Patterns of emergency department visits during Hajj period: Towards healthcare optimization in view of Saudi Arabia's vision 2030

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the pattern of emergency department (ED) visits by Hajj patients and determine the urgency of emergency visits at an advanced healthcare center. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of Hajj patients visiting the ED at King Abdullah Medical City Makkah from September 1 to October 5, 2015 was conducted. RESULTS: We considered 233 visits by 199 Hajj patients. Most diseases were cardiovascular related. Approximately half of the ED visits led to hospital admission, which were largely during the evening and nighttime. Potentially avoidable visits were significantly encountered during the daytime. Average bed occupation time in the ED was similar for both cases: those admitted to inpatient care and discharged from ED. Results from the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale revealed that most patients were triaged with a score of III (48.4%) followed by a clinically better score of IV (32%); however, scores did not change significantly throughout the Hajj day. CONCLUSIONS: During Hajj, a significant proportion of patients who visited the ED at the ultimate healthcare facility were discharged within 24 hours, with a higher rate in the morning-afternoon period. Both admitted and discharged cases required equal levels of care. Therefore, an extension in working days at primary care centers and optimization of advanced healthcare facilities during Hajj is currently warranted.