Differences in the characteristics and patterns of adult emergency department return visits before and after the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Data about changes in the characteristics of ED return visits before and after the COVID-19 outbreak are limited. This study aimed to report the differences on utility in ED return visits after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2019 to 2020. Adult patients with ED return visits were included in the analysis. Variables including demographic characteristics, pre-comorbidities, triage levels, vital signs, chief complaints, management, and diagnosis were recorded and confirmed via a manual assessment.

Results

The proportion of patients with ED visits decreased by 23%. Hence, that of patients with ED return visits also reduced from 2580 to 2020 patients (22%) after the COVID-19 outbreak. The average age (60-57.8 ye

SUBMITTER: Chang JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10015088 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature