Adolescents attending an adult emergency department: their utilisation characteristics and self-reported opinions of care provided.
We aimed to examine the case mix of adolescents presenting to an adult Emergency Department (ED) and to survey a representative sample regarding their perceived care. Of the 323 visits reviewed, 215 (66.6%) were males. Presentations increased at the weekend (151/323, 46.7%). Most visits were non-urgent, 34 (10.5%) were admitted. Acute injuries accounted for 156/215 (72.6%) of male presentations. 12/17 (70.5%) of those with a psychosocial presenting problem registered between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. 33 adolescents presented during the prospective study period. 6 were excluded, 3 were lost to follow-up. 10/24 (41.7%) described the time they were waiting to be seen by a doctor as unacceptable, 9 (37.5%) wanted more privacy and 11 (45.9%) reported a delay in receiving treatment. Adolescents represent a minority in the ED, but have specific needs. We recommend the availability of age specific health promotion information and training of staff in adolescent healthcare issues.
Fry
R
R
St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4. rebecca.fry@gmail.com
Ryan
J
J
Salter
N
N
Murrin
C
C
Kelleher
C C
CC
D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D019992:Databases as Topic; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D011787:Quality of Health Care