Predictors of medication refill-seeking behavior in the ED.
OBJECTIVE
Determine predictors of medication refill-seeking behavior in ED patients with chronic illness.


METHODS
Prospective cross-sectional ED survey conducted for 6 weeks.


METHODS
Public hospital ED (>140,000 visits per year).


METHODS
ED patients (>18 years) taking chronic medications for congestive heart failure, diabetes, and/or hypertension.


RESULTS
Of 1168 patients surveyed, 344 (29%) presented to the ED secondary to running out of medications and requiring a medication refill. Univariate predictors included age younger than 50 years, non-Hispanic ethnicity, low income (<5000 dollars per year), self-pay payor status, and being told to call a primary care physician before medication would be refilled. Lack of knowledge about refill or pharmacy numbers on the medication bottle resulted in patients being more than twice as likely to be in the ED for a medication refill (odds ratio 2.4 [1.6, 3.6] and 2.0 [1.3, 2.9], respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Presenting for medication refills is common in ED patients with chronic illness.
Miller
Adam H
AH
Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8579, USA. adam.miller@utsouthwestern.edu
Larkin
Gregory L
GL
Jimenez
Claudie H
CH
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology