Table 4 Reasons for attendance at the ED in BDBP participants (n = 306)

General Reasons for ED Attendance

TOTAL

The ED is the best place for my problem

70%

I’m unaware of other services to treat me for this problem

30%

My family told me to come to the ED

12%

I don’t know what other services are open at this time

7%

It is easy for me to get to the ED

6%

I attended the ED before and I was happy with it

6%

I think I will be seen quicker here than at any other service

6%

I usually come to ED with a medical problem

5%

I could not afford to go anywhere else

2%

Specific Reasons for ED Attendance

TOTAL

I consider this condition to be an emergency

48%

I thought I needed an x-ray or scan

31%

I thought I might need to go into hospital

29%

I need reassurance that my illness/injury is not serious

23%

I wanted to see a doctor or a nurse as soon as possible

20%

I came to the ED to get a second opinion

11%

I thought I might need a blood test

9%

I wanted to see a specialist

7%

I thought I needed the wound treated

4%

I thought I might need a tetanus injection

3%

I am on a waiting list and I thought this would speed it up

1%

Other Reason E.g. GP Referral

23%