Definition and Impact of the Frequent Flyer Patient at the ED UPR Hospital from a Quality
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Definition and Impact of the Frequent Flyer Patient at the ED UPR Hospital from a Quality Assurance Perspective
Abstract: Objectives: Repetitive visits to the Emergency department by same patient also known as the frequent flyer is one of the most important causes for overcrowding at the ER. It also produces an excessive monetary disbursement. The purpose of this study is to define "The frequent flyer" and to demonstrate that this kind of patient produces a high economical impact to the emergency room and an increased number of unscheduled visits at a demanding hospital such as UPR Hospital emergency department.
Methods: A sample of 11 patients with more than 6 ED visits during the previous 6 months (January 2003 June 2003) was documented. Eighty-five visits were reviewed retrospectively from this group of patients. The data collected and analyzed was about age, gender, charges; existence of primary care physician (if any), chief complaints, final diagnosis and admissions to the hospital.
Results: The majority of the patients who presented to the UPR Hospital study had almost the same chief complaint for every visit except for a small variability. The sample studied was eleven frequent attendees to the ED. The span of visits was from 6 to11, and the mean was 7.73 visits...