Experience of emergency department patients after a visit for hyperglycaemia: implications for communication and factors affecting adherence postdischarge.

Background: While studies have reported factors affecting adherence to diabetic care plans from a chronic disease perspective, no studies have addressed issues with post-discharge adherence facing patients with diabetes after an emergency department (ED) presentation for hyperglycaemia. This study's objectives were to describe patient perspectives on their experience during and after an ED visit for hyperglycaemia and to identify factors that influence postdischarge adherence.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative description (QD) study of adult patients who had visited a Canadian ED for hyperglycaemia.

Seeking Care for Hyperglycemia in the Emergency Department: Through the Eyes of the Patient.

Health care systems often provide a range of options of care for patients with illnesses who do not require hospital admission. For individuals with diabetes, these options may include primary care providers, specialized diabetes clinics, and urgent care and walk-in clinics. We explored the reasons why patients choose the Emergency Department over other health care settings when seeking care for hyperglycemia.