This study aims to find out how many patients sent to the emergency department by their general practitioner could instead be treated in a walk-in clinic. Walk-in clinics provide quick, basic medical care without an appointment and can perform simple tests like blood work and X-rays. By identifying patients who don't need full hospital emergency care, this study hopes to improve patient flow and reduce overcrowding in emergency rooms in the Île-de-France region.
Age 18 years or older
Patient referred to the emergency department (ED) with a letter from a general practitioner (GP)
ED visit during the study hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Consultation in the selected adult emergency service
Patients under 18 years old (pediatric cases excluded)
No referral letter or proof of GP referral
ED visit outside study hours (weekends, nights)
Intravenous treatments (e.g., antibiotics, fluids)
Study participants will be selected from adult patients who visit the emergency department of a single hospital in Île-de-France between July 2023 and July 2025. Specifically, they must have been referred to the emergency department by their general practitioner with a referral letter and have visited during weekdays between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Only patients who are medically stable at arrival and have a medical or traumatic reason for their visit will be included.
Cohort
Retrospective
Not listed
Proportion of Patients Referred by General Practitioners to the Emergency Department Who Could Have Been Managed in a Walk-in Clinic
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