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Meta-Analysis
. 2016 Dec 9;16(1):685.
doi: 10.1186/s12913-016-1935-z.

Motives for self-referral to the emergency department: a systematic review of the literature

Nicole Kraaijvanger  1 , Henk van Leeuwen  2 , Douwe Rijpsma  3 , Michael Edwards  4
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Motives for self-referral to the emergency department: a systematic review of the literature

Nicole Kraaijvanger et al. BMC Health Serv Res. .

Abstract

Background: In several western countries patients' use of Emergency Departments (EDs) is increasing. A substantial number of patients is self-referred, but does not need emergency care. In order to have more influence on unnecessary self-referral, it is essential to know why patients visit the ED without referral. The goal of this systematic review therefore is to explore what motivates self-referred patients in those countries to visit the ED.

Methods: Recommendations from the PRISMA were used to search and analyze the literature. The following databases; PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Library, were systematically searched from inception up to the first of February 2015. The reference lists of the included articles were screened for additional relevant articles. All studies that reported on the motives of self-referred patients to visit an ED were selected. The reasons for self-referral were categorized into seven main themes: health concerns, expected investigations; convenience of the ED; lesser accessibility of primary care; no confidence in general practitioner/primary care; advice from others and financial considerations. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed.

Results: Thirty publications were identified from the literature studied. The most reported themes for self-referral were 'health concerns' and 'expected investigations': 36% (95% Confidence Interval 23-50%) and 35% (95% CI 20-51%) respectively. Financial considerations most often played a role in the United States with a reported percentage of 33% versus 4% in other countries (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Worldwide, the most important reasons to self-refer to an ED are health concerns and expected investigations. Financial considerations mainly play a role in the United States.

Keywords: Emergency department; Self-referred patients; Systematic review.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flow diagram
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Self-referred patients visiting the ED out of financial motives in GP-based countries versus non-GP –based countries (USA). The two studies originating from the United States, reporting on financial considerations as a reason for self-referring to the ED, found significantly higher percentages of self-referred patients visiting the ED for this reason than studies from other continents did
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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