'Did not waits': a regional Australian emergency department experience.

Objective: Describe the characteristics, reasons for leaving and outcomes of patients who did not wait (DNW) to be seen by a health practitioner in a regional Australian ED.

Methods: Prospective observational study of a convenience sample of ED DNW patients presenting to The Townsville Hospital between June 2011 and July 2012. Seven days from each month were selected, and DNW patients presenting on those days were enrolled.