Socio-demographic and health perception factors influencing non-urgent emergency department visits in the Veneto region: a cross-sectional pilot study
Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a significant issue in Italy, impacting resource allocation and patient care. Patients seeking ED care vary widely in terms of demographic characteristics and health perceptions, often presenting with non-urgent issues. Understanding the factors influencing...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
PAGEPress Publications
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Emergency Care Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.pagepressjournals.org/ecj/article/view/13811 |
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| Summary: | Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a significant issue in Italy, impacting resource allocation and patient care. Patients seeking ED care vary widely in terms of demographic characteristics and health perceptions, often presenting with non-urgent issues. Understanding the factors influencing ED utilization is essential for mitigating congestion. This study aims to assess personal and service-related factors influencing patients’ decisions to seek ED care, focusing on socio-demographic variables and health perceptions. A pilot study was conducted using a validated questionnaire adapted for the ED context. The survey was administered to patients with non-urgent visits (white triage code) across four hospitals during a two-week period in October 2022. Statistical analysis, including chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, identified associations between sociodemographic factors, health perceptions, and ED utilization motivations. A total of 792 questionnaires were analyzed. Findings revealed a “typical patient” characterized by high anxiety, perceived urgency, and overestimation of symptom severity. Significant associations were found between age, education level, chronic conditions, and ED utilization. Socio-demographic characteristics and health perceptions significantly influence ED visits. Improving patient education and awareness of alternative healthcare options may help alleviate ED overcrowding.
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| ISSN: | 2282-2054 |