Allison Tadros1, Shelley M Layman2, Marissa Pantaleone Brewer2, Stephen M Davis2. 1. Department of Emergency Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States. Electronic address: atadros@hsc.wvu.edu. 2. Department of Emergency Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A 2005 study examined emergency department (ED) utilization by homeless patients in the United States. Within the following 5 years, unemployment increased by 5%. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyze changes in ED utilization between 2005 and 2010 by homeless patients and compare with nonhomeless visits. METHODS: Data from the 2010 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were evaluated. RESULTS: Approximately 679854 visits were made by homeless patients, the majority of which were made by men (72.3%) and patients between the ages of 45 and 64 (50.5%). Homeless patients were twice as likely to be uninsured. ED visits by homeless patients had increased by 44% during the 5-year period. Arrival to the ED by ambulance increased by 14% between the study years, and homeless patients were less likely to be admitted. CONCLUSION: The number of visits by homeless patients in the ED increased proportionally to an overall increase in ED visits between 2005 and 2010.
BACKGROUND: A 2005 study examined emergency department (ED) utilization by homeless patients in the United States. Within the following 5 years, unemployment increased by 5%. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyze changes in ED utilization between 2005 and 2010 by homeless patients and compare with nonhomeless visits. METHODS: Data from the 2010 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were evaluated. RESULTS: Approximately 679854 visits were made by homeless patients, the majority of which were made by men (72.3%) and patients between the ages of 45 and 64 (50.5%). Homeless patients were twice as likely to be uninsured. ED visits by homeless patients had increased by 44% during the 5-year period. Arrival to the ED by ambulance increased by 14% between the study years, and homeless patients were less likely to be admitted. CONCLUSION: The number of visits by homeless patients in the ED increased proportionally to an overall increase in ED visits between 2005 and 2010.
Authors: Heather M Grossman Verner; Brian A Figueroa; Marcos Salgado Crespo; Manuel Lorenzo; Joseph D Amos Journal: Trauma Surg Acute Care Open Date: 2021-08-04
Authors: Ruhee Shah; Alessandra Della Porta; Sherman Leung; Margaret Samuels-Kalow; Elizabeth M Schoenfeld; Lynne D Richardson; Michelle P Lin Journal: West J Emerg Med Date: 2021-10-27