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Variations in the intended utilization of emergency care in case of gastrointestinal diseases

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  • Klein, Jens
  • Koens, Sarah
  • Scherer, Martin
  • Strauß, Annette
  • Härter, Martin
  • von dem Knesebeck, Olaf

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Klein, Jens & Koens, Sarah & Scherer, Martin & Strauß, Annette & Härter, Martin & von dem Knesebeck, Olaf, 2024. "Variations in the intended utilization of emergency care in case of gastrointestinal diseases," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:140:y:2024:i:c:s0168851023002555
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104970
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maria Unwin & Elaine Crisp & Jim Stankovich & Damhnat McCann & Leigh Kinsman, 2020. "Socioeconomic disadvantage as a driver of non-urgent emergency department presentations: A retrospective data analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(4), pages 1-16, April.
    2. Leporatti, Lucia & Ameri, Marta & Trinchero, Chiara & Orcamo, Patrizia & Montefiori, Marcello, 2016. "Targeting frequent users of emergency departments: Prominent risk factors and policy implications," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(5), pages 462-470.
    3. Baier, Natalie & Geissler, Alexander & Bech, Mickael & Bernstein, David & Cowling, Thomas E. & Jackson, Terri & van Manen, Johan & Rudkjøbing, Andreas & Quentin, Wilm, 2019. "Emergency and urgent care systems in Australia, Denmark, England, France, Germany and the Netherlands – Analyzing organization, payment and reforms," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 123(1), pages 1-10.
    4. Lennert Griese & Hanne S. Finbråten & Rita Francisco & Saskia M. De Gani & Robert Griebler & Øystein Guttersrud & Rebecca Jaks & Christopher Le & Thomas Link & Andreia Silva da Costa & Miguel Telo de , 2022. "HLS 19 -NAV—Validation of a New Instrument Measuring Navigational Health Literacy in Eight European Countries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-20, October.
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