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Public use and perceptions of emergency departments: A population survey
Author(s) -
FitzGerald Gerry,
Toloo Ghasem Sam,
Aitken Peter,
Keijzers Gerben,
Scuffham Paul
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
emergency medicine australasia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.602
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1742-6723
pISSN - 1742-6731
DOI - 10.1111/1742-6723.12420
Subject(s) - medicine , incentive , population , sample (material) , health care , family medicine , public health , emergency department , service (business) , telephone interview , medical emergency , nursing , environmental health , marketing , chemistry , chromatography , economics , microeconomics , economic growth , social science , business , sociology
Objectives To inform demand management strategies aimed at reducing congestion in EDs by: (i) identifying public use of EDs , decision‐making and reasons; and (ii) measuring acceptance of alternative care models. Methods A cross‐sectional telephone survey of a random sample of Q ueensland population aged 18 years or older residing in a dwelling unit in Q ueensland that could be contacted on a land‐based telephone service was conducted. One person per household was selected according to a predetermined algorithm to ensure sex and regional balance were interviewed. The main outcome measures were: ED use, attitudes towards ED staff and services, and alternative models of care. Results The final sample included a total of 1256 respondents (response rate = 40.3%). Twenty‐one per cent attended EDs in the preceding 12 months. The decision to attend was made by patients (51%), health and medical professionals (31%), and others (18%). The main reasons included perceived severity of the illness (47%), unavailability of alternative services (26%) and better care (11%). Most respondents agreed with more flexible care models of service delivery including incentives for general practitioners (90%), private health insurance coverage for ED use (89%), and enhanced roles for paramedics and nurses. Conclusions Main reason for attending ED is perceived severity of illness, followed by lack of alternative care. The majority of both consumers and the public are in favour of more flexible care models. However, further research is necessary to detail those alternatives and to test and validate their effectiveness.