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Longitudinal description and evaluation of an emergency department avoidance strategy for a youth mass gathering (Schoolies) in Australia
Author(s) -
Johnston Amy NB,
Byrne Jacqueline H,
Bost Nerolie,
Aitken Michael,
Wadham Jasmine,
Donnelly Tonya,
Timms Jo,
Crilly Julia
Publication year - 2021
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 - 10.1111/1742-6723.13609
Subject(s) - mass gathering , medicine , triage , emergency department , observational study , descriptive statistics , population , crowding , emergency medical services , mental health , medical emergency , demography , family medicine , emergency medicine , public health , psychiatry , nursing , environmental health , psychology , statistics , mathematics , pathology , neuroscience , sociology
Objective ED avoidance strategies including In‐Event Health Service (IEHS) processes during mass gathering events (MGEs), such as ‘Schoolies week’, may be important for EDs, ambulance services, the local population, and attendees. The aim of the present study was to provide a longitudinal description of emergency care requirements for young adults (16–18 years old); focussing on the impact of the Schoolies MGEs. Methods This retrospective observational study included youth (16–18 years) presentations made (i) to local public EDs during Schoolies week in 2008–2014 and (ii) to local EDs over a 3‐week period (pre, during, post‐Schoolies week) and the IEHS in 2015 and 2016. Descriptive and inferential statistics were undertaken. Results Youth presentations ( n = 4256) were included. Presentation rates/1000 fluctuated over time (range 6.2–21.2). The IEHS provided care for 167 and 288 youth during 2015 and 2016 Schoolies week, respectively. Demographic factors (gender, age, region domiciled) and episode of care factors (time of presentation, mode of arrival, urgency, time to triage, time to be seen by a clinician and length of stay) between 2008 and 2016 varied by year. Toxicology (alcohol and other drugs), trauma, and mental health concerns were the most common diagnoses. Conclusions The IEHS, operational during Schoolies, appeared to reduce pressures on local EDs by offering rapid, targeted care for potentially vulnerable youth; decrease requirements for hospital transport and minimise impacts on care provision for the local community. Given increases in ED crowding and pressures on ambulance services, such care models may be worth considering for other types of MGEs and in other locations.