The profile of frequent user of a Multipurpose Emergency Service

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the profile of frequent users of a Multipurpose Emergency Service in the Azores, Portugal, relating sociodemographic, clinical and time characteristics. Method: a retrospective study with a quantitative approach on the use of a Multipurpose Emergency Service in the Azores, Portugal, from January 1 to December 31, 2022. The population included all users with four or more visits. Data were extracted from Glintt Healthcare® in October 2023, with descriptive statistical analysis. Results 6,553 (11.8%) were frequent users, predominantly female (55.8%), ≤ 30 years old, single (54.6%), living in Ponta Delgada (60.3%) and who sought treatment without referral (97%). They arrived by ambulance (16.7%), with low and non-urgent priorities (50%), presenting at least one comorbidity (67%), hospitalization rate (8.6%) and higher demand on Mondays (15.8%). Conclusion: it is urgent to integrate primary and hospital care, promoting partnerships to improve care, assessing whether vulnerabilities influence the excessive use of the healthcare system.

Keywords

• Health Profile
• Sociodemographic Factors
• Health Services Misuse
• Emergency Nursing
• Health Services Needs and Demand