Reasons why self-referring patients attend the emergency department during daytime differ among socioeconomic groups: A survey from Flanders

Figures & data

Table 1. Reasons to opt for the emergency department (ED) and their abbreviations in this article and percentage of patients who ticked this reason.

Reason	Abbreviation	% (n = 723)
I usually visit the ED with my (health) problems.	Usual source of care	5.6
I have delayed care too long, so my problem can only be solved by care of the ED.	Postponed seeking care too long	6.5
I do not have to pay during my visit to the ED.	Financial motives	7.6
The ED is the most easily accessible for me (e.g. regular buses or trams).	Accessibility	10%
I do not have to wait long here.	Waiting time	14.7
My family/friends advised me to go to the ED.	Family/friends	16.9
Other	Other	17.8
Given my medical history, the ED is the most appropriate choice for my problem.	Medical history	18.1
I first called my GP, but I could not reach her/him.	Could not reach GP	18.5
The ED provides the best care.	Best care	19.4
The ED was the closest healthcare facility for me.	Proximity	21.3
I did not know where else to go with this problem.	Did not know where else to go	22.1
I have already visited the ED in the past.	Experience	27.4
I am satisfied with the care that is provided at the ED.	Satisfaction	28.8
Given the seriousness of my problem, I think that the ED can give me the best and most appropriate care.	Seriousness of the problem	33.2
I think that additional (medical) and advanced test will be necessary.	Advanced diagnostic tests	36.9

Table 2. Descriptive statistics.

	n (%)
Gender (n = 721)
Male	400 (55.3)
Age (n = 723)
18–35 years	226 (31.3)
36–55 years	270 (37.3)
>56 years	227 (31.4)
Educational level (n = 703)
Low	245 (33.9)
Middle	313 (43.3)
High	145 (20.1)
Employment (n = 699)
Paid job	438 (60.6)
No paid job	70 (9.7)
Retirement	151 (20.9)
Regular GP (n = 710)
Yes	669 (92.5)
Financial problems (n = 684)
Financial problems	171 (23.7)