RESUMO
Background Emergency department (ED) visits among adults have increased in recent years, with the United States reporting 140 million ED visits in 2021, equating to an overall rate of 43 visits per 100 people. This trend underscores challenges in accessing primary care and addressing underlying health conditions. Understanding the trends and patterns in ED utilization is essential for informing healthcare policy and practice. Objective This study aims to comprehensively analyze trends and patterns in ED visits among adults using data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) database. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of ED visit data from 1999 to 2019, focusing on adults aged 18 and over. The prevalence rates of ED visits were examined across demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic groups using datasets retrieved from the NCHS database. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests to assess variations in ED visit rates. Results This study's findings revealed a consistent increase in overall ED visits among adults, from 17.2 ± 0.3% in 1999 to 21.7 ± 0.3% in 2019. Disparities in ED utilization were evident across demographic and socioeconomic groups. Females had slightly higher visit rates, and significant racial disparities were noted, with American Indian or Alaska Native and Black or African American individuals showing the highest visit rates. Age-specific variations were observed, with young adults (18-24 years) and older adults (65 years and above) exhibiting higher visit rates. Socioeconomic status and health insurance coverage emerged as significant determinants, highlighting disparities in healthcare access. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the trends and patterns of ED visits among adults, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address healthcare disparities and improve access to primary care services.
RESUMO
Telemedicine uses digital technologies to provide healthcare services remotely, greatly improving patient access, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review investigates telemedicine's effects on patient outcomes, access to care, and its role in the evolving healthcare landscape. Relevant studies were identified using MeSH terms and keywords through electronic databases and manual reference list screenings. The selected empirical studies, both quantitative and qualitative, examined telemedicine across various patient populations. The review categorized findings into themes related to patient outcomes and access to care. Telemedicine was found to be a transformative tool in chronic disease management, particularly in diabetes care. Significant improvements in patient health outcomes and cost savings were reported with telemedicine interventions. For example, telehealth platforms enhance diabetes management by increasing patient engagement and improving clinical metrics such as HbA1c levels. Additionally, telehealth services for diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) overcome geographical barriers, providing specialized care and improving patient access and satisfaction. In conclusion, telemedicine significantly improves patient outcomes, access, and satisfaction in chronic disease management, especially diabetes care. By overcoming geographical barriers and enhancing patient engagement, telehealth platforms have the potential to transform global healthcare delivery. Implementing these insights into practice can improve the accessibility and effectiveness of diabetes care worldwide, ensuring equitable and patient-centered healthcare solutions.