A Descriptive Analysis of Nonurgent Emergency Room Utilization at William Beaumont Army Medical Center
Abstract
The object of this study was to determine the percentage of patients seen in the WBAMCER for conditions triaged as nonurgent during a seven-month period from June to December in 1998. Additionally, the study, utilizing pre-recorded data, desired to determine if 12 independent variables were associated with nonurgent utilization of the ER. The registered nurses on duty triaged a total of 2,173 patients that met inclusion criteria. A large number (n=1260, 58% of sample) were triage to level 4 (nonurgent). Patients triaged to level 3 (treat within 24 hours) accounted for 37.8% (n=821). The remaining level two (urgent) and level one (emergent) accounted for nearly equal percentages of the population at 2.3% (n=49) and 2.0% (n=43) respectively. The typical profile of ER utilization by frequency showed the greatest usage by female active duty dependents between the ages of 18-35 who are CHAMPUS eligible and enrolled in TRICARE Prime. This profile also depicts the typical user as someone who presents with a sprain or strain on a weekday during the hours of 0700-1500. This profile is further typified by a person or sponsor between the rank of E5 and E9 with no third party insurance, lived in zip code 79924 (6 miles from WBAMC) and released without limitation after being treated in the ER. This study strengthens and quantifies the long-standing belief among practitioners and administrators regarding the prevalence of nonurgent use in the ER at WBAMC. These nonurgent patients may be candidates for referral to a more appropriate level of care, typically primary care, without a significant risk for deterioration of their condition. Identifying and quantifying this population is the first step in shaping important organizational initiative aimed at self-care education, utilization of telephone advice and triage, and other out patient medical management programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 28, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA420798
Entities
People
- Patrick A. Kuntz
Organizations
- Academy of Health Sciences