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[The oncology patient in emergencies. Epidemiological data]
M T Fortún1, Y Encina, M J Etxebarria
1Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital de Navarra, Pamplona. mfortunp@cfnavarra.es
Anales Del Sistema Sanitario De Navarra
|February 22, 2005
Summary
Oncology patients, though a small percentage of emergency visits, present complex cases. Pain is a frequent reason for consultation, often linked to their cancer or unrelated illnesses, leading to high admission rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Pathology
Context:
- Oncology patients represent 5% of emergency service cases.
- Pulmonary, breast, and colon cancers are most common.
- Patients frequently present with multiple or recurring emergency visits.
Purpose:
- To analyze the characteristics and outcomes of oncology patients in the emergency department.
- To understand the primary reasons for emergency consultations among cancer patients.
- To assess the admission rates and factors influencing them.
Summary:
- Oncology patients, while comprising only 5% of emergency cases, require complex care.
- Pain is the most frequent chief complaint, with 35% of visits due to intercurrent pathologies.
- Admission rates are high (50%), particularly when related to the primary cancer diagnosis.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant resource utilization by oncology patients in emergency settings.
- Informs strategies for improving emergency care coordination for cancer patients.
- Underscores the need for specialized emergency protocols for oncology patients.