The impact of heatwaves on ED visits at Ljubljana University Medical Center, from 2013 to 2017

Abstract

Abstract Background Morbidity increases during the summer heatwaves globally. Despite increasing heat load, public health efforts probably improve public awareness and behavior. Our study aimed to assess whether ED visits during heatwaves in Slovenia decreased in the last years. Patients and Methods We analyzed data from the Ljubljana University Medical Centre database for consecutive patients arriving at ED, covering the Osrednjeslovenska region (around 650.000 people) in the summer period 2013 to 2017. We estimated relative risks for a number of ED visits for the observed diagnoses, sex, and age, as well as 95% confidence intervals and excess ED visits associated with heatwaves occurring in all observed years. Results Statistically significant were: in 2013: all, all causes (RT 0.78 (95% IZ, 0,72-0,85)); male, all causes (0.78 (0.70-0.88)); female, all causes(0.77 (0.68-0.87)); 75+ years, all causes (0.79 (0.70-0.91)); all, circulatory system (0.74 (0.63-0.86)); male, circulatory system (0.74 (0.60-0.91)); female, circulatory system (0.74 (0.59-0.93)) and all, digestive system (0.7 (0.35-0.91), in 2014: all, all causes (1.17 (1.07-1.28)); male, all causes (1.14 (1.01-1.29)); female, all causes (1.2 (1.06-1.35)) and all, 75+ years, all causes (1.21 (1.06-1.38)), in 2015: all, all causes (1.08 (1.01-1.16)); female, all causes (1.1 (0.01-1.22)); all, endocrine diseases (1.47 (1.03-2.1)), in 2016: all, all causes (0.92 (0.86-0.98)) and all, 75+ years, all causes (0.9 (0.81-0.99), in 2017: all, 75+ years, all causes (0.89 (0.81-0.97)), all, circulatory system (0.86 (0.77-0.96)), female, circulatory system (0.83 (0.7-0.97)); all, digestive system (0.76 (0.32-0.93)) and all, endocrine diseases (1.38 (1.02-1.85)). Conclusions The scientific evidence shows that it is possible to influence heat-related outcomes with proper public health interventions. The results of our research show a decrease in ED visits during heatwaves and support the hypothesis that public behavior is changing. Key messages ED visits due to heatwaves can be preventable. In Slovenia we are on good way with public health interventions. Heatwaves will become more frequent, more intense and will last longer, so we must continue with public health efforts.