The profile of frequent users of a Multipurpose Emergency Service

an archipelago reality

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/ce.v30i0.93924

Keywords:

Health Profile, Sociodemographic Factors, Health Services Misuse, Emergency Medical Services, Health Services Needs and Demand

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the profile of frequent users of a Multipurpose Emergency Service in the Azores, Portugal, relating sociodemographic, clinical and time characteristics.

Method: a retrospective study with a quantitative approach on the use of a Multipurpose Emergency Service in the Azores, Portugal, from January 1 to December 31, 2022. The population included all users with four or more visits. Data were extracted from Glintt Healthcare® in October 2023, with descriptive statistical analysis.

Results 6,553 (11.8%) were frequent users, predominantly female (55.8%), ≤ 30 years old, single (54.6%), living in Ponta Delgada (60.3%) and who sought treatment without referral (97%). They arrived by ambulance (16.7%), with low and non-urgent priorities (50%), presenting at least one comorbidity (67%), hospitalization rate (8.6%) and higher demand on Mondays (15.8%).

Conclusion: it is urgent to integrate primary and hospital care, promoting partnerships to improve care, assessing whether vulnerabilities influence the excessive use of the healthcare system.

Author Biographies

Alexandra Torres de Medeiros, Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo, Ponta Delgada, Portugal

Nurse. Specialization in Rehabilitation Nursing. Polytechnic Institute of Health of the North – Cespu, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.

José Luís Santos Picanço, Hospital do Divino Espirito Santo, Ponta Delgada, Portugal

Nurse. Specialization in Medical-Surgical Nursing. Northern Polytechnic Institute of Health - Cespu, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.

Nuno Miguel Faria Araújo, Instituto Politécnico de Saúde do Norte - Cespu, Famalicão, Portugal.

Nurse. PhD in Management. Professor at the Northern Polytechnic Institute of Health - Cespu, Famalicão, Portugal.  

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Published

2025-03-26

How to Cite

de Medeiros, A. T., Picanço, J. L. S., & Araújo, N. M. F. (2025). The profile of frequent users of a Multipurpose Emergency Service: an archipelago reality. Cogitare Enfermagem, 30. https://doi.org/10.1590/ce.v30i0.93924

Issue

Vol. 30 (2025)

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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