Utility of a Medical Alert Protection System compared to telephone follow-up only for home-alone elderly presenting to the ED - A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Medical Alert Protection Systems (MAPS) are a form of assistive technology designed to support independent living in the care of elderly patients in the community. We aimed to investigate the utility of using such a device (eAlert! System) in elderly patients presenting to an Emergency Department (ED).

Methods: Elderly patients presenting to an ED were randomized to receive MAPS or telephone follow-up only (control arm).

Factors Contributing to Inappropriate Visits of Frequent Attenders and Their Economic Effects at an Emergency Department in Singapore.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine which factors contribute to frequent visits at the emergency department (ED) and what proportion were inappropriate in comparison with nonfrequent visits.

Methods: This study was a retrospective, case-control study comparing a random sample of frequent attenders and nonfrequent attenders, with details of their ED visits recorded over a 12-month duration. Frequent attenders were defined as patients with four or more visits during the study period.

Frequent attenders to the ED: patients who present with repeated asthma exacerbations.

Background: Asthma has been reported as one of the main causes of frequent attendance to the emergency department (ED), and many of those visits are potentially preventable. Understanding the characteristics of frequent attender (FA) patients with asthmatic exacerbations will help to identify factors associated with frequent attendance and improve case management. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of FA who present multiple times to the ED for asthma exacerbations.