The effect of a self-referral scheme on the pattern of hospital admissions for acute asthma.
An analysis of the pattern of admissions for acute asthma to a respiratory unit which operates a self-referral scheme showed that patients included in such a scheme were admitted to hospital more frequently, and much more quickly. The findings suggested that it is possible to recognise 'high-risk' asthmatics and that these patients make full and effective use of well organised self-admission facilities. An attempt to discover what provoked acute attacks of asthma yielded little useful information except to identify a small group of young women in whom hysterical hyperventilation may have been a relevant aetiological factor.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000523:psychology*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010343:Patient Admission; D012139:Respiratory Therapy Department, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012606:Scotland