Analysis of skin condition emergency department outcomes via the free Healthline service from Whakarongorau Aotearoa

• DOI: 10.26635/6965.6242
• Publication Date: 2024-05-31T07:40:25Z
• Authors: Verity Todd; Miriama Wilson; Fiona Pienaar; Ruth Large; Matt Wright; Graham Howie; Siale Foliaki; Martin Mikaere; Rebecca Davis
• Keywords: Aotearoa; Telehealth

Aim The aim of this research is to gain a deeper understanding the ethnic and socio-demographic differences in utilisation national 24/7 Healthline service relation skin condition calls their outcomes. one 39 free telehealth services that Whakarongorau Aotearoa | New Zealand Telehealth Services provides Zealanders. This retrospective observational study analysing data over 4-year period: January 2019 through December 2022. A total 61,876 were analysed including demographics users: age group, ethnicity, area residence call outcome. Higher acuity resulting an outcome recommendation for emergency department (ED) care accounted 5.3% (n=3,294) calls. found Māori over-represented ED four years (942 outcomes; 28.6%), Pasifika under-represented (203 5.9%)​​. Wairarapa West Coast have highest number outcomes per capita. Our results support theory severe conditions positively correlate with smaller district populations increased deprivation access services. highlights potential help reduce inequity care.‍