Author:
Slagman Anna,Fischer-Rosinský Antje,Legg David,Schmieder Kristin,Möckel Martin
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
It has not yet been possible to ascertain the exact proportion, characterization or impact of low-acuity emergency department (ED) attendances on the German Health Care System since valid and robust definitions to be applied in German ED routine data are missing.
Methods
Internationally used methods and parameters to identify low-acuity ED attendances were identified, analyzed and then applied to routine ED data from two EDs of the tertiary care hospitals Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte (CCM) and Campus Virchow (CVK).
Results
Based on the three routinely available parameters `disposition´, `transport to the ED´ and `triage´ 33.2% (n = 30 676) out of 92 477 presentations to the two EDs of Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin (CVK, CCM) in 2016 could be classified as low-acuity presentations.
Conclusion
This study provides a reliable and replicable means of retrospective identification and quantification of low-acuity attendances in German ED routine data. This enables both intra-national and international comparisons of figures across future studies and health care monitoring.
Funder
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Reference60 articles.
1. Dickinson A, Joos S. Barriers to Integration of Primary Care into Emergency Care: Experiences in Germany. Int J Integr Care. 2021;21(2):11.
2. Holzinger F, Oslislo S, Möckel M, Schenk L, Pigorsch M, Heintze C. Self-referred walk-in patients in the emergency department–who and why? Consultation determinants in a multicenter study of respiratory patients in Berlin Germany. BMC Health Serv Res. 2020;20(1):1–15.
3. Krämer J, Schreyögg J. Substituting emergency services: primary care vs. hospital care. Health Policy. 2019;123(11):1053–60.
4. Oslislo S, Heintze C, Möckel M, Schenk L, Holzinger F. What role does the GP play for emergency department utilizers? A qualitative exploration of respiratory patients’ perspectives in Berlin Germany. BMC Fam Pract. 2020;21(1):1–11.
5. Scherer M, Lühmann D, Kazek A, Hansen H, Schäfer I. Patients attending emergency departments: a cross-sectional study of Subjectively perceived treatment urgency and motivation for attending. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2017;114(39):645.