Re-presentations to the emergency department post COVID-19 admission in Australia

Background

Little is known on the frequency and nature of re-presentations to emergency departments post initial COVID admission.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics and outcomes of patients with subsequent presentations to an Emergency Department (ED) following positive COVID-19 PCR diagnosis.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients admitted to Austin Health ED who had a confirmed positive COVID-19 PCR, for the period July 2020–August 2020 and October 2021 was undertaken. All patients who had a re-presentation 6 months post initial hospital discharge were included. The primary outcomes were number of subsequent presentations, diagnoses and symptoms.

Results

Among the 254 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 127 tested positive during the 2020 period, and 126 tested positive during the 2021 period. During the 2020 period, 17 of 127 (13%) patients had subsequent presentations to ED. During October 2021, 23 of 126 (18%) patients had subsequent presentations to ED. There were often multiple re-presentations to ED (range 2–9). During both periods, the most common representing symptom was shortness of breath (2020: 60% vs 2021: 59%). The most common re-presentation diagnosis was Post COVID syndrome (12% in 2020 vs 10% in 2021).

Conclusion

There was a high proportion of ED re-presentations post initial COVID admission, with patients often having multiple re-presentations. Post COVID syndrome was the commonest re-presentation diagnosis. This and other complications have the potential to become more frequently diagnosed in the coming years contributing to the increasing demand on emergency departments.