Analysis of High Frequency Users of the Martin Army Community Hospital Emergency Room: Factors Contributing to Heightened Utilization

摘要

A study of the Martin Army Community Hospital emergency room population was undertaken to: (1) identify the frequent users, and (2) determine which variables were statistically significant determinants of high frequency emergency room use. Patients were categorized by number of visits made (1, 2, 3, 4) to the emergency room in a six month period, and data collected retrospectively from the CHCS database for two consecutive time periods. Patients appearing in identical visit categories in both time periods were further categorized as frequent users and sampled; patients with only one visit were used as a comparison group representing normal use. A survey was prepared based upon the significant variables reported in the literature.