The effect of rostering with a patient enrolment model on emergency department utilization.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of rostering with a patient enrolment model (PEM) in Ontario on emergency department utilization for non-emergent care.


DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING
Administrative data for fiscal years 2006/07 through 2010/11 from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care were used for the analysis.


STUDY DESIGN
Patient-level analysis with a difference-in-difference modelling approach was used to study the relationship. A control group was established using propensity score matching.


PRINCIPAL FINDING
Results suggest that rostering with a PEM is associated with a statistically significant reduction in emergency department (ED) (non-emergent) visits in Ontario. More specifically, enrolment with PEMs reduced ED visits by 3% during the study period, translating into cost savings of approximately $8 million for hospitals in Ontario.


CONCLUSION
This study shows that PEMs have achieved some degree of success in enhancing health system efficiency in Ontario through the reduction in the use of EDs for non-emergent care.