Effective Utilization of HealthCare Resources: An Educational Intervention for Adult Patients

Over the last ten years, a dramatic increase in Emergency Department (ED) visits has been prominent. Non-emergent chief complaints, such as repeat chronic care needs, are causing increased ED visits. The underutilization of primary care resources has been correlated with the overutilization of emergency care resources. ED overutilization is having a negative rippling effect on the ability of the US healthcare system to care for patients. Emergency department personnel and other resources are strained, leading to overcrowding and decreased quality of care.