Prospective Study of the Health Care Utilization of a Clinic by Outpatients in a Rural RegionPart 2: Elective Patients

Introduction:

In Germany medical care for outpatients is based on three columns: the general practitioner is the first contact person who admits patients to specialists if necessary. For further diagnostic and therapeutic procedures the ambulances of hospitals are opened more and more due to regulatory rules.

Material and Methods:

This is a prospective study in the year of 2014. The personal and medical data of all outpatients were recorded.

Results:

A total of 8460 people were included in this study with an average age of 51.1 years. Sex ratio was 57.8% men and 43.2% women. Surgical treatment was necessary in 24.3% whereas 75.7% could be managed conservatively. The average waiting was 28.1 min while 25 min were afforded for medical diagnosis and treatment. In our department ear problems dominated with a percentage of 36. The average driving distance for our patients was calculated with 28.7 (1.5 – 539) km. In 18.1% cases patients had a private insurance.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrates that most elective patients were inhabitants of the region. About a quarter had to be treated by surgery therefore our outpatient ward is important for the acquisition of cases.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)