Utilisation of a GP-staffed emergency response unit: an observational study from Norway

Emergency department (ED) crowding is a growing challenge, highlighting the need for safe and effective prehospital alternatives to hospital conveyance.

To investigate how a GP-staffed emergency primary care response unit (EPCRU) affects resource allocation and patient pathways.

A prospective observational study conducted in two Norwegian municipalities served by a GP-staffed EPCRU.

All call-outs (n = 2950) performed by the EPCRU from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 were included. Data on dispatch origin, triage (telephone and on site), reason for dispatch, level of care, and participating services were analysed.

Most call-outs were categorised as acute (57.6%) by the call centre and comprised a broad spectrum of conditions and severities. The EPCRU was first on scene in 44.1% of cases. In total, 44.1% of patients were treated on site without hospital conveyance. A mismatch was observed between telephone and on-site triage: 34.2% of acute cases were reassigned to yellow (the midpoint of a 5-point urgency scale) by the Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment System (RETTS) on-site triage. The EPCRU altered expected care trajectories compared with standard ambulance response by enabling both non-conveyance and direct ED admissions.

A GP-staffed response unit may enhance resource efficiency, patient flow, and timely care, which offers potential benefits for emergency systems facing growing demand.