Examining management plans for patients who frequently presented to the emergency department

Patients who frequently present to Emergency Department (ED) experience complex health and social needs. While research has examined interventions that aim to decrease frequent ED attendances, there is a need to understand the types of interventions provided to patients by hospital clinicians during presentations.

Using qualitative content analysis, 82 management plans were evaluated to understand the scope and type of interventions provided by clinicians for patients frequently presenting to the ED at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia.

Patients often presented to the ED due to mental and psychological distress, substance use and physical health concerns alongside psychosocial vulnerabilities. The goals of care documented in plans focussed on management of health issues, aggression within the ED, and coordinating care with community services. Recommended interventions addressed presenting needs with multi-disciplinary approach to respond to distress and aggression. Finally, the plans provided insight into service coordination dynamics between the ED and community-based health and social care services.

The plans recommended interventions that sought to provide holistic care for patients in collaboration with relevant community-based services. The findings suggest that clinicians in the ED can provide appropriate and meaningful care for patients who experience frequent presentations.