Non-clinical factors influencing discharge and admission decisions in the emergency department: a focus group study among Israeli physicians.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Emergency department (ED) physicians frequently make high-stakes decisions under time constraints. While clinical indicators are essential, non-clinical factors often shape whether a patient is admitted or discharged. However, the specific non-clinical influences and how physicians perceive them remain underexplored.

Objective

To identify and categorize non-clinical factors that influence admission decisions among ED physicians.

Methods

This qualitative study involved five focus groups with 42 participants (specialists, residents, and physician assistants) across five Israeli hospitals. A semi-structured discussion guide, informed by literature and expert interviews, was used. Audio-recordings were transcribed and analyzed thematically using a mixed inducti

SUBMITTER: Kobo O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12312348 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature