Skip to main content

Table 2 Reasons for ED use for nonurgent patients: category descriptions

From: Nonurgent patients in emergency departments: rational or irresponsible consumers? Perceptions of professionals and patients

Theme and sub-category

Descriptors

Theme 1. Fulfill health care needs

To alleviate pain or discomfort

▪ “It’s urgent because it hurts”

 

▪ “I suffered for a while there. I’ve been trying to tough it out, but I suffer too much.”

Anxiety generated by the complaint

▪ “I don’t consider my problem serious, but I am worried because I am hurting.”

 

▪ “I do not know what I have, but it worried me, so I preferred to come immediately to the ED so at least I am reassured.”

 

▪ “I was afraid; I was concerned because I did not know if my problem was serious.”

Theme 2. Barriers to primary care providers

Difficulty obtaining an appointment with their PCP in a timely manner

▪ “When I called my doctor, he said that he was booked up, and he instructed me to go to the ED.”

 

▪ “It is impossible to see him during the week if you are sick (speaking of her PCP). It is too long.”

 

▪ “I called my doctor but he could not see me, so I preferred to come to the ED because the pain was unbearable.”

ED is the only alternative to accommodate work schedules

▪ “When I am sick and miss a day of work, I need to see a doctor that day. I can’t afford to be off work any longer. I need to feel better and go back to work the next day”

 

▪ “After 6 p.m., nothing else is open.”

Discerning health consumers

▪ “I preferred the ED to my doctor because it is so hard to get in to see him.”

 

▪ “I knew that my doctor could not see me. So, I came to the ED.”

 

▪ “My doctor consults by appointment only. He doesn’t have time for me.”

Theme 3. Advantages of the ED

Availability of diagnostic tests and treatment

▪ “My doctor cannot do X-rays or laboratory tests, while the ED has all the technical support.”

 

▪ “I'd rather be here than run around. At least here x-rays can be done.”

Convenience

▪ “Everything is in one place.”

 

▪ “The doctors perform things a lot faster.”