Abstract
Background
It is unclear whether factors identified during the emergency department (ED) visit
predict noncompliance with ED recommendations.
Study objective
We sought to determine predictors of adherence to medical recommendations after an
ED visit.
Methods
We conducted a prospective, observational study at a single urban medical center.
Eligible ED patients provided baseline demographic data as well as information regarding
insurance status, whether they had a primary care physician (PCP), and the impact
of cost of care on their ability to follow medical recommendations. Patients were
contacted at least 1 week after the ED visit and answered questions regarding adherence
to medical recommendations.
Results
Four hundred twenty-two patients agreed to participate in the study. At follow-up,
89.7% of patients reported that they had complied with recommendations made during
the ED visit. Patients who were adherent to follow-up recommendations were more likely
to have a primary care provider (odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI],
1.1-6.1), have an annual income of greater than $35000 (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2-7.2), and report a non-Hispanic ethnicity or race (OR, 2.8;
95% CI, 1.1-7.1). Individuals who reported that cost “sometimes” or “always” impacts
their ability to follow their physician's recommendations were significantly less
likely to comply with ED recommendations (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.3-5.6).
Conclusion
Individuals who reported that cost affects their ability to follow their physician's
recommendations and those who did not have a PCP were less likely to follow ED recommendations.
Identification of predictors of noncompliance during the ED visit may aid in ensuring
compliance with ED recommendations.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: July 22, 2015
Accepted:
July 16,
2015
Received in revised form:
July 14,
2015
Received:
May 15,
2015
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
