Date Approved

1999

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Nursing (M.S.N.)

Degree Program

College of Nursing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons people choose to use the Emergency Department (ED) for health care. Roy's adaptation model was used as the conceptual framework for this study. A convenience sample of patients were interviewed during one weekday eight hour period. The interview addressed such factors as reason for visit, age, race, gender, living situation, income, and health insurance provider. Data analysis using descriptive methods revealed the person most likely to choose the ED for health care is a Caucasian female in her early twenties with a median income of $15,000. She is a blue collar worker, city dweller living in a traditional ‘intact” family. She uses a physician's office/private clinic for health care. Medicaid provides her health insurance. She comes to the ED because of her symptoms, limited physician access/dissatisfaction with physician's services.

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