The National Institutes of Health announced research indicating that coordinated care can prevent unnecessary emergency department visits by adults with disabilities.
Working-age adults with disabilities represent only 17 percent of the U.S. working-age population, but 39.2 percent of total ED visits, according to the release. Three factors that contribute to their ED use include low access to regular medical care, health profile complexity and disability status.
To reduce unnecessary ED visits by adults with disabilities, the researchers suggested improving communication between ED and primary care physicians, developing tailored prevention and chronic condition management programs, and adopting coordinated care systems that include case management, psychosocial care and 24/7 access to medical assistance.
Study: Access to After-Hours Primary Care Predicts ED Use
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Working-age adults with disabilities represent only 17 percent of the U.S. working-age population, but 39.2 percent of total ED visits, according to the release. Three factors that contribute to their ED use include low access to regular medical care, health profile complexity and disability status.
To reduce unnecessary ED visits by adults with disabilities, the researchers suggested improving communication between ED and primary care physicians, developing tailored prevention and chronic condition management programs, and adopting coordinated care systems that include case management, psychosocial care and 24/7 access to medical assistance.
More Articles on ED Utilization:
Rolling Out the Red Carpet for ED "Super-Utilizers"? Taking a Patient-Centered ApproachStudy: Access to After-Hours Primary Care Predicts ED Use
Crowded EDs Linked to More Patient Deaths, Study Finds