A new study analyzing 721 million emergency department visits found that approximately 6 million patients left before receiving medical attention. The study, which used data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2016 to 2021, identified several factors associated with leaving before medical attention, including substance use disorders, public insurance, arrival by ambulance, and being male. The researchers suggest implementing strategies to address these factors and improve patient care in emergency departments.
A cross-sectional analysis of 721 million emergency department visits reveals that approximately 6 million patients left before medical attention . BMA rates were elevated among men, those with substance use disorders, and those with public insurance, with a sharp increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.Researchers conducted a pooled, cross-sectional analysis of 721 million ED visits using the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2016 to 2021.
About one third of all visits were due to injury, trauma, or overdose; 11.7% of visits led to a hospital admission, and 16.7% of visits involved arrival via an ambulance.The predictors of increased BMA odds included alcohol or substance use disorders , public insurance , arrival by an ambulance , and male sex .
Hospital admissions and trauma-related visits were linked to decreased BMA odds ."This study underscores the importance of addressing factors that lead to patients leaving before medically advised from ED," the authors wrote.
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EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS LEAVING BEFORE MEDICAL ATTENTION SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS PUBLIC INSURANCE HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS
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