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329803
Trend Analysis of ED Utilization for Patients Presenting with Chest Pain from 2010-2012


Wednesday, November 4, 2015 : 11:30 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

Samantha Stokes, B.S., Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
Teresa Bell, PhD, Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
Background: Chest pain is one of the most common reasons adults ages of 18 and older visit the emergency department (ED) in the United States. Analysis of ED utilization can aid in improving ED flow and improving patient outcomes nationally. The objective of the study was to analyze trends in U.S. hospital visits and admissions for adult patients with a primary complaint of chest pain. 

Methods: This was a retrospective study involving the use and analysis of the HCUP Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) data from 2010-2012. Patients entering U.S. EDs with a primary complaint of chest pain ages 18 and older were identified and the trend in hospital admissions was assessed using SAS 9.4.   

Results:  From 2010 to 2012, NEDS included 6,576,653 ED visits by adults ages 18 and older in the U.S. for chest pain. A significant increase in the number of patients seeking care for chest pain was observed (p <.001). Additionally, a significant decrease in the number of patients being admitted from the ED for this diagnosis was also noticed (p=.009). Further analysis determined that patients between the ages of 45-64 had the highest total number of ED visits from 2010-2012 and resulted in the highest number of hospital admissions (p=.008). Additionally, females were observed to have a higher total number of ED visits and hospital admissions than men (p=.001 and p=.004, respectively).

Conclusion:  Further research is warranted to understand the increasing trend in ED visits and decreasing trend in hospital admissions.

Learning Areas:

Epidemiology

Learning Objectives:
Identify 3 year trends in ED utilization and hospital admission for patients presenting with chest pain

Keyword(s): Hospitals, Utilization

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I will complete my Master's in Public Administration May 2015.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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