Increasing emergency hospital activity in Denmark, 2005–2016: a nationwide descriptive study

OBJECTIVES: To describe changes in unplanned acute activity and to identify and characterise unplanned contacts in hospitals in Denmark from 2005 to 2016, including following healthcare reform. DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: Data from Danish nationwide registers. POPULATION: Adults (≥18 years). PARTICIPANTS: All adults with an unplanned acute hospital contacts (acute inpatient admissions and emergency care visits) in Denmark from 2005 to 2016. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes were annual number of contacts, length of stay, number of contacts per 1000 citizen per year, age-adjusted contacts per 1000 citizens per year, sex, age groups, country of origin, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, discharge diagnosis and time of arrival. RESULTS: We included a total of 13 524 680 contacts. The annual number of acute hospital contacts increased from 1 067 390 in 2005 to 1 221 601 in 2016. The number also increased with adjustment for age per 1000 citizens. In addition, regional differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Unplanned acute activity changed from 2005 to 2016. The national number of contacts increased, primarily because of changes in one of the five regions.