A Case Management Study Targeted to Reduce Health Care Utilization for Frequent Emergency Department Visitors

A Case Management Study Targeted to Reduce Health Care Utilization for Frequent Emergency Department Visitors

The aim of the study is to determine whether a nurse-managed telephone-based case-management intervention can reduce healthcare utilization and improve self-assessed health status in frequent emergency department users.

The study tests a nurse-run case-management intervention targeted towards frequent emergency department visitors. The aim is to reduce visits to emergency departments as well as to improve quality of life by facilitating coping mechanisms as well as redirecting these patients to more suitable health care facilities.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Recent history of frequent visits to emergency department
• Anticipated sustained high visit frequency
• Living in one of five Swedish counties where trial is ongoing

Exclusion Criteria:

• Moribund patients
• Psychosis
• Severe hearing impairment or language difficulties
• Other factors that may make it impossible or impractical for a patient to participate in the study