[Pediatric emergencies attended at a primary care clinic (I): Analysis of demand].
OBJECTIVE
To study paediatric emergencies in a primary care clinic, evaluating how suitable it is and the factors underlying the emergencies.


METHODS
A prospective, longitudinal study during the working days of alternate weeks between July 1 1996 and June 30 1997.


METHODS
Urban paediatrics clinic, on the afternoon shift (2 to 9 p.m.), of the Vicente Soldevilla Primary Care Team (PCT) in Vallecas (Madrid).


METHODS
Population registered with the PCT: 2890 children between 0 and 14.


RESULTS
723 emergencies were attended (consultations without prior appointment), which represented 21.1% of all non-scheduled consultations. The mean was 5.8 +/- 2.8 emergencies per day (range 0-13). They were more common on Mondays (6.8 +/- 2.4), in October (8.2 +/- 1.6) and in Autumn (5.8 +/- 2.6). 95% were of children registered with the PCT. Maximum attendance was between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. (59%), coinciding with the on-demand clinic. 6.9% of the emergencies were unjustified, 51.3% were justified, and 41.8% could have asked for an appointment beforehand. The main reasons for attending as an emergency were: the symptoms beginning after the appointments desk had closed (43.2%), convenience (16.7%) and importance of the illness (12.4%).


CONCLUSIONS
Emergencies make up a large proportion of consultations, and distort the organisation of the day's activities. 41.8% of cases could have requested a prior appointment. It is striking that 16.7% said they attended as an emergency for convenience. Children under 6 were those who attended emergencies most.
Fernández Cano
G
G
Pediatras de Equipo de Atención Primaria, Madrid.
Martín Carballo
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006300:Health Services Misuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013997:Time Factors