Evaluation of Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department in terms of Sociodemographic Characteristics, Diagnosis Codes and COVID-19 Diagnosis

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the emergency department in terms of their sociodemographic characteristics and diagnosis codes and to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on presentations to the emergency department and its functioning.
 Materials and Methods: This retrospective, descriptive study was conducted in the emergency department of an 1100-bed hospital between March 11, 2020 and March 31, 2021.
 Results: According to the distribution of emergency service admissions during the year, the number of patients admitted to the pandemic outpatient clinic was the lowest in June and the highest in November. Considering the distribution of monthly presentation figures by age, the highest number of admissions were in the 15-29 and 30-44 age groups, and the least number of admissions was in the 0-14 age group. The number of inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19 was the highest in April and November. The months with the highest rate of positive test results compared to the total admissions were October (15.3%), January (15.5%), and March (17.1%). In the gender-based distribution of the COVID-19 positive cases, the values were generally close to each other; however, when the 13-month average was considered, it was found 4.40% in females and 4.45% in males.
 Conclusion: The study data showed the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency service admissions and functioning. Besides, they will contribute to the necessary education, planning, and organization processes for similar situations.