Investigation of Patients Refusing Treatment in the Pediatric Emergency Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• DOI: 10.4274/tp.2022.58966
• Publication Date: 2022-09-30T07:51:11Z
• Authors: Nihal Cankır; Feyza Hüsrevoğlu ...; Yasemin Akın
• Keywords: Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Betacoronavirus

Objective: Emergency departments are becoming increasingly crowded. Analyzing patients who refuse treatment in the emergency department is crucial to improve quality of care and reduce overcrowding. This study determined why some parents presented pediatric during coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic refused for their children. Materials Methods: The was conducted at Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital, Pediatric Clinic. Patients between November 1, 2021 December 31, whose were analyzed retrospectively via telephone interviews. Demographic characteristics, diagnosis, reasons refusal analyzed. Results: Over 2-month period, 154 (0.3%) 51.111 treatment. Parents following reasons: 68 (44%) because patient felt well, 36 (23%) wanted continue home, 18 (11%) avoid hospitalization. Of treatment, 16 (10%) returned within 72 h with same symptoms, 5 them hospitalized. Conclusion: COVID-19 has increased patients’ fear infection. inappropriate use services, which leaves physicians insufficient time explain medical examinations treatments family members a clear understandable language, as well right re-present hospitals after refusing main reasons. Actions should be taken working conditions, increase satisfaction healthcare professionals, raise awareness among overcrowding departments. These actions can prevent refusal, even pandemic.