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Klein J, Koens S, Scherer M, Strauß A, Härter M, von dem Knesebeck O. Public Beliefs About Accessibility and Quality of Emergency Departments in Germany. West J Emerg Med 2024; 25:389-398. [PMID: 38801046 PMCID: PMC11112668 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.18224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background It is well established that emergency department (ED) crowding leads to worse health outcomes. Although various patient surveys provide information about reasons to visit EDs, less is known in terms of beliefs about EDs among the general population. This study examines public beliefs regarding accessibility and quality of EDs and their associations with social characteristics (gender, age, education, immigration background) as well as knowledge about emergency care services and health literacy. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study based on a random sample of 2,404 adults living in Hamburg, Germany, in winter 2021/2022. We developed eight statements regarding accessibility and quality of EDs leading to two scales (Cronbach's α accessibility = 0.76 and quality of care = 0.75). Descriptive statistics of the eight items are shown and linear regression were conducted to determine associations of the two scales with social characteristics as well as knowledge about emergency care services and health literacy (HLS-EU-Q6). Results Nearly 44% of the respondents agreed that "you can always go to an ED, if you do not get a short-term appointment with a general practitioner or specialist." And 38% agreed with the statement, "If you do not have the time during normal practice hours due to your work, you can always go to an ED." In terms of quality, 38% believed that doctors in EDs are more competent than doctors in general practice, and 25% believed that doctors in EDs are more competent than doctors in specialized practices. In the fully adjusted model, public beliefs about emergency care accessibility and quality of EDs were significantly associated with all social characteristics and knowledge of emergency care options with the strongest associations between knowledge and accessibility (β = -0.17; P < 0.001) and between education and quality (β = -0.23; P < 0.001). Conclusion We found endorsement of public beliefs about accessibility and quality of EDs that can lead to inappropriate utilization. Our results also suggest that knowledge of different emergency services plays an important role. Therefore, after system-related reorganizations of emergency care, information campaigns about such services tailored to socially deprived populations may help alleviate the issue of crowding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Klein
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Medical Sociology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Koens
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Medical Sociology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Scherer
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of General Practice and Primary Care Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annette Strauß
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of General Practice and Primary Care Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Härter
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Medical Psychology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olaf von dem Knesebeck
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Medical Sociology, Hamburg, Germany
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Klein J, Koens S, Scherer M, Strauß A, Härter M, von dem Knesebeck O. Variations in the intended utilization of emergency care in case of gastrointestinal diseases. Health Policy 2024; 140:104970. [PMID: 38194836 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104970] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Frequent utilization of emergency care and overcrowded emergency departments (EDs) are highly relevant topics due to their harmful consequences for patients and staff. The present study examines variations of intended health care use in urgent and non-urgent cases among the general population. In a cross-sectional telephone survey, a sample of N = 1,204 adults residing in Hamburg, Germany, was randomly drawn. At the beginning of the survey, one of 24 different vignettes (case stories) describing symptoms of inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases were presented to the participants. The vignettes varied in sex (male/female), age (15, 49, 72 years), daytime (Tuesday morning, Tuesday evening), and urgency (low, high). Participants were asked in an open-ended question about their primal intended utilization if they or their children would be affected by such symptoms. Overall, about 14 % chose emergency facilities (ED, ambulance, emergency practice) despite presentation of non-urgent conditions (n = 602). Intended emergency care use varied considerably even if the degree of urgency was comparable. Adolescence, male sex, and symptoms occurring in the evening were associated with increased ED and ambulance use. Inappropriate utilization of ED and ambulance (analyses regarding utilization due to non-urgent problems) was more often observed among male respondents and those with a migration background (1st generation). Information campaigns focused on emergency care use and reorganisation of emergency care wards are possible interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Klein
- Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Sarah Koens
- Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Scherer
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annette Strauß
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Härter
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olaf von dem Knesebeck
- Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Kopka M, Scatturin L, Napierala H, Fürstenau D, Feufel MA, Balzer F, Schmieding ML. Characteristics of Users and Nonusers of Symptom Checkers in Germany: Cross-Sectional Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46231. [PMID: 37338970 DOI: 10.2196/46231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have revealed that users of symptom checkers (SCs, apps that support self-diagnosis and self-triage) are predominantly female, are younger than average, and have higher levels of formal education. Little data are available for Germany, and no study has so far compared usage patterns with people's awareness of SCs and the perception of usefulness. OBJECTIVE We explored the sociodemographic and individual characteristics that are associated with the awareness, usage, and perceived usefulness of SCs in the German population. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among 1084 German residents in July 2022 regarding personal characteristics and people's awareness and usage of SCs. Using random sampling from a commercial panel, we collected participant responses stratified by gender, state of residence, income, and age to reflect the German population. We analyzed the collected data exploratively. RESULTS Of all respondents, 16.3% (177/1084) were aware of SCs and 6.5% (71/1084) had used them before. Those aware of SCs were younger (mean 38.8, SD 14.6 years, vs mean 48.3, SD 15.7 years), were more often female (107/177, 60.5%, vs 453/907, 49.9%), and had higher formal education levels (eg, 72/177, 40.7%, vs 238/907, 26.2%, with a university/college degree) than those unaware. The same observation applied to users compared to nonusers. It disappeared, however, when comparing users to nonusers who were aware of SCs. Among users, 40.8% (29/71) considered these tools useful. Those considering them useful reported higher self-efficacy (mean 4.21, SD 0.66, vs mean 3.63, SD 0.81, on a scale of 1-5) and a higher net household income (mean EUR 2591.63, SD EUR 1103.96 [mean US $2798.96, SD US $1192.28], vs mean EUR 1626.60, SD EUR 649.05 [mean US $1756.73, SD US $700.97]) than those who considered them not useful. More women considered SCs unhelpful (13/44, 29.5%) compared to men (4/26, 15.4%). CONCLUSIONS Concurring with studies from other countries, our findings show associations between sociodemographic characteristics and SC usage in a German sample: users were on average younger, of higher socioeconomic status, and more commonly female compared to nonusers. However, usage cannot be explained by sociodemographic differences alone. It rather seems that sociodemographics explain who is or is not aware of the technology, but those who are aware of SCs are equally likely to use them, independently of sociodemographic differences. Although in some groups (eg, people with anxiety disorder), more participants reported to know and use SCs, they tended to perceive them as less useful. In other groups (eg, male participants), fewer respondents were aware of SCs, but those who used them perceived them to be more useful. Thus, SCs should be designed to fit specific user needs, and strategies should be developed to help reach individuals who could benefit but are not aware of SCs yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Kopka
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Division of Ergonomics, Department of Psychology and Ergonomics, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lennart Scatturin
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hendrik Napierala
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Fürstenau
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Business IT, IT University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| | - Markus A Feufel
- Division of Ergonomics, Department of Psychology and Ergonomics, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Balzer
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Malte L Schmieding
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Lindberg BH, Rebnord IK, Høye S. Effect of an educational intervention for telephone triage nurses on out-of-hours attendance: a pragmatic randomized controlled study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:4. [PMID: 36597106 PMCID: PMC9807970 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08994-0] [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: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telephone triage has been established in many countries as a response to the challenge of non-urgent use of out-of-hours primary care services. However, limited evidence is available regarding the effect of training interventions on clinicians' telephone consultation skills and patient outcomes. METHODS This was a pragmatic randomized controlled educational intervention for telephone triage nurses in 59 Norwegian out-of-hours general practitioners' (GPs) cooperatives, serving 59% of the Norwegian population. Computer-generated randomization was performed at the level of out-of-hours GP cooperatives, stratified by the population size. Thirty-two out-of-hours GP cooperatives were randomized to intervention. One cooperative did not accept the invitation to participate in the educational programme, leaving 31 cooperatives in the intervention group. The intervention comprised a 90-minute e-learning course and 90-minute group discussion about respiratory tract infections (RTIs), telephone communication skills and local practices. We aimed to assess the effect of the intervention on out-of-hours attendance and describe the distribution of RTIs between out-of-hours GP cooperatives and list-holding GPs. The outcome was the difference in the number of doctor's consultations per 1000 inhabitants between the intervention and control groups during the winter months before and after the intervention. A negative binomial regression model was used for the statistical analyses. The model was adjusted for the number of nurses who had participated in the e-learning course, the population size and patients' age groups, with the out-of-hours GP cooperatives defined as clusters. RESULTS The regression showed that the intervention did not change the number of consultations for RTIs between the two groups of out-of-hours GP cooperatives (incidence rate ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.91-1.07). The winter season's out-of-hours patient population was younger and had a higher proportion of RTIs than the patient population in the list-holding GP offices. Laryngitis, sore throat, and pneumonia were the most common diagnoses during the out-of-hours primary care service. CONCLUSIONS The intervention did not influence the out-of-hours attendance. This finding may be due to the intervention's limited scope and the intention-to-treat design. Changing a population's out-of-hours attendance is complicated and needs to be targeted at several organizational levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bent Håkan Lindberg
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Antibiotic Centre for Primary Care, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, 0315 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Keilegavlen Rebnord
- grid.509009.5National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway ,grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sigurd Høye
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Antibiotic Centre for Primary Care, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, 0315 Oslo, Norway
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Klein J, Strauß A, Koens S, Schäfer I, von dem Knesebeck O. Intended healthcare utilisation in cases of severe COVID-19 and inflammatory gastrointestinal disease: results of a population survey with vignettes. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057644. [PMID: 35361649 PMCID: PMC8971358 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine variations in intended healthcare utilisation in severe cases of COVID-19 and inflammatory gastrointestinal disease (IGD). DESIGN Representative cross-sectional telephone survey. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 1207 randomly drawn adults of the city of Hamburg, Germany, between November 2020 and January 2021. OUTCOME MEASURES Different vignettes with severe symptoms were presented varying in sex, age (child, middle-aged person, older person), daytime (Tuesday morning or Tuesday evening) and disease (COVID-19 or IGD), while the degree of urgency was equivalent for all cases. The respondents were asked for the intended healthcare utilisation resulting in three different alternatives: general practitioner (GP)/paediatrician, medical on-call service ('116117') and emergency care (accident and emergency department, emergency practice, rescue service). In multivariate analyses, associations of characteristics of the vignettes and participants (sex, age, education, migration background) with intended healthcare utilisation were tested. In a further step, analyses were conducted separately for IGD and COVID-19. RESULTS Regarding the vignettes' characteristics, intended utilisation of GP/paediatrician is associated with female sex, higher age, daytime (morning) and COVID-19 symptoms, the medical on-call service with male sex, daytime (evening) and COVID-19 symptoms and the emergency medicine with younger age, daytime (evening) and IGD. Women chose more often the GP/paediatrician, men preferred emergency medicine. Only in case of IGD, higher educated persons more often chose the medical on-call service while people with a migration background decided less often for medical on-call service and emergency medicine. CONCLUSIONS Despite comparable urgency, the findings suggest variations of intended healthcare utilisation depending on various characteristics of the vignettes and respondents. Depending on the type of disease inequalities vary. Overall, information about healthcare alternatives in severe cases has to be improved and clear pathways to facilitate healthcare utilisation has to be further developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Klein
- Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annette Strauß
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Koens
- Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ingmar Schäfer
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olaf von dem Knesebeck
- Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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Keizer E, Senn O, Christensen MB, Huibers L. Use of acute care services by adults with a migrant background: a secondary analysis of a EurOOHnet survey. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:119. [PMID: 34148558 PMCID: PMC8215801 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01460-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High demands create pressure on acute care services, such as emergency medical services (EMS), emergency departments (ED) and out-of-hours primary care (OOH-PC) services. A variety of patient- and organisational factors have been discussed as reasons why especially non-western migrants more frequently contact an ED or OOH-PC service than native born. We aim to investigate whether persons with a non-western and western migrant background more often contact an acute care service than native born and how this relates to the number of contacts with their general practitioners (GPs). In addition, we aim to explore how possible differences in acute care use by migrants can be explained. METHODS We performed secondary analysis of data collected for the EurOOHnet survey on OOH help-seeking behaviour in Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Differences in self-reported acute care use (sum of number of contacts with OOH-PC, the ED and 1-1-2/1-4-4) between non-western and western migrants and native born were tested with a quasi Poisson regression analysis. Mediation analyses were performed to examine the impact of factors related to help-seeking on the relation between self-reported acute care use and migrant background. RESULTS Non-western migrants had more acute care contacts than native born (adjusted IRR 1.74, 95% CI 1.33-2.25), whereas no differences were found between western migrants and native born. Migrants who regularly contacted OOH-PC or the ED also regularly contacted their GP. Mediation analyses showed that the factors employment, anxiety, attitude towards use of OOH-PC and problems in accessing the own GP could partly explain the higher acute care use of non-western migrants. CONCLUSION The higher use of acute care services by non-western migrants compared with native born could partly be explained by feeling fewer barriers to contact these services, feeling more anxiety, more unemployment and problems making an appointment with the GP. Increasing awareness and improving GP access could help migrants in navigating the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Keizer
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland.
| | - Oliver Senn
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | | | - Linda Huibers
- Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
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Lyu X, Liu Y, Yu H, Mi M, Shang L, Zhong Y, Xie D. Development and validation of a risk perception scale of medical help-seeking behavior in Chinese adults. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1352. [PMID: 33313097 PMCID: PMC7723601 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-1656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background When people require medical treatment, many risk factors including adverse medical events, economic burdens, and social–psychological consequences may contribute to their hesitation to seek medical help. Therefore, a reliable and valid instrument that can comprehensively assess the risk perception of medical help-seeking behavior among ordinary Chinese adults should be developed. Methods The basic dimensions of the scale were determined based on literature review and in-depth interviews with patients. Then, an item pool with 32 items and six dimensions was developed. After the item reduction process based on item and factor analyses, a three-factor, 16-item scale was established. From March 2019, this scale was distributed among 639 healthy adults, outpatients, or inpatients in 20 provinces and municipalities in the mainland of China by convenience sampling. Then, the reliability and validity of the scale were examined. Results The scale consists of three dimensions (treatment risks, burden risks, and stigma risks) and 16 items. The root-mean-square error of approximation, comparative fit index, and Tucker-Lewis index of this model were 0.069, 0.925, and 0.910, respectively. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was 0.893, and the test-retest reliability was 0.784. The criterion-related validity was 0.720 (P<0.01). Conclusions The risk perception scale of medical help-seeking behavior is a reliable and valid instrument to measure Chinese adults’ perception for potential risks in the process of medical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokang Lyu
- Computational Social Science Laboratory, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Social Psychology, Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Social Psychology, Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huaran Yu
- Department of Social Psychology, Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingdi Mi
- Department of Social Psychology, Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijun Shang
- Computational Social Science Laboratory, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yifan Zhong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Søvsø MB, Bech BH, Christensen HC, Huibers L, Christensen EF, Christensen MB. Sociodemographic Characteristics Associated with Contacts to Emergency Medical Services and Out-of-Hours Primary Care: An Observational Study of 2.3 Million Citizens. Clin Epidemiol 2020; 12:393-401. [PMID: 32346313 PMCID: PMC7167262 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s243531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Out-of-hours (OOH) health care services are often divided into emergency medical services (EMS) and OOH primary care (OOH-PC). EMS and many OOH-PC use telephone triage, yet the patient still makes the initial choice of contacting a service and which service. Sociodemographic characteristics are associated with help-seeking. Yet, differences in characteristics for EMS and OOH-PC patients have not been investigated in any large-scale cohort studies. Such knowledge may contribute to organizing OOH services to match patient needs. Thus, in this study we aimed to explore which sociodemographic patient characteristics were associated with utilizing OOH health care and to explore which sociodemographic characteristics were associated with EMS or OOH-PC contact. Methods A population-based observational cohort study of inhabitants in two regions (North Denmark Region and Capital Region of Copenhagen) with or without contact to OOH services during 2016 was conducted. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and OOH contacts (and EMS versus OOH-PC contact) were evaluated by regression analyses. Results We identified 619,857 patients with OOH contact. Female sex (IRR=1.16 (95% CI: 1.16-1.17)), non-western ethnicity (IRR=1.02 (95% CI: 1.01-1.02)), living alone (IRR=1.08 (95% CI: 1.08-1.09)), age groups ≥81 years (IRR=2.00 (95% CI: 1.98-2.02)) and 0-18 years (IRR=1.66 (95% CI: 1.66-1.67)) and low income (IRR=1.41 (95% CI: 1.40-1.42)) were more likely to contact OOH health care compared to males, Danish ethnicity, citizens cohabitating, age 31-65 years and high income. Disability pensioners more often contacted OOH care (IRR=1.79 (95% CI: 1.77-1.81) compared to employees. Old age (≥81 years) (OR=3.21 (95% CI: 3.13-3.30)), receiving cash benefits (OR=2.45 (95% CI: 2.36-2.54)), low income (OR=1.76 (95% CI: 1.72-1.81)) and living alone (OR=1.40 (95% CI: 1.37-1.42)) were all associated with EMS contacts rather than OOH-PC contacts. Conclusion Several sociodemographic factors were associated with contacting a health care service outside office hours and with contacting EMS rather than OOH-PC. Old age, low income, low education and low socioeconomic status were of greatest importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Breinholt Søvsø
- Centre for Prehospital and Emergency Research, Aalborg University and Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bodil Hammer Bech
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Søvsø MB, Christensen MB, Bech BH, Christensen HC, Christensen EF, Huibers L. Contacting out-of-hours primary care or emergency medical services for time-critical conditions - impact on patient outcomes. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:813. [PMID: 31699103 PMCID: PMC6839230 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4674-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Out-of-hours (OOH) healthcare services in Western countries are often differentiated into out-of-hours primary healthcare services (OOH-PC) and emergency medical services (EMS). Call waiting time, triage model and intended aims differ between these services. Consequently, the care pathway and outcome could vary based on the choice of entrance to the healthcare system. We aimed to investigate patient pathways and 1- and 1-30-day mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and length of hospital stay for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke and sepsis in relation to the OOH service that was contacted prior to the hospital contact. METHODS Population-based observational cohort study during 2016 including adult patients from two Danish regions with an OOH service contact on the date of hospital contact. Patients <18 years were excluded. Data was retrieved from OOH service databases and national registries, linked by a unique personal identification number. Crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed to assess mortality in relation to contacted OOH service with OOH-PC as the reference and cox regression analysis to assess risk of ICU stay. RESULTS We included 6826 patients. AMI and stroke patients more often contacted EMS (52.1 and 54.1%), whereas sepsis patients predominately called OOH-PC (66.9%). Less than 10% (all diagnoses) of patients contacted both OOH-PC & EMS. Stroke patients with EMS or OOH-PC & EMS contacts had higher likelihood of 1- and 1-30-day mortality, in particular 1-day (EMS: OR = 5.33, 95% CI: 2.82-10.08; OOH-PC & EMS: OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.06-9.01). Sepsis patients with EMS or OOH-PC & EMS contacts also had higher likelihood of 1-day mortality (EMS: OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.40-3.51; OOH-PC & EMS: OR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.56-5.23) and 1-30-day mortality. Risk of ICU stay was only significantly higher for stroke patients contacting EMS (EMS: HR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.51-3.75). Stroke and sepsis patients with EMS contact had longer hospital stays. CONCLUSIONS More patients contacted OOH-PC than EMS. Sepsis and stroke patients contacting EMS solely or OOH-PC & EMS had higher likelihood of 1- and 1-30-day mortality during the subsequent hospital contact. Our results suggest that patients contacting EMS are more severely ill, however OOH-PC is still often used for time-critical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Breinholt Søvsø
- Centre for Prehospital and Emergency Research, Aalborg University, Søndre Skovvej 15, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Bodil Hammer Bech
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit of Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Erika Frischknecht Christensen
- Centre for Prehospital and Emergency Research, Aalborg University, Søndre Skovvej 15, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
- Emergency Medical Services, North Denmark Region, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Linda Huibers
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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