Differences in the characteristics and patterns of adult emergency department return visits before and after the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi
Journal Volume
122
Journal Issue
9
Start Page
843
End Page
852
Date Issued
2023-03-15
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: Data about changes in the characteristics of ED return visits before and after the COVID-19 outbreak are limited. This study aimed to report the differences on utility in ED return visits after the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2019 to 2020. Adult patients with ED return visits were included in the analysis. Variables including demographic characteristics, pre-comorbidities, triage levels, vital signs, chief complaints, management, and diagnosis were recorded and confirmed via a manual assessment. Results: The proportion of patients with ED visits decreased by 23%. Hence, that of patients with ED return visits also reduced from 2580 to 2020 patients (22%) after the COVID-19 outbreak. The average age (60–57.8 years) of patients with return visits was significantly younger, and the proportion of female patients decreased remarkably. Further, the proportion of patients with chronic pre-existing diseases at the return visit significantly differed after the COVID-19 outbreak. The proportion of patients with chief complaints including dizziness, dyspnea, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, and chills during the return visits significantly differed before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the multivariable logistic regression model, age, high triage level were significantly associated with unfavorable outcome return visit. Conclusion: The use of services in the ED has changed since the COVID-19 outbreak. Hence, the proportion of patients with unplanned return visits within 72 h decreased. After the COVID-19 outbreak, people are now cautious whether they should return to the ED, as in the pre-pandemic situation, or just treat conservatively at home.
Subjects
COVID-19 pandemic; Emergency department revisit; Return visit; Unplanned return
SDGs
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Type
journal article