Faculty Collaboration Database

Predictors of Low-Acuity Emergency Department Use by Patients Enrolled in a Family Health Team. CJEM 2015 Jul;17(4):359-66

Date

07/03/2015

Pubmed ID

26134052

DOI

10.1017/cem.2014.46

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84937891716 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   4 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and develop a predictive model describing low acuity users of the emergency department (ED) by patients followed by a family health team (FHT). The secondary aim was to contrast this information with characteristics of high acuity users. We also sought to determine what factors were predictive of leaving without being seen (LWBS).

METHODS: This retrospective descriptive correlational study explored characteristics and factors predictive of low acuity ED utilization. The sample included all FHT patients with ED visits in 2011. The last ED record was chosen for review. Sex, age, Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), presenting complaint(s), time of day, day of week, number of visits, and diagnosis were recorded.

RESULTS: Of 1580 patients who visited the ED in 2011, 56% were CTAS 1-3 visits, 24% CTAS 4-5 and 20% had no CTAS recorded. Patients who were older than age 65 were approximately half as likely to have a CTAS level of 4-5 compared to younger patients (OR=0.605, CI=0.441,0.829). Patients older than age 65 were 1.75 times more likely to be CTAS level 1-2 (OR=1.745, CI=1.277, 2.383). Patients who went to the ED during the day were less likely to LWBS compared to night visits (OR=0.697, CI=0.532, 0.912). Interpretation Most low acuity ED utilization is by patients under the age of 65, while high acuity ED utilization is more common among patients older than age 65. Patients are more likely to LWBS during late evening and overnight periods (9 pm-7 am).

Author List

Jones P, Jones J, O'Brien K, Lee-Poy M

Author

Test W. User test user title in the Anesthesiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Acute Disease
Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Child
Child, Preschool
Electronic Health Records
Emergencies
Emergency Service, Hospital
Family Health
Female
Humans
Incidence
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Male
Middle Aged
Ontario
Retrospective Studies
Triage
Young Adult