Determining factors in the search for health care at a basic emergency service, by users of a family health unit

Authors

  • Bárbara Duarte Ferreira Médica Interna de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF Novo Norte, ULS de Entre Douro e Vouga. Arouca, Portugal.
  • Carolina Pais Neto Médica Interna de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF Novo Norte, ULS de Entre Douro e Vouga. Arouca, Portugal.
  • Rodrigo Loureiro Médico Especialista em Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF Cuidar, ULS de Entre Douro e Vouga. São João de Ver, Portugal.
  • Cátia Almeida Médica Especialista em Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF Novo Norte, ULS de Entre Douro e Vouga. Arouca, Portugal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v40i5.13987

Keywords:

Accessibility, Emergency service, Primary health care

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding the determinants of the demand for health care will contribute to a better organization of health services and promote an improvement in the quality of service and health professionals' performance.

Objective: Understanding the determining factors in the demand for health care by patients of Family Health Unit (FHU) Novo Norte, particularly when choosing basic emergency service (ES) over primary health care (PHC).

Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study, during February/2023, through the application of a questionnaire to patients enrolled at FHU Novo Norte with care at the basic ES/Arouca. After a descriptive analysis, the variables were compared using Fisher's exact test.

Results: There was a predominance of female patients, with an average age of 47.52 years, and professionally active; a greater recurrence of ES during the week and in the morning; a predominance of patients who went to the ES on their initiative, with symptoms appearing in the last three days, and whose main reasons include self-perception of emergency and immediate hospital care. Despite the majority considered knowing the situations in which they should resort to acute consultation (AC), 21% of patients responded inadequately. It was found that 66% did not seek AC. Finally, 61.87% were exempt from moderating fees, which is statistically significantly related to the number of visits to the ES.

Discussion: The FHU Novo Norte and the basic ES/Arouca are located in the same building, so the difficulty in accessing the PHC does not correspond to the only explanatory reason. A misinformed conception of PHC and the care provided remains.

Conclusion: It is essential to educate and raise awareness of the population regarding the importance of primarily resorting to local care, and the appropriate use of ES.

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References

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Published

2024-11-06

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 5 (2024): Revista Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar

Section

Original Research

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How to Cite

Determining factors in the search for health care at a basic emergency service, by users of a family health unit. (2024). Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice, 40(5), 432-42. https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v40i5.13987