Changes in hospital emergency department use associated with increased family physician availability

This study explores the effect of an increase in the family physician to population ratio on use of the hospital Emergency Department in a community. Two household surveys were conducted, the first before a community health center was established in an underserviced community, the second survey three years later. During this period there was a fivefold increase in the family physician-population ratio. Use of hospital Emergency Departments decreased. Respondents were more likely to have called their physician before going to the Emergency Department. If they did not call, the reason for not doing so was less likely related to physician unavailability. A decrease in the level of perceived illness in the community was also found.