Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64867
Title: Attendances in the accident and emergency department, in Malta : exploring walking attendees
Authors: Buttigieg, Graziella
Xerri, Mark
Keywords: Emergency medicine -- Malta
Emergency medical technicians
Emergency medical technician and patient
Issue Date: 2010
Citation: Buttigieg, G., & Xerri, M. (2010). Attendances in the accident and emergency department, in Malta : exploring walking attendees. (Bachelor's dissertation).
Abstract: The aim of this descriptive study was to explore walking attendees, registering at the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department, of an acute general hospital located in Malta. The objectives were, to identify whether patients sought medical advice or carried out any interventions, prior to attending the A&E department, and to further explore the medical care and interventions required, at the same department. Patients' characteristics were also identified, in order to explore any existing predisposing factors contributing to A&E attendances. Data was collected retrospectively, covering a twenty four hour day, over a period of two months, taking into consideration all the days of the week. The total number of patients approached was that of three hundred and three walking in A&E attendees, out of which three patients refused to participate, thus providing a sample population of three hundred participants. In phase one, data was collected by the use of a structured interview, using a questionnaire. Further data, from the same patients, was then gathered in phase two, from their A&E documentation sheet, by the use of a document analysis checklist. Data generated from both tools was then analysed, using mainly descriptive statistics, while content analysis was used to analyse themes that were generated through the open-ended questions. Characteristics, which were found to be variables effecting A&E attendance, were identified, namely gender, location, age, and time of presentation. Findings revealed that a number of participants left the A&E department prior to being seen by a doctor, out of which mostly were prioritised in the semi-urgent category. Further findings indicated that a high proportion of patients sought medical advice elsewhere, prior to attending the A&E department. However, those who attended immediately gave valid reasons for their decision, even though a considerable fraction of patients, considered their attendance as being convenient. A substantial number of referred participants, mostly those referred from family doctors, needed admission. It could also be identified that most participants, especially those being discharged, required only radiography investigations, accentuating the need of having other effective health services that satisfy patients' needs, with the probability of reducing A&E attendances. Reasons of A&E attendance and efficacy of alternative health care services were evaluated, in order to identify or confirm predisposing factors. Thus, recommendations that emerged from this study were, the introduction of better health care services other than those offered at the A&E department, educating the general public regarding appropriate use, of the health care services and the A&E department, and finally conducting further research to identify other determining factors for the efficacy of the A&E services.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64867
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacHSc - 2010
Dissertations - FacHScNur - 2010



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