Examination of EMS Decision Making in Determining Suitability of Patient Diversion to Urgent Care Centers

Widespread use of Emergency Medicine Services (EMS) for non-emergency care has increased recently, causing overcrowding of the Emergency Department (ED). The increased availability of urgent care centers (UCCs), with their ability to see large numbers of unscheduled patients with more acute presenta...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Carroll, Gerard, Levy, Katelyn, Pescatore, Richard, Hong, Rick
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: MDPI 2019
Materias:
Article
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6473233/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30717383
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare7010024
Descripción
Sumario:Widespread use of Emergency Medicine Services (EMS) for non-emergency care has increased recently, causing overcrowding of the Emergency Department (ED). The increased availability of urgent care centers (UCCs), with their ability to see large numbers of unscheduled patients with more acute presentations, may offer a viable option for many EMS systems to divert non-emergent cases. Using a survey-based study combined with retrospective chart review, EMS provider ability to determine patient suitability for diversion to UCCs was assessed. Results indicated a rate of inappropriate diversion of 11.6%. UCCs may be an alternative option for EMS transport, however strict protocols with medical direction are needed.

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