The Effects of Proper Follow-Up Instructions and Education of Disease Progression on Unscheduled Return Visits to the Emergency Department

Authors

Rachel Head, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Abstract

Emergency departments can see hundreds of patients a day. Some are in the most critical moments of their lives. These critical moments can often require emergent and lifesaving efforts. One problem seen more frequently in the emergency department is patients being unable to receive care in adequate time frames; this is observed in departments for many reasons, including understaffing, boarding, and overcrowding. Hospital systems are becoming increasingly bogged down by the high volumes of patients and an inability to appropriately staff hospitals. While systemic changes must occur to improve hospital-based issues, overcrowding can be combated starting in the emergency department. This can be accomplished by decreasing the number of return visits. Emergency department providers should provide correct follow-up information and proper disease progression education to provide the best care. Providing patients with this information also ensures that patients do not have unnecessary return visits. Improving patient care and patient access to timely acute care ensures better outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Head R. The Effects of Proper Follow-Up Instructions and Education of Disease Progression on Unscheduled Return Visits to the Emergency Department. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2023; 5(2).