Examining the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 on equitable access to emergency care across Alberta demographic groups: a retrospective observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a notable decline in emergency department (ED) usage in many jurisdictions. This study assessed changes in ED use during this period and explored how the pandemic may have aggravated existing healthcare access inequities.

Objectives

Our primary objective was to assess pandemic-related changes to ED visits and emergency hospitalisations for distinct demographic groups.

Design

We conducted a retrospective observational study using population-based provincial administrative data.

Setting

We analysed data from all the 109 EDs and urgent care centres in Alberta, Canada, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (15 March 2020 to 30 June 2020), and during the corresponding (control) period 1 ye

SUBMITTER: McLane P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12574378 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature