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Alnaeem MM, Islaih A, Hamaideh SH, Nashwan AJ. Using primary healthcare facilities and patients' expectations about triage system: Patients' perspective from multisite Jordanian hospitals. Int Emerg Nurs 2024; 75:101476. [PMID: 38901305 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2024.101476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using primary healthcare facilities can decrease the tension and workload in emergency departments (EDs). This study aim to examine the patient's use of primary healthcare facilities before EDs visits and their expectations about the triage. METHODS A cross-sectional design was utilized in at various EDs in different hospitals. A convenience sample of 726 patients were enrolled and completed a self-administrated questionnaire. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 38.1 (SD = 12.9). Most participants (68.2 %) did not have primary care physicians and did not want to know how long other patients waited (61.4 %). There are significant relationships between participants' desired to know how long other patients have been waiting and their age (X2 = 4.02, P < .05), education level (X2 = 13.5, P < .001), and current job (X2 = 9.90, p < .05). Also, periodic updates from EDs staff about the delays were significantly related to participants' age (X2 = 3.29), current job (X2 = 28.4), marital status (X2 = 8.93), and residency place (X2 = 9.94). CONCLUSION Educating patients about the triage system and the importance of using primary healthcare facilities is recommended to reduce ED waiting times and overload.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shaher H Hamaideh
- Community and Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan.
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Alnaeem MM, Banihani SS, Islaih A, Al-Qudimat AR. Expectations of emergency patients regarding triage system knowledge upon arrival: an interpretive study. Ir J Med Sci 2024:10.1007/s11845-024-03706-5. [PMID: 38739348 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-024-03706-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most important aspects of healthcare knowledge is having a thorough understanding of the triage system which is used in emergency departments. This study aims to assess the level of awareness of Jordanian patients who visit the ED about the triage procedure. METHODS A descriptive, cross-sectional design was utilized in the emergency department at the biggest public hospital in Jordan. A convenience sample of a self-administrated questionnaire utilizing a Discounted Cash Flow Interview (DCF) survey was filled out. RESULTS A total of 726 participants were recruited with a response rate of 90.8%. The mean age of the participants was M = 38.1 (SD = 12.9), and the age of the participants varied from 18 to 89 years. More than half of the participants were male (n = 383, 52.8%) and married (n = 425, 58.5%). A significant relationship between the overall perception of knowing what a teaching hospital is and patients' educational level (X2 = 11.9, P < 0.003), current job (X2 = 25.2, P < 0.001), nationality (X2 = 7.20, P < 0.007), and family income (X2 = 15.9, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION More investigation is required to determine the causes of the low knowledge of the triage system. The study suggests increasing staffing levels, giving nursing staff ongoing education and training, and integrating technology and automation to reduce the load of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Asma Islaih
- School of Nursing, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ahmad R Al-Qudimat
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Alhojelan AM, Al Rusayni YA, Alsaif E, Aldoubiab RK, Aloqla A, Aloraini AA, Alswyan R, Alharbi TS. Analyzing Non-urgent Emergency Department Visits: Patterns, Demographics, Motivations, and Triage System Awareness in Al-Qassim. Cureus 2024; 16:e58383. [PMID: 38756262 PMCID: PMC11097230 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of non-urgent cases, investigate gender and age preferences, and explore factors influencing individuals' selection of the emergency department (ED) for non-urgent cases in the Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS From July 15, 2022, to December 31, 2022, a structured online questionnaire via a Google Docs survey collected data. The study sampled 425 patients from two prominent Al-Qassim healthcare institutions: Buraydah King Fahad Specialized Hospital and Buraydah Central Hospital. Encompassing patients aged 20 to 80 admitted to the ED between 8:00 and 16:00, concurrent with primary healthcare center availability, the study categorized participants by urgency using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) criteria. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and probit regression in R version 4.3.3, with a significance level of p < 0.05 for result interpretation. RESULTS In Al-Qassim in 2022, 82.4% of ED visitors sought care for non-urgent cases, while 17.6% sought care for urgent cases. No statistically significant relationship was found between age and gender and urgent ED visits. Among those with non-urgent conditions, the top reasons for bypassing primary healthcare services were slow treatment (52.7%), lack of knowledge about primary healthcare (PHC) services (33.9%), and appointment unavailability (5.5%). Evaluation of awareness of the ED triage system showed a significant difference only among patients with excellent awareness. CONCLUSION The investigation found a higher prevalence of non-urgent cases, especially among females. Challenges in appointment booking, accessibility, and the perception of urgency were key factors leading patients to choose the emergency department over PHC centers. The study emphasized the crucial role of ED triage system awareness and the impact of satisfaction with PHC services on healthcare-seeking behavior, with younger individuals less likely to visit the ED and males more inclined at specific satisfaction levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M Alhojelan
- Emergency Medicine Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Buraidah, SAU
| | | | - Ebrahim Alsaif
- Emergency Medicine Department, Buraidah Central Hospital, Buraidah, SAU
| | - Rayan K Aldoubiab
- Emergency Medicine Department, Buraidah Central Hospital, Buraidah, SAU
| | - Abdulhakeem Aloqla
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, SAU
| | - Ahmed A Aloraini
- Emergency Medicine Department, Buraidah Central Hospital, Buraidah, SAU
| | - Rabab Alswyan
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, SAU
| | - Turki S Alharbi
- Emergency Medicine Department, Buraidah Central Hospital, Buraidah, SAU
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AlNaim AA, AlNaim NA, Albash AF, Almulhim MA, Albash LA, Almulhim N. Assessing the Awareness and Understanding of Hospital Triage Among the General Population of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2024; 16:e53864. [PMID: 38465124 PMCID: PMC10924669 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hospital triage is a critical process in emergency departments (EDs) worldwide. The efficiency of the triage process significantly impacts the overall functioning of the ED and patient outcomes. However, the effectiveness of triage is not solely dependent on the healthcare professionals conducting it. The awareness and understanding of the triage process among the general population also play a crucial role. Methods This study aimed to assess the awareness and understanding of hospital triage among the general population of Al-Ahsa. A cross-sectional design was conducted in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, from July to September 2023. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Results This study examined the awareness, understanding, attitude, and socio-demographic factors of hospital triage among 389 participants in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Results showed that 59.4% (n=231) of participants were aware of emergency triage, with 91.8% (n=457) agreeing with patient classification based on deterioration. Expectations for waiting time varied, with 38.8% (n=151) expecting 5-10 minutes. Participants expressed positive attitudes, with 91% (n=354) believing triage improves patient care. Socio-demographic analysis revealed higher awareness among younger age groups, males, and highly educated individuals. Educational level was associated with participants' attitudes. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted awareness campaigns and improved waiting room amenities for effective hospital triage. Conclusion The study found that public awareness of emergency triage is average, with high satisfaction with the concept of patient classification based on deterioration. Periodic health education sessions regarding the importance of ER triage are recommended for healthcare visitors and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad A AlNaim
- Medicine and Surgery, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
| | - Noura A AlNaim
- Medicine and Surgery, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
| | - Ayah F Albash
- Medicine and Surgery, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
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Bakhribah AH, Eissa GA, Alsulami DW, Alotaibi MA, Abdulmannan HM, Khojah IM. Patients' Expectations in Emergency Department at King Abdulaziz University Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Survey-Based Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e54211. [PMID: 38496167 PMCID: PMC10943181 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency departments (EDs) are vital to the timely and necessary care that a significant percentage of patients get. Emergency medicine places a high priority on quality, and to deliver patient-centered care, it is crucial to first investigate patient expectations from ER visits. METHODOLOGY This is a cross-sectional study of all visits to the King Abdulaziz University Hospital Emergency Department in Jeddah. The study included adult patients who visited the emergency department and were willing to complete a survey and participate in an interview. Data was collected through face-to-face questionnaires. Patient's expectations during their visit to the emergency department were correlated to different parameters using univariate and bivariate analysis. RESULTS The study included 291 patients. The majority of patients believed that their medical condition required admission to the hospital and agreed that it would be easier to receive treatment if admitted to the hospital. Results showed that 65.6% (n=191) of patients reported that the most serious patients should be seen first, and 65.3% (n=190) reported that a doctor should determine the seriousness of their health problem upon arrival. There was no significant difference found between age groups in relation to other items of expectations. CONCLUSION It is clear that a sizable percentage of patients place a high value on seeing the most urgent cases first and having a doctor assess each patient's condition when they arrive. Our results show that, in order to guarantee the best patient happiness and care, healthcare practitioners must meet patients' expectations and modify their strategies accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ghaida A Eissa
- Medical School, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Dania W Alsulami
- Medical School, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
| | | | | | - Imad M Khojah
- Emergency Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
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Farhat H, Abid C, El Aifa K, Gangaram P, Jones A, Khenissi MC, Khadhraoui M, Gargouri I, Al-Shaikh L, Laughton J, Alinier G. Epidemiological Determinants of Patient Non-Conveyance to the Hospital in an Emergency Medical Service Environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6404. [PMID: 37510636 PMCID: PMC10379159 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing prevalence of comorbidities worldwide has spurred the need for time-effective pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS). Some pre-hospital emergency calls requesting EMS result in patient non-conveyance. Decisions for non-conveyance are sometimes driven by the patient or the clinician, which may jeopardize the patients' healthcare outcomes. This study aimed to explore the distribution and determinants of patient non-conveyance to hospitals in a Middle Eastern national Ambulance Service that promotes the transportation of all emergency call patients and does not adopt clinician-based non-conveyance decision. METHODS Using R Language, descriptive, bivariate, and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted for 334,392 multi-national patient non-conveyance emergency calls from June 2018 to July 2022, from a total of 1,030,228 calls to which a response unit was dispatched. RESULTS After data pre-processing, 237,862 cases of patient non-conveyance to hospital were retained, with a monthly average of 41.96% (n = 8799) of the emergency service demands and a standard deviation of 5.49% (n = 2040.63). They predominantly involved South Asians (29.36%, n = 69,849); 64.50% (n = 153,427) were of the age category from 14 to 44 years; 61.22% (n = 145,610) were male; 74.59% (n = 177,424) from the urban setting; and 71.28% (n = 169,552) had received on-scene treatment. Binary logistic regression with full variables and backward methods identified the final models of the determinants of patient non-conveyance decisions with an Akaike information criterion prediction estimator, respectively, of (250,200) and (250,169), indicating no significant difference between both models (Chi-square test; p-value = 0.63). CONCLUSIONS Despite exercising a cautious protocol by encouraging patient transportation to hospital, patient non-conveyance seems to be a problem in the healthcare system that strains the pre-hospital medical response teams' resources. Policies and regulations should be adopted to encourage individuals to access other primary care centers when required rather than draining emergency services for non-emergency situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Farhat
- Ambulance Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Sfax, Sfax P.O. Box 3000, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine "Ibn El Jazzar", University of Sousse, Sousse P.O. Box 4000, Tunisia
| | - Cyrine Abid
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax P.O. Box 3000, Tunisia
| | - Kawther El Aifa
- Ambulance Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
| | - Padarath Gangaram
- Ambulance Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Andre Jones
- Ambulance Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
| | | | - Moncef Khadhraoui
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Sfax, Sfax P.O. Box 3038, Tunisia
| | - Imed Gargouri
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax P.O. Box 3000, Tunisia
| | - Loua Al-Shaikh
- Ambulance Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
| | - James Laughton
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Guillaume Alinier
- Ambulance Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha P.O. Box 24144, Qatar
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
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Is the Triage System Welcomed in the Tertiary Hospital of the Limpopo Province? A Qualitative Study on Patient’s Perceptions. NURSING REPORTS 2023; 13:351-364. [PMID: 36976685 PMCID: PMC10055725 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep13010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A triage system in the emergency department is necessary to prioritize and allocate scarce health resources to the medical needs of the patients to facilitate quality health service delivery. This paper aimed to ascertain if the triage system is welcomed in the tertiary hospital of Limpopo Province by exploring patients’ perceptions in the emergency department in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was used in this study with descriptive, explorative, and contextual research design to reach the research objective. Purposive sampling was used to select the patients who participated in semi-structured one-on-one interviews, which lasted between 30 and 45 min. The sample size was determined by data saturation after 14 participants were interviewed. A narrative qualitative analysis method was used to interpret and categorize the patients’ perceptions into seven domains of Benner’s theory. The six relevant domains illustrated mixed patients‘ perceptions regarding the triage system in the emergency departments. The domain-helping role of the triage system was overweighed by the dissatisfaction of the needy patients who waited for an extended period to receive emergency services. We conclude that the triage system at the selected tertiary hospital is not welcomed due to its disorganization and patient-related factors in the emergency departments. The findings of this paper are a point of reference for reinforcing the triage practice and improved quality service delivery by the emergency department healthcare professionals and the department of health policymakers. Furthermore, the authors propose that the seven domains of Benner’s theory can serve as a foundation for research and improving triage practice within emergency departments.
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Hawsawi M, Alilyyani B. Exploring Primary Care Streaming Pathway in Emergency Departments in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study. Emerg Med Int 2023; 2023:7045983. [PMID: 37125380 PMCID: PMC10147528 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7045983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Due to significant emergency department overcrowding, some hospitals implemented a system of directing certain patients who were deemed not in need of emergency care to other facilities called triage away. Pathways were developed as ways to stream patient from emergency departments to primary healthcare who is presenting with less urgent or nonurgent conditions. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the pathways (process) for streaming patients from emergency department to primary healthcare at three different sites across Western Region of Saudi Arabia and to identify the streaming criteria and guidance. Materials and Methods This study used a qualitative observational design. Data were collected through an unstructured observational approach, with an in-depth case study observation involving three emergency departments in the Western Region. Data were collected over three months until data saturated and recorded in the form of filed notes. Results The results of this study explored that all CTAS-5 were streamed away either (off-site) or (on-site) from emergency department. The average of the sorting/triage cases were around 200 to 250 per shift, and about third to half of them were streamed to Primary Health Centre or Urgent Care Clinic. The total streamed patients were ranging from 50 to 60 per shift, which mean 15-20 case per hour. The study highlighted many factors that influence the practice and decision of streaming. Conclusions In general, the term "streaming" was not as widely known among emergency clinicians, as was the term "triage." However, streaming was performed as an evidence-based practice, and clinicians routinely acted to direct patients based on hospital policies. Although, in one hospital, some nurses hack the system to manage the flow of patients based on their intuition. In contrast, the nurses in another hospital emphasised the importance of experience and confidence in streaming improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwah Hawsawi
- Nursing Department, Ajyad Hospital, Ministry of Health, Makkah Al Mukarramah, P.O. Box 24331, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bayan Alilyyani
- Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
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Palungwachira P, Montimanutt G, Musikatavorn K, Savatmongkorngul S. Reducing 48-h emergency department revisits and subsequent admissions: a retrospective study of increased emergency medicine resident floor coverage. Int J Emerg Med 2022; 15:66. [PMID: 36474146 PMCID: PMC9724369 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-022-00471-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early unexpected hospital admission after emergency department (ED) discharge is an important topic regarding effective preventive measures. Reducing avoidable return visits can improve ED effectiveness and emergency care. This study evaluated the effects of an increase in the number of physicians and the 24-h coverage of emergency physicians on 48-h ED revisits with subsequent hospital admission. The characteristics and risk factors of the patients were also investigated. RESULTS This was a retrospective analysis performed 2 years before and 2 years after the implementation of an intervention in a tertiary care hospital in Thailand. The medical records of adult patients who revisited the ED within 48 h for related complaints were reviewed. The effect of the intervention was analyzed, and a prediction model was developed based on logistic regression. After implementing the intervention, the hospital admission rate at the second ED visit decreased from 44.5 to 41.1%; no significant difference was found (95% confidence interval (CI) - 5.05 to 11.78). Patients who required hospital admission had a significantly higher comorbidity score, more ED visits, and more hospitalizations within the past 12 months. A significantly higher hospital admission rate was also observed among patients older than 60 years, those who had an initial infectious diagnosis, and those who had a higher triage severity level (ESI II) at their first visit. The odds ratio (OR) showed lower odds of hospital admission at the second visit in the postintervention period; this difference was not significant (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.61 to 1.23). CONCLUSION Our intervention did not significantly decrease the incidence of admission at an ED revisit. However, some factors identified in this study seem to have some benefits and might be helpful for preventing errors and constructing a standard discharge care plan for patients with these risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakhawadee Palungwachira
- grid.419934.20000 0001 1018 2627Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Gunnaree Montimanutt
- grid.419934.20000 0001 1018 2627Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Khrongwong Musikatavorn
- grid.419934.20000 0001 1018 2627Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Sorravit Savatmongkorngul
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
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de Steenwinkel M, Haagsma JA, van Berkel ECM, Rozema L, Rood PPM, Bouwhuis MG. Patient satisfaction, needs, and preferences concerning information dispensation at the emergency department: a cross-sectional observational study. Int J Emerg Med 2022; 15:5. [PMID: 35073836 PMCID: PMC8903487 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-022-00407-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of emergency care quality and has been associated with information dispensation at the emergency department (ED). Optimal information dispensation could improve patient experience and expectations. Knowing what kind of information patients want to receive and the preferred way of information dispensation are essential to optimize information delivery at the ED. The purpose of this cross-sectional observational study was to evaluate patient satisfaction concerning information dispensation (including general, medical, and practical information), the need for additional information, and preferences with regard to the way of information dispensation at the ED of a teaching hospital in the Netherlands. Results Four hundred twenty-three patients (patients ≥ 18 years with Glasgow Coma Scale 15) were enrolled (response rate 79%). The median patient satisfaction score concerning the overall information dispensation at the ED was 7.5 on a rating scale 0–10. Shorter length of ED stay was associated with higher patient satisfaction in multivariate analysis (P < 0.001). The majority of respondents were satisfied regarding medical (n = 328; 78%) and general information (n = 233; 55%). Patients were less satisfied regarding practical information (n = 180; 43%). Respondents who indicated that they received general, medical and practical information were significantly more often satisfied compared to patients who did not receive this information (P < 0.001). Two thirds (n = 260; 62%) requested more general information. Half of the respondents (n = 202; 48%) requested more practical information and a third (n = 152; 36%) requested more medical information. The preferred way for receiving information was orally (n = 189; 44.7%) or by leaflets (n = 108; 25.5%). Conclusion The majority of respondents were satisfied concerning information dispensation at the ED, especially regarding medical information. Respondents requested more general and practical information and preferred to receive the information orally or by leaflets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marank de Steenwinkel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Room Nc-017, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Juanita A Haagsma
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Room Nc-017, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther C M van Berkel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Room Nc-017, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte Rozema
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Room Nc-017, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pleunie P M Rood
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Room Nc-017, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marna G Bouwhuis
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Room Nc-017, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Hazra D, Christopher RA, Lohanathan A, Nekkanti A, Pal R, Prabhakar Abhilash K. Factors correlated with unavoidable 72-h emergency department return visits: A retrospective cohort study. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF DR. D.Y. PATIL VIDYAPEETH 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/mjdrdypu.mjdrdypu_565_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Al-Surimi K, Yenugadhati N, Shaheen N, Althagafi M, Alsalamah M. Epidemiology of Frequent Visits to the Emergency Department at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia: Rate, Visitors' Characteristics, and Associated Factors. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:909-921. [PMID: 33762843 PMCID: PMC7982565 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s299531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Emergency department overcrowding is becoming a challenge for the healthcare management system globally and locally. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of ED visits, describe the patients’ profile along with visit-related characteristics, and associated factors in a tertiary care hospital. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. The study included patients age 14 years and above visiting the main emergency department in year 2013. Data were extracted from electronic medical records by a qualified data extraction team. Statistical analyses were performed, including the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for the factors associated with highly frequent (≥14 visits) ED visits using logistic regression models. Results There were 150,727 visits to the emergency department within a year. The number of frequent visitors was 7696 (9.38%), with 42,226 visits (28.01% of total ED visits). Highly frequent visitors totaled 249 (0.30%), with 5173 visits (3.43% of total ED visits). The frequent visitors’ average age was 42.55 (SD 20.14), and 48.99 (SD 21.33) for the highly frequent visitors’ group. More than half of the emergency visitors were females. The most common complaints among the highly frequent visitors were Gastrointestinal (21.34%), followed by Respiratory (13.47%), Orthopedic (12.57%), and Cardiovascular (12.43%). Multivariate analysis indicated that age, history of diabetes, history of cardiac diseases, insurance status, and nationality were significant predicators of highly frequent visits to the hospital emergency. Conclusion Frequent and highly frequent visitors to emergency departments represent a significant proportion of adult patients presenting to ED. Their visits constitute almost one-third of total ED visits. Several factors associated with highly frequent ED visits have been identified. This study provides local empirical evidence to develop improvement policy and actions related to chronic issue of frequent and highly frequent visitation to hospital ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Al-Surimi
- College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen
| | - Nagarajkumar Yenugadhati
- College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Naila Shaheen
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Althagafi
- College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Alsalamah
- College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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