Early Exits: Why Patients Leave U. S. Emergency Departments Before Doctors Say So

Leaving an emergency department (ED) before medical advice is given, often called early exits, is a major concern in the U. S. healthcare system. It can lead to worse health outcomes and higher costs. While past research has explored this issue, studies using recent nationwide data over multiple years are rare. This study dives into the factors that influence patients leaving EDs early and how these trends have changed over time, especially before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding why people leave EDs early is crucial. It could be due to long wait times, lack of insurance, or not feeling their condition is serious enough. Sometimes, patients might not fully grasp the risks of leaving without proper care. This study aims to shed light on these reasons and more. The COVID-19 pandemic has added a new layer of complexity. People might avoid hospitals due to fear of infection, or they might have different priorities during a crisis. This study looks at how the pandemic has affected these trends. By examining data from 2016 to 2021, researchers hope to provide insights that could help improve patient care and reduce early exits from EDs. It's a complex issue requiring careful analysis and thoughtful solutions.