Emergency department utilization in elderly patients: a report from the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) of Korea, 2018-2022

Objective With general aging of the population, emergency department (ED) utilization by elderly patients is increasing. In this study, we analyzed data on ED visits of patients aged 65 years and older in Korea. Methods The study is a retrospective analysis of National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) data from 2018–2022, focusing on patients aged 65 years and older who visited EDs across Korea. ED utilization data were analyzed using Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS) scores. The patients were divided into three age groups, and common chief complaints and diagnoses were identified. Age- and sex-standardized ED visits per 100,000 population and outcomes were also analyzed. Results During the study period, there was a total of 9,803,065 elderly patient ED visits. The mean patient age was 76.4±7.6 years, and 47.6% were men. The ED mortality rate and in-hospital mortality rate were 1.8% and 4.6%, respectively. The KTAS scores 1–2 group accounted for 11.0% of patients, KTAS score 3 group for 42.5%, KTAS scores 4–5 group for 37.2%, and KTAS score unknown group for 9.4%. When patients were categorized into three age groups, the oldest group exhibited the highest rates of KTAS score 1, severe illness diagnoses, and mortality. The most frequently reported chief complaint was abdominal pain, and the most common diagnosis was light headedness. When analyzing the data by year, the COVID-19 outbreak had a discernible impact on ED visits and clinical outcomes. Conclusion Over the past 5 years, ED visits for elderly patients have averaged 26,050 per 100,000 population per year, with a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic and a subsequent upward trend

Characteristics of pediatric emergency department visits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a report from the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) of Korea, 2018–2022

Objective As of 2018, approximately 1.2 million pediatric patients visited emergency departments (EDs) in Korea, showing a steady increase. Given the distinct differences between children and adults, it is vital to examine the epidemiological characteristics of pediatric patients visiting the ED. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed the ED use patterns of pediatric patients <18 years old in Korea from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022, using data from the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS). Results Most pediatric ED patients were boys, with an average age of 6.6±5.3 years. Patients younger than 1 year and those in critical condition had longer ED stays and more frequently required hospital admission and used the 119-ambulance service. The primary symptom was fever, and the most common discharge diagnosis was gastroenteritis. Following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, ED visits decreased by 49%. Meanwhile, there was an increase in in-hospital mortality rate/age- and sex-standardized mortality rate per 100,000 ED visits, Admission and transfer rates remained similar between before and after the start of the pandemic. Conclusion Through this analysis, we identified the characteristics of pediatric patients visiting EDs in Korea. We observed a sharp decline in ED visits after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. From there, ED visits slowly increased but remained below prepandemic levels for 3 years. This research will serve as a foundational resource for appropriately allocating and preparing pediatric ED resources

Epidemiologic trends of patients who visited nationwide emergency departments: a report from the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) of Korea, 2018–2022

Objective This study analyzed trends in emergency department (ED) visits in Korea using the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) data from 2018 to 2022. Methods This was a retrospective observational study using data from the NEDIS database from 2018 to 2022. Age- and sex-standardized ED visits per 100,000 population, as well as age- and sex-standardized rates for mortality, admission, and transfer, were calculated. Results The standardized ED visits per 100,000 population was approximately 20,000 from 2018 to 2019 and decreased to about 18,000 in 2022. The standardized mortality rate ranged from 1.4% to 1.7%. The admission rate (18.4%–19.4%) and the transfer rates (1.6%–1.8%) were similar during the study period. Approximately 5.5% of patients were triaged as Korean Triage and Acuity Scale score 1 or 2. About 91% of patients visited the ED directly and 21.7% of patients visited the ED with an ambulance. The ED length of stay was less than 6 hours in 90.3% of patients and the ED mortality rate was 0.6%. Acute gastroenteritis was the most common diagnosis. Respiratory virus symptoms, such as fever and sore throat, were also common chief complaints. Conclusion ED visits decreased during the 5-year period, while admission, transfer, and death rates remained relatively stable