Keywords patient actions, emergency hospital admission
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1011253
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/emj.2007.050856

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