Major health concerns of refugees in an emergency department: A singlecenter experience in the country hosting greatest number of refugees

Authors : Cigdem OZPOLAT

Pages : 176-180

Doi:10.5472/marumj.1120573

View : 16 | Download : 6

Publication Date : 2022-05-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: Turkey hosts a large number of refugees. The extensive use of the emergency services insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(ED); created a high burden on the health care system. This study was conducted to determine ED utilization by refugees at a tertiary care center. Patients and Methods: Pediatric patients presenting with trauma and all adult patients were included in the study. Demographic information, country of origin, date of admission and triage category, complaint on admission, hospital resource utilization frequency, final diagnosis, and outcome of patients were recorded. Results: A total number of 762 patients insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1266 cases); were included. The median age was 30 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(range 23-39); and 317 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(41.6%); were male. 627 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(82.3%); of the patients were from Syria. Considering hospital resource utilization of 1266 cases, radiologic imaging was performed on 28.1% and laboratory testings were performed on 50.2% of cases. 1128 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(89.1 %); of all cases were discharged, while 119/1266 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(9.4 %); cases were admitted to wards and 19/1266 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1.5 %); cases to intensive care units. Conclusion: There is not enough data regarding in which health care areas refugees need care. Access to primary care specific to refugees may reduce ED utilization. Especially, routine gynecologic primary care and follow-up centers are needed for refugees in Turkey.
Keywords : Refugee, Emergency service, Syrians