Path analysis modeling indicates free transport increases ambulance use for minor indications.
BACKGROUND
Clinically unnecessary ambulance transport is increasing, diverting limited resources from patients needing ambulance transport. It was anecdotally observed that inappropriate ambulance use increased after abolition of a direct patient cost for ambulance transport.


OBJECTIVE
In July 2003, direct patient fees were abolished in favor of a universally applied ambulance levy, potentially leading to increased ambulance use by patients with low illness acuity and admission rates.


METHODS
The influence of age, illness acuity, and need for admission on ambulance use was assessed for 55,397 emergency department attendances in 2002 and 2004. Ambulance users were compared with nonusers in both years and attendances for 2002 compared with 2004 using chi-square test for two groups. Logistic regression provided a multivariate model leading to ambulance use. Path analysis modeling to assess interrelationships between factors associated with ambulance use was developed.


RESULTS
Ambulance users in both years were older, had more acute illness, and had greater need for admission compared with nonusers. The odds ratio (OR) of arrival by ambulance in 2004 compared with 2002 was 1.14 (95% confidence interval, [CI], 1.12 to 1.17). In 2002, ambulance users were older (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.40 to 1.43), were more likely to need admission (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 2.16 to 2.4) and had higher illness acuity (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.94 to 2.09). There was a negative correlation between 2004 and illness acuity.


CONCLUSIONS
Ambulance use increased in 2004 after patient transport fees were abolished. Increased use was associated with decreased age, clinical acuity, and admission need. Abolishing direct patient cost stimulates ambulance use, potentially including inappropriate transport. Path analysis to assess the effect of changed funding on ambulance use could be used to the influence of other locally relevant factors contributing to ambulance use.
Ting
Joseph Yuk Sang
JY
Department of Emergency Medicine, Mater Public Adult Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia. jysting@uq.edu.au
Chang
Allan M Z
AM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000552:Ambulances / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution