Exploring real-time patient decision-making for acute care: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient Decision-Making
• Primary Care Access

Background:

• Existing research details emergency department (ED) utilization patterns.
• Limited evidence exists on patient decision-making processes for seeking healthcare or choosing care locations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how patients decide if healthcare is needed and where to seek it for common acute conditions.
• To investigate patient understanding of appropriate care-seeking behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods pilot study using community-based participatory research.
• Text message vignettes of common low-acuity complaints were sent to 20 participants over six weeks.
• Focus groups were conducted to gather qualitative data on decision-making processes.

Main Results:

• Participants reported uncertainty regarding when to seek care (48% would do nothing) and where to seek care (34% primary care, 18% ED).
• Qualitative analysis revealed patients lack understanding of when care is necessary and where to obtain it.
• No increased ED visits were observed during off-hours.

Conclusions:

• Patients demonstrate significant confusion about appropriate care-seeking for acute health issues, indicating a need for targeted patient education.
• Further research is recommended across diverse populations, including the role of urgent care centers in acute care delivery.