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.” |