A descriptive analysis of the non-urgent use of emergency departments

Nurse Res. 2008;15(3):72-88. doi: 10.7748/nr2008.04.15.3.72.c6458.

Abstract

This study by Carla Brim from the United States analyses why people seek non-urgent care in emergency departments during hours when community providers are available. Results indicate that lack of healthcare insurance and having public insurance are the factors most closely associated with such use of emergency departments. This information can be used to bring about change in policymaking decisions about healthcare assessments.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration
  • Health Services Misuse / statistics & numerical data*
  • Healthcare Disparities / statistics & numerical data
  • Hospitals, Community / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Insurance, Health / economics
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation*
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Washington