Understanding the behavior of frequent emergency department visitors
Healthcare Seeking Behavior of Frequent Emergency Care Visitors
This study looks at why some adults keep going to the emergency room so often to see if understanding their reasons can help improve after-hours care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 700 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Zuyderland Medisch Centrum Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Heerlen, Limburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT05953467 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study analyzes the healthcare-seeking behavior of patients who frequently visit the Emergency Department (ED) at Zuyderland Medical Centre in the Netherlands. It focuses on individuals aged 18 and older who visited the ED or General Practitioner Care (GPC) four or more times in 2022. By examining this specific group, the study aims to identify patterns and factors contributing to their frequent visits, which may help bridge the gap to out-of-hours primary care. Data will be extracted retrospectively from existing hospital records without requiring informed consent from participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who visited the ED or GPC four or more times in 2022.
Not a fit: Patients who did not visit the ED or GPC frequently, or those who opted out of having their data used for research, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for frequent ED visitors, potentially reducing crowding and enhancing patient care.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have indicated that understanding frequent ED visitors can lead to effective interventions, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All adult patients aged 18 years or older at first ED presentation in 2022 who visited the ED 4 times or more in 2022. * All adult patients aged 18 years or older at first GPC presentation in 2022 who visited the GPC 4 times or more. Exclusion Criteria: -
Where this trial is running
Heerlen, Limburg
- Zuyderland MC — Heerlen, Limburg, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lieke Claassen
- Email: l.claassen@zuyderland.nl
- Phone: 0031884592802
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.