Rate, Mode, Reasons and Factors Associated With Re-Presentation in People Diagnosed With Musculoskeletal Conditions at a Single Emergency Department: A Cross-Sectional Exploratory Study
Patricia Slapp, Linda Spencer, Rob Waller, Karen Richards, Anne Smith, Nic Saraceni, Piers Truter
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Abstract
Objective
To explore the rate, mode, and reasons for re-presentations for emergency department (ED) patients with musculoskeletal diagnoses and examine factors associated with increased odds of re-presentation.
Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional audit of re-presentation patterns for patients with musculoskeletal diagnoses presenting to the study ED in 2023.
The study ED was in a secondary hospital in Perth, Western Australia, which operates a diversion pathway (daily, 10 am–6 pm) for patients with musculoskeletal diagnoses.
Results
In 2023, 3677 patients with musculoskeletal diagnoses were diverted from the ED, 972 provided research consent and of those, 143 (14.7%) re-presented. Importantly, 10 (1.0%) patients re-presented to the ED itself, and 133 (13.7%) re-presented to the physiotherapy outpatient diversion clinic.
There were 65 scheduled and 78 unscheduled re-presentations, with telehealth the preferred mode of contact (n = 86, 60.1%). Clinician diagnostic uncertainty, identified patient psychosocial issues, and concern that the patient would re-present to the ED most commonly resulted in scheduled re-presentation (n = 31, 47.7%). Unscheduled re-presentations focused on administrative inquiries (e.g., hospital referrals, medical certificates) (n = 31, 39.7%) and concern for symptoms (n = 25, 32.1%).
Older age, high pain severity, and lower limb affected body region were associated with increased odds of re-presentation.
Conclusions
ED clinicians may reduce re-presentation by employing targeted strategies such as shared decision-making about pain management, ensuring a shared understanding of the diagnosis, or stage of the diagnostic process and likely course of symptoms. Further, a follow-up plan that is clinically indicated and patient acceptable may be critical for those with increased odds of re-representation.
期刊介绍:
Emergency Medicine Australasia is the official journal of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) and the Australasian Society for Emergency Medicine (ASEM), and publishes original articles dealing with all aspects of clinical practice, research, education and experiences in emergency medicine.
Original articles are published under the following sections: Original Research, Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Disaster Medicine, Education and Training, Ethics, International Emergency Medicine, Management and Quality, Medicolegal Matters, Prehospital Care, Public Health, Rural and Remote Care, Technology, Toxicology and Trauma. Accepted papers become the copyright of the journal.