Frequent users of emergency departments: Theoretical foundations and perspectives for action
Type de matériel :
TexteLangue : français Détails de publication : 2026.
Ressources en ligne : Abrégé : Frequent users of emergency departments (EDs) pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems around the world due to their disproportionately high utilization. This study addresses the behavioral patterns of frequent ED users in France by exploring longitudinal trends and assessing individual, organizational, and territorial factors influencing their use. Based on data from the French National Health Data System, frequent ED users accounted for 16% of ED patients in 2021, yet they generated 34% of visits. These patients, who frequently suffer from psychiatric, respiratory, and cardiovascular conditions, incurred considerably higher healthcare expenditures than non-frequent users. Contrary to expectations, no significant association was found between frequent ED use and limited access to primary care. Our findings underscore the necessity of a multifaceted approach, merging individual and systemic perspectives, to improve healthcare delivery and optimize resource allocation. As part of this effort, the Grand Est Regional Health Agency has developed a dynamic mapping solution to better understand this phenomenon and enable targeted interventions. Concurrently, the DAUM initiative in Grand Nancy employs improved detection methods and tailored support strategies. Although challenges persist regarding patient engagement and data quality, early findings support the utility of individualized intervention profiles to address the needs of frequent ED users. These results pave the way for the development of effective primary prevention strategies targeting risk factors associated with frequent ED use.
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Frequent users of emergency departments (EDs) pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems around the world due to their disproportionately high utilization. This study addresses the behavioral patterns of frequent ED users in France by exploring longitudinal trends and assessing individual, organizational, and territorial factors influencing their use. Based on data from the French National Health Data System, frequent ED users accounted for 16% of ED patients in 2021, yet they generated 34% of visits. These patients, who frequently suffer from psychiatric, respiratory, and cardiovascular conditions, incurred considerably higher healthcare expenditures than non-frequent users. Contrary to expectations, no significant association was found between frequent ED use and limited access to primary care. Our findings underscore the necessity of a multifaceted approach, merging individual and systemic perspectives, to improve healthcare delivery and optimize resource allocation. As part of this effort, the Grand Est Regional Health Agency has developed a dynamic mapping solution to better understand this phenomenon and enable targeted interventions. Concurrently, the DAUM initiative in Grand Nancy employs improved detection methods and tailored support strategies. Although challenges persist regarding patient engagement and data quality, early findings support the utility of individualized intervention profiles to address the needs of frequent ED users. These results pave the way for the development of effective primary prevention strategies targeting risk factors associated with frequent ED use.




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