Overview

This study aims to find out how many patients sent to the emergency department by their general practitioner could instead be treated in a walk-in clinic. Walk-in clinics provide quick, basic medical care without an appointment and can perform simple tests like blood work and X-rays. By identifying patients who don't need full hospital emergency care, this study hopes to improve patient flow and reduce overcrowding in emergency rooms in the Île-de-France region.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or older
• Patient referred to the emergency department (ED) with a letter from a general practitioner (GP)
• ED visit during the study hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Consultation in the selected adult emergency service
• Medical or traumatic reason justifying the ED visit
• Patient stable at arrival and during ED care

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under 18 years old (pediatric cases excluded)
• No referral letter or proof of GP referral
• ED visit outside study hours (weekends, nights)
• Patients requiring intensive hospital care defined by:
• Intravenous treatments (e.g., antibiotics, fluids)
• Heavy imaging exams (CT scan, MRI) during the visit
• Diagnoses with immediate life- or function-threatening conditions (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke, severe infection)
• Hospitalization decided during or after ED visit
• Clinical instability at or during ED visit (abnormal vital signs, respiratory distress, etc.)
• Patients referred for non-medical reasons (social issues, lack of medical follow-up)