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- Title
When older adults are super utilizers of emergency departments.
- Authors
Sendecki, Cathy
- Abstract
The definition of 'super utilizers' of the emergency departments (ED), sometimes referred to as 'frequent flyers' varies, from those who visit four or more times a year (Grover, 2009), to those having 20 or more annual visits (Champion, 2015). These individuals account for less than 4% of overall ED visits (Soril, 2013), but most ED nurses soon get to know a few patients in their area who visit much more than this, some every few weeks for ongoing needs, some every few days. This can be a frustrating experience for the patient, who may disclose a perception of declining empathy although their symptoms continue. Even when the patient feels well supported during the ED visit, the lack of progress in resolving their issues can be worrisome and tiring. For staff, there can be frustration, as we are unable to resolve the chronic issues that plague this patient, or even provide significant relief. There may also be a feeling that these persons are abusing the system by coming frequently to the ED rather than seeing their GP, or waiting to see a specialist. There may also be concerns that the ambulance system is being misused to bring someone relatively stable to the ED, causing delays for more urgent cases.
- Subjects
EMERGENCY medical services; EMERGENCY nursing; MEDICAL care use; NURSE practitioners; SOCIAL support; OLD age
- Publication
Canadian Journal of Emergency Nursing (CJEN), 2016, Vol 39, Issue 2, p28
- ISSN
2293-3921
- Publication type
Article