Maria Unwin|Leigh Kinsman|Scott Rigby
Why are we waiting? Patients’ perspectives for accessing emergency department services with non-urgent complaints
University of Tasmania|University of Tasmania
background emergency departments worldwide report service demands exceed resource availability themes crowding nonurgent presentations ambulance diversion access block linked complications care poorer patient outcomes increased morbidity staff burnout people attending emergency department problems perceived nonurgent frequently attributed blame increased service demand yet little known patients perspective method project utilised descriptive crosssectional waiting room survey nonurgent patients identify factors contributing decision making process access ed services regional hospital tasmania australia data analysed using statistical software package comparison made sample population groups determine broad representation results patients decision making processes found influenced convenience perceived need referral health care provider cost present significant factor high incidence patients 25 years age identified musculoskeletal complaints common complaint across age groups conclusion consideration required determine best meet service demand facilitate provision right service right time right patient