Transfer versus direct-visit patients in medically underserved emergency departments: a retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Understanding patient transfer patterns in medically underserved areas is crucial for healthcare system optimization. This study analyzed the differences between transferred and direct-visit patients at a tertiary emergency department in a medically underserved region.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 35,254 adult patients (≥ 18 years) visiting a tertiary care hospital Emergency Department in South Korea from January to December 2023. Patients were categorized into transferred (n = 7,069) or direct-visit (n = 28,185) groups. Demographics, clinical characteristics, resource utilization, and outcomes were compared using appropriate statistical tests. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with clinical outcomes, including main

SUBMITTER: Sun K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12667130 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature