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Outcomes of Establishing an Urgent Care Centre in the Same Location as an Emergency Department

Author

Listed:
  • Annelie Raidla

    (Emergency Department at Östra Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
    Gothenburg Emergency Research Group (GEMREG), Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Katrin Darro

    (Emergency Department at Östra Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
    Gothenburg Emergency Research Group (GEMREG), Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Tobias Carlson

    (Gothenburg Emergency Research Group (GEMREG), Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
    Center of Emergency Department Development, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Amir Khorram-Manesh

    (Gothenburg Emergency Research Group (GEMREG), Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
    Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Johan Berlin

    (Department of Social and Behavioral Studies, University West, 461 86 Trollhättan, Sweden)

  • Eric Carlström

    (Gothenburg Emergency Research Group (GEMREG), Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
    Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
    USN School of Business, Campus Vestfold, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3603 Kongsberg, Norway)

Abstract

The emergency department (ED) is one of the busiest facilities in a hospital, and it is frequently described as a bottleneck that limits space and structures, jeopardising surge capacity during Major Incidents and Disasters (MIDs) and pandemics such as the COVID 19 outbreak. One remedy to facilitate surge capacity is to establish an Urgent Care Centre (UCC), i.e., a secondary ED, co-located and in close collaboration with an ED. This study investigates the outcome of treatment in an ED versus a UCC in terms of length of stay (LOS), time to physician (TTP) and use of medical services. If it was possible to make these parameters equal to or even less than the ED, UCCs could be used as supplementary units to the ED, improving sustainability. The results show reduced waiting times at the UCC, both in terms of TTP and LOS. In conclusion, creating a primary care-like facility in close proximity to the hospitals may not only relieve overcrowding of the hospital’s ED in peacetime, but it may also provide an opportunity for use during MIDs and pandemics to facilitate the victims of the incident and society as a whole.

Suggested Citation

  • Annelie Raidla & Katrin Darro & Tobias Carlson & Amir Khorram-Manesh & Johan Berlin & Eric Carlström, 2020. "Outcomes of Establishing an Urgent Care Centre in the Same Location as an Emergency Department," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-8, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:19:p:8190-:d:423727
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Amir Khorram-Manesh & Frederick M. Burkle, 2020. "Disasters and Public Health Emergencies—Current Perspectives in Preparedness and Response," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-5, October.
    2. Ahmed M. Al-Wathinani & Abdulaziz Alakeel & Ahmad Hecham Alani & Mohammad Alharbi & Abdullah Almutairi & Tahani Alonaizi & Riyadh A. Alhazmi & Sultan M. Alghadeer & Abdulmajeed M. Mobrad & Krzysztof G, 2021. "A Cross-Sectional Study on the Flood Emergency Preparedness among Healthcare Providers in Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-21, February.

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