Patterns of local and tourist use of an emergency department

Illness patterns of local and tourist patients in an emergency department of a medium-sized Ontario city with a single hospital were compared. Frequencies of specific and broad categories of ailments and rates of admission to the hospital were similar in the two groups. However, non-Canadian tourists were admitted to hospital at a much lower rate than Canadian tourists. Rates of visits to the emergency department within certain age categories were remarkably similar, as were rates within the sexes. It is concluded that, in view of the striking similarity in the illness pattern of a group of patients not professionally referred to the hospital and that of local patients, who have potential contact with a more extensive medical network, public attitudes, rather than availability of health professionals, determine the pattern of illness observed in an emergency department.