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Medical AI Inquiry: You was designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.  Labels: OBJECTIVE, METHODS, RESULTS. Meshes: Adult, Age Distribution, Allied Health Personnel, Attitude of Health Personnel, Choice Behavior, Emergency Medicine, Emergency Nursing, Emergency Service, Hospital, Family Practice, Female, Health Care Surveys, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Health Services Misuse, Hospital Administrators, Humans, Male, Mental Disorders, Middle Aged, New Zealand, Referral and Consultation, Social Perception, Socioeconomic Factors.
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Do new Zealand health professionals agree about what defines appropriate attendance at an emergency department? Context: Emergency Departments (EDs) worldwide are facing a crisis from overcrowding--a common perception exists that inappropriate use of the ED is the major contributing factor. This study aims to examine the concept of 'inappropriate' ED attendances in relation to the Emergency Department at New Zealand's Christchurch Hospital. It specifically seeks to determine whether there is a consensus opinion among healthcare providers regarding a definition of 'inappropriate'. An exploratory survey of health professionals involved with the referral, assessment, transport, and treatment of ED patients in Christchurch was carried out. A range of health professionals, including ambulance personnel, general practitioners, emergency department physicians, emergency nurses, and hospital managers were approached. A series of questions relating to definition and response to 'inappropriate' patients was asked, with an additional open-ended question relating to the definition of 'appropriateness'. There are significant differences in the attitudes and perceptions of key health professionals involved in the referral, treatment, and admission of patients to the ED.
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While there are some areas of general agreement, there is no clear consensus between the professionals surveyed regarding the concept of 'appropriateness.' This has implications for any interventions aimed at addressing ED 'overcrowding' that assume the presence of a consensus understanding of this concept. Final Decision: no