Use of a pediatric emergency department. Reasons for nonurgent patient visits

BackgroundThe number of patients treated at German pediatric emergency departments is rising. While considerate research has been undertaken to assess reasons for adult emergency department visits, little is known about the specific case of pediatric emergency provision.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate motivations for nonurgent patient visits in the pediatric emergency department.Materials and methodsStandardized survey of patients (or their respective relatives) seeking pediatric emergency care in ametropolitan pediatric emergency department over a 4-week period.ResultsA total of 810 subjects were included in the study. The central findings support the results of comparable international studies and simultaneously match contemporary German studies. From apediatric/parent perspective, the most common motives for visiting an emergency department are the following: individual preferences, mostly geographical proximity and expected spectrum of care; limited accessibility/reachability of other existing ambulatory care structures; insufficient knowledge regarding alternative ambulant emergency care structures.ConclusionOver 50% of children using the services of pediatric emergency departments can be classified as nonurgent cases that do not require emergency treatment. As pediatric emergency departments in Germany remain in high demand, more efficient steering of patient flow and areform of intersectoral, pediatric emergency care are necessary.