Table 3 Predictive characteristics of chronic frequent ED use

[7]

Andrén et al.

4 or more ED visits per year over a 3 year period

Year 1 : 31 % Year 2 : 19 %

Previous ED visits, contact with psychiatric care, living alone and perceived loneliness

[36]

Billings et al.

5 or more ED visits per year over a 3 year period

1.2 % (10,9 %)

77,9 % had higher levels of chronic illnesses

58,8 % had a history of substance abuse

72,3 % had a history of mental illness48, 9 % had a history of both substance abuse and mental illness^a

5 or more ED visits per year over a 5 year period

0.8 % (8,4 %)

3 or more ED visits per year over a 3 year period

3.5 % (19,2 %)

3 or more ED visits per year over a 5 year period

1.7 % (12,1 %)

[38]

Rask et al.

More than 10 subsequent ED visits (2 year period)

16,6 % (65,5 %)

At least one hospitalization and at least one primary care visit

[39]

Okuyemi et al.

3 or more ED visits per year over a 3 year period

9 to 11 % (between 25 and 30 %)

Being a frequent ED user during the previous year is an independent predictor of frequency of use during the following year