Objective: Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, several frontline workers have expressed their concerns about reduced emergency department (ED) utilization. We aimed to examine the changes in ED utilization during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, in a country with a well-developed primary care system. Methods: A retrospective analysis of ED utilization was performed in 3 Dutch hospitals during a 60-day period, starting on February 15, 2020. The identical period in 2019 was used as a reference. ED visits were labeled as COVID-related (defined as COVID-19 suspected) or non-COVID-related . Admission rates were compared using chi-square tests, and the reduction in ED visits was assessed descriptively. Results: During the study period, daily ED volume was 18% lower compared to that of 2019. ED utilization further declined (-29%) during lockdown. Combined admission rates were higher in 2020 compared to those in 2019 ( P < 0.001), and they were higher for COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 ED visits ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: ED utilization was markedly reduced during the local rise of COVID-19 in a region with a well-developed primary care system and relatively low ED self-referral rates. Although it cannot directly be concluded from the findings of our study, this observation likely reflects a complex interaction between pure lockdown effects and viral fear, which warrants further research.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, Pandemics, emergency preparedness, delivery of health care, emergency service hospital, 【초록키워드】 coronavirus disease, primary care, pandemic, lockdown, COVID-19 pandemic, hospital, Local, Research, Retrospective analysis, Admission, chi-square tests, observation, Volume, Non-COVID-19, early phase, study period, complex interaction, Effect, country, Combined, defined, was used, was performed, reduced, changes in, expressed, reduction in, reflect, declined, 【제목키워드】 fear, utilization, Emergency, phase, Department,