Drivers of Frequent Emergency Department Use in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Older Adults: A Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The emergency department (ED) is the safety net for and a common point of healthcare access for socioeconomically disadvantaged older adults. Little is known about socioeconomically disadvantaged older ED patients' perspectives on their health, healthcare access, and ED use. Such insights could guide tailored interventions to address unmet clinical and health-related social needs (HRSN).

Methods

We performed a qualitative study with older adults in a single public safety net hospital ED. We interviewed patients age 60+ who had ≥ 4 ED 4 visits in the past year. Semi-structured interviews explored perceived health needs and motivations underlying ED visits. We screened for HRSN using validated measures. We performed content analysis to evaluate key drivers of ED use

SUBMITTER: Chary A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12460937 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature