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Policy of free GP care for children under 6 years: The impact on emergency department attendance

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  • McDonnell, Thérèse
  • Nicholson, Emma
  • Barrett, Michael
  • Bury, Gerard
  • Collins, Claire
  • Cummins, Fergal
  • Deasy, Conor
  • Denny, Kevin
  • De Brún, Aoife
  • Hensey, Conor
  • McAuliffe, Eilish

Abstract

Universal health coverage (UHC) aims to improve child health. Ireland, the only country in the European Union without universal access to primary care, introduced general practitioner (GP) care at no charge for children aged under six in 2015. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of this policy on attendance at the emergency department (ED).

Suggested Citation

  • McDonnell, Thérèse & Nicholson, Emma & Barrett, Michael & Bury, Gerard & Collins, Claire & Cummins, Fergal & Deasy, Conor & Denny, Kevin & De Brún, Aoife & Hensey, Conor & McAuliffe, Eilish, 2021. "Policy of free GP care for children under 6 years: The impact on emergency department attendance," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:279:y:2021:i:c:s0277953621003208
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113988
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Connolly, Sheelah & Wren, Maev-Ann, 2017. "Unmet healthcare needs in Ireland," Papers RB20170301, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
    2. Walsh, Brendan & Nolan, Anne & Brick, Aoife & Keegan, Conor, 2019. "Did the expansion of free GP care impact demand for Emergency Department attendances? A difference-in-differences analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 222(C), pages 101-111.
    3. Dolton, Peter & Pathania, Vikram, 2016. "Can increased primary care access reduce demand for emergency care? Evidence from England's 7-day GP opening," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 193-208.
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    6. Walsh, Brendan & Nolan, Anne & Brick, Aoife & Keegan, Conor, 2019. "Did the expansion of free GP care impact demand for Emergency Department attendances?," Papers RB201901, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
    7. Nolan, Anne & Layte, Richard, 2017. "The impact of transitions in insurance coverage on GP visiting among children in Ireland," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 94-100.
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    10. Smith, Samantha & Walsh, Brendan & Wren, Maev-Ann & Barron, Steve & Morgenroth, Edgar & Eighan, James & Lyons, Seán, 2019. "Geographic profile of healthcare needs and non-acute healthcare supply in Ireland," Research Series, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), number RS90.
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    1. McDonnell, Thérèse & Nicholson, Emma & Bury, Gerard & Collins, Claire & Conlon, Ciara & Denny, Kevin & O'Callaghan, Michael & McAuliffe, Eilish, 2022. "Policy of free GP care for children under 6 years: The impact on daytime and out-of-hours general practice," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 296(C).

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