JIA-HOW CHANGEDWARD PEI-CHUAN HUANGCHI-HSIN CHENCHENG-YI FANDeng, Yu-RouYu-RouDengCHIH-WEI SUNG2023-05-192023-05-192023-03-1509296646https://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/631176Background: 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.enCOVID-19 pandemic; Emergency department revisit; Return visit; Unplanned return[SDGs]SDG3journal article10.1016/j.jfma.2023.03.007369908612-s2.0-85151469708https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85151469708