Effect of a social services intervention among 911 repeat users.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether emergency medical services (EMS) 911 frequent users would benefit from social services intervention.


METHODS
The design was a descriptive prospective subject evaluation. All nonhomeless frequent EMS users (>3x in 1 month) were identified monthly from December 2 to May 3 and contacted by 2 social workers. Information extracted from their contact with the subjects included demographics, ability to enter a social services intervention, and reason for transport.


RESULTS
Eighty-four patients were eligible for inclusion in the study. Seventy-four patients were unable to enter a social services intervention for the following reasons: not home (2x) (26%), not at address (19%), refused (13%), unable to complete Mini-Mental Status Exam (10%), deceased (6%), hospitalized (5%), safety issues (4%), and others (10%). The reasons for frequent EMS use were cardiac (24%), asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (25%), seizures (14%), dialysis problems, alcohol problems, and diabetes-related problems (<10% each).


CONCLUSIONS
Among all patients, the primary reasons for transport were cardiac, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and seizures. Only 12% of patients contacted could enter a social services intervention. On the basis of the small cohort of patients that were able to enter a social services interventions, more targeted interventions are warranted.
Weiss
Steven J
SJ
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. sweiss52@aol.com
Ernst
Amy A
AA
Ong
Margaret
M
Jones
Ray
R
Morrow
Debra
D
Milch
Rosemary
R
O'Neil
Katie
K
Glass
Jay
J
Nick
Todd
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012947:Social Work / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States