{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,20]],"date-time":"2026-04-20T12:56:02Z","timestamp":1776689762012,"version":"3.51.2"},"reference-count":83,"publisher":"Springer Science and Business Media LLC","content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":[],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,20]]},"DOI":"10.7759\/cureus.107384","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,20]],"date-time":"2026-04-20T12:25:32Z","timestamp":1776687932000},"source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Factors Influencing Non-urgent Emergency Department Visits: A Review of the Causes and Impact"],"prefix":"10.7759","author":[{"given":"Musaab A","family":"Alayob","sequence":"first","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Saira K","family":"Azeem","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Saba","family":"Ali","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Mudhaffar","family":"Al Farras","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"297","reference":[{"key":"ref1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cmpb.2017.03.022","article-title":"Predicting return visits to the emergency department for pediatric patients: applying supervised learning techniques to the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database","volume":"144","author":"Hu YH","year":"2017","unstructured":"Hu YH, Tai CT, Chen SC, Lee HW, Sung SF. Predicting return visits to the emergency department for pediatric patients: applying supervised learning techniques to the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Comput Methods Programs Biomed. 2017, 144:105-12. 10.1016\/j.cmpb.2017.03.022","journal-title":"Comput Methods Programs Biomed"},{"key":"ref2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1787\/5jrts344crns-en","article-title":"Emergency care services: trends, drivers and interventions to manage the demand","volume":"83","author":"Berchet C","year":"2015","unstructured":"Berchet C. Emergency care services: trends, drivers and interventions to manage the demand. OECD Health Working Papers, No. 83. 2015, 83:10.1787\/5jrts344crns-en","journal-title":"OECD Health Working Papers, No. 83"},{"key":"ref3","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1136\/emermed-2011-200532","article-title":"Emergency department crowding","volume":"29","author":"Higginson I","year":"2012","unstructured":"Higginson I. Emergency department crowding. Emerg Med J. 2012, 29:437-43. 10.1136\/emermed-2011-200532","journal-title":"Emerg Med J"},{"key":"ref4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.annemergmed.2008.09.019","article-title":"Emergency department crowding, part 1--concept, causes, and moral consequences","volume":"53","author":"Moskop JC","year":"2009","unstructured":"Moskop JC, Sklar DP, Geiderman JM, Schears RM, Bookman KJ. Emergency department crowding, part 1--concept, causes, and moral consequences. Ann Emerg Med. 2009, 53:605-11. 10.1016\/j.annemergmed.2008.09.019","journal-title":"Ann Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1590\/S1679-45082015GS3347","article-title":"Quality of emergency rooms and urgent care services: user satisfaction","volume":"13","author":"Lima Cde A","year":"2015","unstructured":"Lima Cde A, Santos BT, Andrade DL, Barbosa FA, Costa FM, Carneiro JA. Quality of emergency rooms and urgent care services: user satisfaction. Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2015, 13:587-93. 10.1590\/S1679-45082015GS3347","journal-title":"Einstein (Sao Paulo)"},{"key":"ref6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1553-2712.2011.01235.x","article-title":"International perspectives on emergency department crowding","volume":"18","author":"Pines JM","year":"2011","unstructured":"Pines JM, Hilton JA, Weber EJ, et al.. International perspectives on emergency department crowding. Acad Emerg Med. 2011, 18:1358-70. 10.1111\/j.1553-2712.2011.01235.x","journal-title":"Acad Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1377\/hlthaff.2011.0786","article-title":"Solutions to emergency department 'boarding' and crowding are underused and may need to be legislated","volume":"31","author":"Rabin E","year":"2012","unstructured":"Rabin E, Kocher K, McClelland M, et al.. Solutions to emergency department 'boarding' and crowding are underused and may need to be legislated. Health Aff (Millwood). 2012, 31:1757-66. 10.1377\/hlthaff.2011.0786","journal-title":"Health Aff (Millwood)"},{"key":"ref8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1136\/bmjopen-2018-028257","article-title":"Non-urgent visits to emergency departments: a qualitative study in Iran exploring causes, consequences and solutions","volume":"10","author":"Bahadori M","year":"2020","unstructured":"Bahadori M, Mousavi SM, Teymourzadeh E, Ravangard R. Non-urgent visits to emergency departments: a qualitative study in Iran exploring causes, consequences and solutions. BMJ Open. 2020, 10:e028257. 10.1136\/bmjopen-2018-028257","journal-title":"BMJ Open"},{"key":"ref9","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.24911\/SJEMed\/72-1586513248","article-title":"The impact of emergency department overcrowding with non-urgent visits on mortality at King Khalid National Guard Hospital in Jeddah","volume":"1","author":"Gabil A","year":"2020","unstructured":"Gabil A, Astek S, Hawsawi S, Alqarni R, Bokhari Y, Ismail A. The impact of emergency department overcrowding with non-urgent visits on mortality at King Khalid National Guard Hospital in Jeddah. Saud J Emerg Med. 2020, 1:5. 10.24911\/SJEMed\/72-1586513248","journal-title":"Saud J Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref10","unstructured":"New recommendations on emergency care for children. (2018). Accessed. July 17, 2024: https:\/\/www.emergencyphysicians.org\/press-releases\/2018\/11-1-2018-new-recommendations-on-emergency-care-for-children."},{"key":"ref11","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1080\/02813430802095838","article-title":"Characteristics of non-urgent patients. Cross-sectional study of emergency department and primary care patients","volume":"26","author":"Backman AS","year":"2008","unstructured":"Backman AS, Blomqvist P, Lagerlund M, Carlsson-Holm E, Adami J. Characteristics of non-urgent patients. Cross-sectional study of emergency department and primary care patients. Scand J Prim Health Care. 2008, 26:181-7. 10.1080\/02813430802095838","journal-title":"Scand J Prim Health Care"},{"key":"ref12","article-title":"Evaluation of the impact of waiting time for admission to the intensive care unit on the clinical outcome of critically ill patients","volume":"54","author":"Mendes ML","year":"2021","unstructured":"Mendes ML, Floriano ML, Fabre L, et al.. Evaluation of the impact of waiting time for admission to the intensive care unit on the clinical outcome of critically ill patients. Medicina. 2021, 54:e169399.","journal-title":"Medicina"},{"key":"ref13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.healthpol.2021.12.002","article-title":"When patients get stuck: a systematic literature review on throughput barriers in hospital-wide patient processes","volume":"126","author":"\u00c5hlin P","year":"2022","unstructured":"\u00c5hlin P, Almstr\u00f6m P, W\u00e4nstr\u00f6m C. When patients get stuck: a systematic literature review on throughput barriers in hospital-wide patient processes. Health Policy. 2022, 126:87-98. 10.1016\/j.healthpol.2021.12.002","journal-title":"Health Policy"},{"key":"ref14","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.healthpol.2008.04.005","article-title":"Why non-urgent patients choose emergency over primary care services? Empirical evidence and managerial implications","volume":"88","author":"Lega F","year":"2008","unstructured":"Lega F, Mengoni A. Why non-urgent patients choose emergency over primary care services? Empirical evidence and managerial implications. Health Policy. 2008, 88:326-38. 10.1016\/j.healthpol.2008.04.005","journal-title":"Health Policy"},{"key":"ref15","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1097\/PEC.0b013e31818fa79d","article-title":"Urgency classification methods for emergency department visits: do they measure up?","volume":"24","author":"Mistry RD","year":"2008","unstructured":"Mistry RD, Brousseau DC, Alessandrini EA. Urgency classification methods for emergency department visits: do they measure up?. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2008, 24:870-4. 10.1097\/PEC.0b013e31818fa79d","journal-title":"Pediatr Emerg Care"},{"key":"ref16","article-title":"National hospital ambulatory medical care survey: 2005 emergency department summary","volume":"386","author":"Nawar EW","year":"2007","unstructured":"Nawar EW, Niska RW, Xu J. National hospital ambulatory medical care survey: 2005 emergency department summary. Adv Data. 2007, 386:","journal-title":"Adv Data"},{"key":"ref17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1017\/s1481803500002451","article-title":"Emergency department overcrowding and access block","volume":"15","author":"Affleck A","year":"2013","unstructured":"Affleck A, Parks P, Drummond A, Rowe BH, Ovens HJ. Emergency department overcrowding and access block. CJEM. 2013, 15:359-84. 10.1017\/s1481803500002451","journal-title":"CJEM"},{"key":"ref18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/s12912-023-01251-7","article-title":"An integrative review of adult patient-reported reasons for non-urgent use of the emergency department","volume":"22","author":"McIntyre A","year":"2023","unstructured":"McIntyre A, Janzen S, Shepherd L, Kerr M, Booth R. An integrative review of adult patient-reported reasons for non-urgent use of the emergency department. BMC Nurs. 2023, 22:85. 10.1186\/s12912-023-01251-7","journal-title":"BMC Nurs"},{"key":"ref19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.4236\/ojem.2023.111001","article-title":"The Definition of Non-Urgent Visits to the Emergency Department and Validation of Criteria for Referrals","volume":"7","author":"Leshinski R","year":"2023","unstructured":"Leshinski R, Plakht Y, Farroujha A. The Definition of Non-Urgent Visits to the Emergency Department and Validation of Criteria for Referrals. Open J. Emerg. Med. 2023, 7:1-5. 10.4236\/ojem.2023.111001","journal-title":"Open J. Emerg. Med"},{"key":"ref20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jen.2006.11.009","article-title":"Emergency Severity Index version 4: clarifying common questions","volume":"33","author":"Tanabe P","year":"2007","unstructured":"Tanabe P, Gilboy N, Travers DA. Emergency Severity Index version 4: clarifying common questions. J Emerg Nurs. 2007, 33:182-5. 10.1016\/j.jen.2006.11.009","journal-title":"J Emerg Nurs"},{"key":"ref21","article-title":"Growing demand for emergency department services: associated factors and perspective of patients (Doctoral dissertation, Queensland University of","author":"Rego J","year":"2015","unstructured":"Rego J. Growing demand for emergency department services: associated factors and perspective of patients (Doctoral dissertation, Queensland University of. Queensland University of Technology. 2015,","journal-title":"Queensland University of Technology"},{"key":"ref22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0203316","article-title":"Emergency department crowding: a systematic review of causes, consequences and solutions","volume":"13","author":"Morley C","year":"2018","unstructured":"Morley C, Unwin M, Peterson GM, Stankovich J, Kinsman L. Emergency department crowding: a systematic review of causes, consequences and solutions. PLoS One. 2018, 13:e0203316. 10.1371\/journal.pone.0203316","journal-title":"PLoS One"},{"key":"ref23","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/s12873-022-00760-z","article-title":"The effects of an emergency department length-of-stay management system on severely ill patients' treatment outcomes","volume":"22","author":"Kim YE","year":"2022","unstructured":"Kim YE, Lee HY. The effects of an emergency department length-of-stay management system on severely ill patients' treatment outcomes. BMC Emerg Med. 2022, 22:204. 10.1186\/s12873-022-00760-z","journal-title":"BMC Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.15441\/ceem.18.022","article-title":"Emergency department and hospital crowding: causes, consequences, and cures","volume":"6","author":"McKenna P","year":"2019","unstructured":"McKenna P, Heslin SM, Viccellio P, Mallon WK, Hernandez C, Morley EJ. Emergency department and hospital crowding: causes, consequences, and cures. Clin Exp Emerg Med. 2019, 6:189-95. 10.15441\/ceem.18.022","journal-title":"Clin Exp Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0055491","article-title":"\"How much will I get charged for this?\" Patient charges for top ten diagnoses in the emergency department","volume":"8","author":"Caldwell N","year":"2013","unstructured":"Caldwell N, Srebotnjak T, Wang T, Hsia R. \"How much will I get charged for this?\" Patient charges for top ten diagnoses in the emergency department. PLoS One. 2013, 8:e55491. 10.1371\/journal.pone.0055491","journal-title":"PLoS One"},{"key":"ref26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1377\/hlthaff.2009.0748","article-title":"Many emergency department visits could be managed at urgent care centers and retail clinics","volume":"29","author":"Weinick RM","year":"2010","unstructured":"Weinick RM, Burns RM, Mehrotra A. Many emergency department visits could be managed at urgent care centers and retail clinics. Health Aff (Millwood). 2010, 29:1630-6. 10.1377\/hlthaff.2009.0748","journal-title":"Health Aff (Millwood)"},{"key":"ref27","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.4236\/health.2014.612167","article-title":"Which socioeconomic factors influence patients\u2019 choices to opt for the ED or the gap during out-of-hours: an explorative study in Flanders","volume":"9","author":"Detollenaere J","year":"2014","unstructured":"Detollenaere J, Verlinde E, Willems S, Blezer J. Which socioeconomic factors influence patients\u2019 choices to opt for the ED or the gap during out-of-hours: an explorative study in Flanders. Health . 2014, 9:1361-7. 10.4236\/health.2014.612167","journal-title":"Health"},{"key":"ref28","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3399\/bjgp14X680533","article-title":"Access to general practice and visits to accident and emergency departments in England: cross-sectional analysis of a national patient survey","volume":"64","author":"Cowling TE","year":"2014","unstructured":"Cowling TE, Harris MJ, Watt HC, Gibbons DC, Majeed A. Access to general practice and visits to accident and emergency departments in England: cross-sectional analysis of a national patient survey. Br J Gen Pract. 2014, 64:e434-9. 10.3399\/bjgp14X680533","journal-title":"Br J Gen Pract"},{"key":"ref29","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jemermed.2020.03.012","article-title":"Differences in clinical characteristics and utilization of emergency department by high-frequency users","volume":"59","author":"Afonso S","year":"2020","unstructured":"Afonso S, Lopes S. Differences in clinical characteristics and utilization of emergency department by high-frequency users. J Emerg Med. 2020, 59:153-60. 10.1016\/j.jemermed.2020.03.012","journal-title":"J Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref30","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.4103\/ijas.ijas_12_18","article-title":"Accessibility to primary health care and emergency department visits","volume":"3","author":"Al-Arifi AM","year":"20181","unstructured":"Al-Arifi AM, Al-Rashdi MK. Accessibility to primary health care and emergency department visits. Am J Appl Sci. 20181, 3:48-53. 10.4103\/ijas.ijas_12_18","journal-title":"Am J Appl Sci"},{"key":"ref31","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/1756-0500-5-525","article-title":"Nonurgent patients in emergency departments: rational or irresponsible consumers? Perceptions of professionals and patients","volume":"5","author":"Durand AC","year":"2012","unstructured":"Durand AC, Palazzolo S, Tanti-Hardouin N, Gerbeaux P, Sambuc R, Gentile S. Nonurgent patients in emergency departments: rational or irresponsible consumers? Perceptions of professionals and patients. BMC Res Notes. 2012, 5:525. 10.1186\/1756-0500-5-525","journal-title":"BMC Res Notes"},{"key":"ref32","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/S0929-6646(10)60088-5","article-title":"Utilization of emergency department in patients with non-urgent medical problems: patient preference and emergency department convenience","volume":"109","author":"William S.","year":"2010","unstructured":"William S., Tsai JC, and Liang YW. Utilization of emergency department in patients with non-urgent medical problems: patient preference and emergency department convenience. J Formos Med Assoc. 2010, 109:533-42. 10.1016\/S0929-6646(10)60088-5","journal-title":"J Formos Med Assoc"},{"key":"ref33","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1001\/jama.300.16.1914","article-title":"Uninsured adults presenting to US emergency departments: assumptions vs data","volume":"300","author":"Newton MF","year":"2008","unstructured":"Newton MF, Keirns CC, Cunningham R, Hayward RA, Stanley R. Uninsured adults presenting to US emergency departments: assumptions vs data. JAMA. 2008, 300:1914-24. 10.1001\/jama.300.16.1914","journal-title":"JAMA"},{"key":"ref34","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.2105\/ajph.83.3.372","article-title":"Primary care and public emergency department overcrowding","volume":"83","author":"Grumbach K","year":"1993","unstructured":"Grumbach K, Keane D, Bindman A. Primary care and public emergency department overcrowding. Am J Public Health. 1993, 83:372-8. 10.2105\/ajph.83.3.372","journal-title":"Am J Public Health"},{"key":"ref35","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1136\/emj.2010.099226","article-title":"Systematic review of trends in emergency department attendances: an Australian perspective","volume":"28","author":"Lowthian JA","year":"2011","unstructured":"Lowthian JA, Curtis AJ, Cameron PA, Stoelwinder JU, Cooke MW, McNeil JJ. Systematic review of trends in emergency department attendances: an Australian perspective. Emerg Med J. 2011, 28:373-7. 10.1136\/emj.2010.099226","journal-title":"Emerg Med J"},{"key":"ref36","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.12816\/0002577","article-title":"Non-urgent visits among patients seen at the emergency department of King Hussein medical center","volume":"1","author":"Sahwehne B","year":"2014","unstructured":"Sahwehne B, Essalim A, Al-Mherat A. Non-urgent visits among patients seen at the emergency department of King Hussein medical center. JRMS. 2014, 1:7. 10.12816\/0002577","journal-title":"JRMS"},{"key":"ref37","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ienj.2016.09.003","article-title":"Why are we waiting? Patients' perspectives for accessing emergency department services with non-urgent complaints","volume":"29","author":"Unwin M","year":"2016","unstructured":"Unwin M, Kinsman L, Rigby S. Why are we waiting? Patients' perspectives for accessing emergency department services with non-urgent complaints. Int Emerg Nurs. 2016, 29:3-8. 10.1016\/j.ienj.2016.09.003","journal-title":"Int Emerg Nurs"},{"key":"ref38","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1093\/intqhc\/mzx081","article-title":"Avoidable emergency department visits: a starting point","volume":"29","author":"Hsia RY","year":"2017","unstructured":"Hsia RY, Niedzwiecki M. Avoidable emergency department visits: a starting point. Int J Qual Health Care. 2017, 29:642-5. 10.1093\/intqhc\/mzx081","journal-title":"Int J Qual Health Care"},{"key":"ref39","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1111\/acem.13220","article-title":"Why do people choose emergency and urgent care services? A rapid review utilizing systematic literature search and narrative synthesis","volume":"24","author":"Coster JE","year":"2017","unstructured":"Coster JE, Turner JK, Bradbury D, Cantrell A. Why do people choose emergency and urgent care services? A rapid review utilizing systematic literature search and narrative synthesis. Acad Emerg Med. 2017, 24:1137-49. 10.1111\/acem.13220","journal-title":"Acad Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref40","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1136\/bmjopen-2019-035951","article-title":"Factors associated with non-urgent visits to the emergency department in a tertiary care centre, western Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study","volume":"10","author":"Al-Otmy SS","year":"2020","unstructured":"Al-Otmy SS, Abduljabbar AZ, Al-Raddadi RM, Farahat F. Factors associated with non-urgent visits to the emergency department in a tertiary care centre, western Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2020, 10:e035951. 10.1136\/bmjopen-2019-035951","journal-title":"BMJ Open"},{"key":"ref41","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.2147\/IJGM.S391126","article-title":"Analysis of emergency department use by non-urgent patients and their visit characteristics at an academic center","volume":"16","author":"Alnasser S","year":"2023","unstructured":"Alnasser S, Alharbi M, AAlibrahim A, Aal Ibrahim A, Kentab O, Alassaf W, Aljahany M. Analysis of emergency department use by non-urgent patients and their visit characteristics at an academic center. Int J Gen Med. 2023, 16:221-32. 10.2147\/IJGM.S391126","journal-title":"Int J Gen Med"},{"key":"ref42","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0298598","article-title":"Influence of demographic factors on prolonged length of stay in an emergency department","volume":"19","author":"Alnahari A","year":"2024","unstructured":"Alnahari A, A'aqoulah A. Influence of demographic factors on prolonged length of stay in an emergency department. PLoS One. 2024, 19:e0298598. 10.1371\/journal.pone.0298598","journal-title":"PLoS One"},{"key":"ref43","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.7759\/cureus.58383","article-title":"Analyzing non-urgent emergency department visits: patterns, demographics, motivations, and triage system awareness in Al-Qassim","volume":"16","author":"Alhojelan AM","year":"2024","unstructured":"Alhojelan AM, Al Rusayni YA, Alsaif E, et al.. Analyzing non-urgent emergency department visits: patterns, demographics, motivations, and triage system awareness in Al-Qassim. Cureus. 2024, 16:e58383. 10.7759\/cureus.58383","journal-title":"Cureus"},{"key":"ref44","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3389\/fpubh.2021.721634","article-title":"Predictors of emergency room access and not urgent emergency room access by the frail older adults","volume":"9","author":"Gentili S","year":"2021","unstructured":"Gentili S, Emberti Gialloreti L, Riccardi F, Scarcella P, Liotta G. Predictors of emergency room access and not urgent emergency room access by the frail older adults. Front Public Health. 2021, 9:721634. 10.3389\/fpubh.2021.721634","journal-title":"Front Public Health"},{"key":"ref45","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/1475-9276-12-18","article-title":"Patient-centred access to health care: conceptualising access at the interface of health systems and populations","volume":"12","author":"Levesque JF","year":"2013","unstructured":"Levesque JF, Harris MF, Russell G. Patient-centred access to health care: conceptualising access at the interface of health systems and populations. Int J Equity Health. 2013, 12:18. 10.1186\/1475-9276-12-18","journal-title":"Int J Equity Health"},{"key":"ref46","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/s12913-019-4815-5","article-title":"Access to specialty healthcare in urban versus rural US populations: a systematic literature review","volume":"19","author":"Cyr ME","year":"2019","unstructured":"Cyr ME, Etchin AG, Guthrie BJ, Benneyan JC. Access to specialty healthcare in urban versus rural US populations: a systematic literature review. BMC Health Serv Res. 2019, 19:974. 10.1186\/s12913-019-4815-5","journal-title":"BMC Health Serv Res"},{"key":"ref47","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1177\/0020852316648226","article-title":"Reforming the French health-care system: the quest for accountability","volume":"84","author":"Simonet D","year":"2018","unstructured":"Simonet D. Reforming the French health-care system: the quest for accountability. Int Rev Adm Sci. 2018, 84:503-19. 10.1177\/0020852316648226","journal-title":"Int Rev Adm Sci"},{"key":"ref48","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/s12913-022-07829-2","article-title":"A qualitative study of rural healthcare providers' views of social, cultural, and programmatic barriers to healthcare access","volume":"22","author":"Coombs NC","year":"2022","unstructured":"Coombs NC, Campbell DG, Caringi J. A qualitative study of rural healthcare providers' views of social, cultural, and programmatic barriers to healthcare access. BMC Health Serv Res. 2022, 22:438. 10.1186\/s12913-022-07829-2","journal-title":"BMC Health Serv Res"},{"key":"ref49","article-title":"Emergency department visits for nonurgent conditions: systematic literature review","volume":"19","author":"Uscher-Pines L","year":"2013","unstructured":"Uscher-Pines L, Pines J, Kellermann A, Gillen E, Mehrotra A. Emergency department visits for nonurgent conditions: systematic literature review. Am J Manag Care. 2013, 19:47-59.","journal-title":"Am J Manag Care"},{"key":"ref50","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1067\/men.2000.110904","article-title":"Seeking care for nonurgent medical conditions in the emergency department: through the eyes of the patient","volume":"26","author":"Koziol-McLain J","year":"2000","unstructured":"Koziol-McLain J, Price DW, Weiss B, Quinn AA, Honigman B. Seeking care for nonurgent medical conditions in the emergency department: through the eyes of the patient. J Emerg Nurs. 2000, 26:554-63. 10.1067\/men.2000.110904","journal-title":"J Emerg Nurs"},{"key":"ref51","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/s12913-023-09140-0","article-title":"Factors associated with delaying medical care: cross-sectional study of Nebraska adults","volume":"23","author":"Ratnapradipa KL","year":"2023","unstructured":"Ratnapradipa KL, Jadhav S, Kabayundo J, Wang H, Smith LC. Factors associated with delaying medical care: cross-sectional study of Nebraska adults. BMC Health Serv Res. 2023, 23:118. 10.1186\/s12913-023-09140-0","journal-title":"BMC Health Serv Res"},{"key":"ref52","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/s11606-017-4296-3","article-title":"The influence of financial strain on health decision-making","volume":"33","author":"Nguyen OK","year":"2018","unstructured":"Nguyen OK, Higashi RT, Makam AN, Mijares JC, Lee SC. The influence of financial strain on health decision-making. J Gen Intern Med. 2018, 33:406-8. 10.1007\/s11606-017-4296-3","journal-title":"J Gen Intern Med"},{"key":"ref53","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1136\/emermed-2015-204900","article-title":"Primary care services located with EDs: a review of effectiveness","volume":"33","author":"Ramlakhan S","year":"2016","unstructured":"Ramlakhan S, Mason S, O'Keeffe C, Ramtahal A, Ablard S. Primary care services located with EDs: a review of effectiveness. Emerg Med J. 2016, 33:495-503. 10.1136\/emermed-2015-204900","journal-title":"Emerg Med J"},{"key":"ref54","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1590\/s0102-311x2009000100002","article-title":"Inappropriate use of emergency services: a systematic review of prevalence and associated factors","volume":"25","author":"Carret ML","year":"2009","unstructured":"Carret ML, Fassa AC, Domingues MR. Inappropriate use of emergency services: a systematic review of prevalence and associated factors. Cad Saude Publica. 2009, 25:7-28. 10.1590\/s0102-311x2009000100002","journal-title":"Cad Saude Publica"},{"key":"ref55","article-title":"Uncovering factors affecting use of the emergency department for less urgent health problems in urban and rural areas","volume":"39","author":"Hodgins MJ","year":"2007","unstructured":"Hodgins MJ, Wuest J. Uncovering factors affecting use of the emergency department for less urgent health problems in urban and rural areas. Can J Nurs Res. 2007, 39:78-102.","journal-title":"Can J Nurs Res"},{"key":"ref56","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1111\/acem.12476","article-title":"Is low health literacy associated with increased emergency department utilization and recidivism?","volume":"21","author":"Griffey RT","year":"2014","unstructured":"Griffey RT, Kennedy SK, D'Agostino McGowan L, Goodman M, Kaphingst KA. Is low health literacy associated with increased emergency department utilization and recidivism?. Acad Emerg Med. 2014, 21:1109-15. 10.1111\/acem.12476","journal-title":"Acad Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref57","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/s11606-019-05128-x","article-title":"Reasons patients choose the emergency department over primary care: a qualitative metasynthesis","volume":"34","author":"Vogel JA","year":"2019","unstructured":"Vogel JA, Rising KL, Jones J, Bowden ML, Ginde AA, Havranek EP. Reasons patients choose the emergency department over primary care: a qualitative metasynthesis. J Gen Intern Med. 2019, 34:2610-9. 10.1007\/s11606-019-05128-x","journal-title":"J Gen Intern Med"},{"key":"ref58","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/s10488-019-01000-6","article-title":"Post discharge health services use for patients with serious mental illness treated at an emergency department versus a dedicated community mental health center","volume":"47","author":"Henderson SC","year":"2020","unstructured":"Henderson SC, Owino H, Thomas KC, Cyr JM, Ansari S, Glickman SW, Dusetzina SB. Post discharge health services use for patients with serious mental illness treated at an emergency department versus a dedicated community mental health center. Adm Policy Ment Health. 2020, 47:443-50. 10.1007\/s10488-019-01000-6","journal-title":"Adm Policy Ment Health"},{"key":"ref59","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/s12873-022-00673-x","article-title":"Characterizing people with frequent emergency department visits and substance use: a retrospective cohort study of linked administrative data in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C., Canada","volume":"22","author":"Moe J","year":"2022","unstructured":"Moe J, Wang YE, Schull MJ, et al.. Characterizing people with frequent emergency department visits and substance use: a retrospective cohort study of linked administrative data in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C., Canada. BMC Emerg Med. 2022, 22:127. 10.1186\/s12873-022-00673-x","journal-title":"BMC Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref60","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.5847\/wjem.j.1920-8642.2011.04.002","article-title":"Demand for hospital emergency departments: a conceptual understanding","volume":"2","author":"He J","year":"2011","unstructured":"He J, Hou XY, Toloo S, Patrick JR, Fitz Gerald G. Demand for hospital emergency departments: a conceptual understanding. World J Emerg Med. 2011, 2:253-61. 10.5847\/wjem.j.1920-8642.2011.04.002","journal-title":"World J Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref61","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.annemergmed.2008.03.014","article-title":"Systematic review of emergency department crowding: causes, effects, and solutions","volume":"52","author":"Hoot NR","year":"2008","unstructured":"Hoot NR, Aronsky D. Systematic review of emergency department crowding: causes, effects, and solutions. Ann Emerg Med. 2008, 52:126-36. 10.1016\/j.annemergmed.2008.03.014","journal-title":"Ann Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref62","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1097\/TME.0b013e318207e86a","article-title":"The effect of emergency department crowding on patient outcomes: a literature review","volume":"33","author":"Johnson KD","year":"2011","unstructured":"Johnson KD, Winkelman C. The effect of emergency department crowding on patient outcomes: a literature review. Adv Emerg Nurs J. 2011, 33:39-54. 10.1097\/TME.0b013e318207e86a","journal-title":"Adv Emerg Nurs J"},{"key":"ref63","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1067\/mem.2003.302","article-title":"A conceptual model of emergency department crowding","volume":"42","author":"Asplin BR","year":"2003","unstructured":"Asplin BR, Magid DJ, Rhodes KV, Solberg LI, Lurie N, Camargo CA Jr. A conceptual model of emergency department crowding. Ann Emerg Med. 2003, 42:173-80. 10.1067\/mem.2003.302","journal-title":"Ann Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref64","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0035903","article-title":"Effectiveness of organizational interventions to reduce emergency department utilization: a systematic review","volume":"7","author":"Flores-Mateo G","year":"2012","unstructured":"Flores-Mateo G, Violan-Fors C, Carrillo-Santisteve P, Peir\u00f3 S, Argimon JM. Effectiveness of organizational interventions to reduce emergency department utilization: a systematic review. PLoS One. 2012, 7:e35903. 10.1371\/journal.pone.0035903","journal-title":"PLoS One"},{"key":"ref65","unstructured":"HFMA. Preventable ED use costs $8.3 billion annually: analysis. (2022). Accessed: April 19, 2026: https:\/\/www.hfma.org\/payment-reimbursement-and-managed-care\/payment-trends\/63247\/."},{"key":"ref66","article-title":"Reasons for emergency room use among U.S. adults aged 18-64: National Health Interview Survey, 2013 and 2014","author":"Gindi RM","year":"2016","unstructured":"Gindi RM, Black LI, Cohen RA. Reasons for emergency room use among U.S. adults aged 18-64: National Health Interview Survey, 2013 and 2014. Natl Health Stat Report. 2016, 1-16.","journal-title":"Natl Health Stat Report"},{"key":"ref67","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jemermed.2013.04.063","article-title":"Patient and provider perceptions of why patients seek care in emergency departments","volume":"46","author":"Lobachova L","year":"2014","unstructured":"Lobachova L, Brown DF, Sinclair J, Chang Y, Thielker KZ, Nagurney JT. Patient and provider perceptions of why patients seek care in emergency departments. J Emerg Med. 2014, 46:104-12. 10.1016\/j.jemermed.2013.04.063","journal-title":"J Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref68","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ajem.2021.03.051","article-title":"Racial\/ethnic disparities in emergency department wait times in the United States, 2013-2017","volume":"47","author":"Lu FQ","year":"2021","unstructured":"Lu FQ, Hanchate AD, Paasche-Orlow MK. Racial\/ethnic disparities in emergency department wait times in the United States, 2013-2017. Am J Emerg Med. 2021, 47:138-44. 10.1016\/j.ajem.2021.03.051","journal-title":"Am J Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref69","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1553-2712.2008.00295.x","article-title":"The effect of emergency department crowding on clinically oriented outcomes","volume":"16","author":"Bernstein SL","year":"2009","unstructured":"Bernstein SL, Aronsky D, Duseja R, et al.. The effect of emergency department crowding on clinically oriented outcomes. Acad Emerg Med. 2009, 16:1-10. 10.1111\/j.1553-2712.2008.00295.x","journal-title":"Acad Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref70","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.5694\/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00204.x","article-title":"Increase in patient mortality at 10 days associated with emergency department overcrowding","volume":"184","author":"Richardson DB","year":"2006","unstructured":"Richardson DB. Increase in patient mortality at 10 days associated with emergency department overcrowding. Med J Aust. 2006, 184:213-6. 10.5694\/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00204.x","journal-title":"Med J Aust"},{"key":"ref71","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.annemergmed.2012.10.026","article-title":"Effect of emergency department crowding on outcomes of admitted patients","volume":"61","author":"Sun BC","year":"2013","unstructured":"Sun BC, Hsia RY, Weiss RE, et al.. Effect of emergency department crowding on outcomes of admitted patients. Ann Emerg Med. 2013, 61:605-11.e6. 10.1016\/j.annemergmed.2012.10.026","journal-title":"Ann Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref72","unstructured":"WaveTec. How long is too long to wait in ER: vital considerations. (2023). Accessed: April 19, 2026: https:\/\/www.wavetec.com\/blog\/healthcare\/how-long-is-too-long-to-wait-in-er\/."},{"key":"ref73","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.pec.2013.06.001","article-title":"A qualitative study of patient choices in using emergency health care for long-term conditions: the importance of candidacy and recursivity. Patient education and counseling.","volume":"93","author":"Hunter C","year":"2013","unstructured":"Hunter C, Chew-Graham C, Langer S, Stenhoff A, Drinkwater J, Guthrie E, Salmon P. . A qualitative study of patient choices in using emergency health care for long-term conditions: the importance of candidacy and recursivity. Patient education and counseling. . Patient Educ. Couns. 2013, 93:335-41. 10.1016\/j.pec.2013.06.001","journal-title":"Patient Educ. Couns"},{"key":"ref74","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1017\/cem.2018.378","article-title":"Understanding why older adults choose to seek non-urgent care in the emergency department: the patient's perspective","volume":"21","author":"Goodridge D","year":"2019","unstructured":"Goodridge D, Stempien J. Understanding why older adults choose to seek non-urgent care in the emergency department: the patient's perspective. CJEM. 2019, 21:243-8. 10.1017\/cem.2018.378","journal-title":"CJEM"},{"key":"ref75","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1093\/intqhc\/mzy062","article-title":"Frequent use of emergency departments by older people: a comparative cohort study of characteristics and outcomes","volume":"30","author":"Street M","year":"2018","unstructured":"Street M, Berry D, Considine J. Frequent use of emergency departments by older people: a comparative cohort study of characteristics and outcomes. Int J Qual Health Care. 2018, 30:624-9. 10.1093\/intqhc\/mzy062","journal-title":"Int J Qual Health Care"},{"key":"ref76","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.46747\/cfp.6808599","article-title":"Association between access to primary care and unplanned emergency department return visits among patients 75 years and older","volume":"68","author":"Afilalo M","year":"2022","unstructured":"Afilalo M, Xue X, Colacone A, Jourdenais E, Boivin JF, Grad R. Association between access to primary care and unplanned emergency department return visits among patients 75 years and older. Can Fam Physician. 2022, 68:599-606. 10.46747\/cfp.6808599","journal-title":"Can Fam Physician"},{"key":"ref77","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.18553\/jmcp.2008.14.S6-A.2","article-title":"Gender differences in health care expenditures, resource utilization, and quality of care","volume":"14","author":"Owens GM","year":"2008","unstructured":"Owens GM. Gender differences in health care expenditures, resource utilization, and quality of care. J Manag Care Pharm. 2008, 14:2-6. 10.18553\/jmcp.2008.14.S6-A.2","journal-title":"J Manag Care Pharm"},{"key":"ref78","article-title":"Assessment of non-emergency cases attending emergency department at King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah; pattern and outcomes","volume":"11","author":"Bakarman MA","year":"2014","unstructured":"Bakarman MA, Njaifan NK. Assessment of non-emergency cases attending emergency department at King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah; pattern and outcomes. Life Sci. 2014, 11:20-5.","journal-title":"Life Sci"},{"key":"ref79","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/s12913-022-08527-9","article-title":"Impact of low health literacy on patients' health outcomes: a multicenter cohort study","volume":"22","author":"Shahid R","year":"2022","unstructured":"Shahid R, Shoker M, Chu LM, Frehlick R, Ward H, Pahwa P. Impact of low health literacy on patients' health outcomes: a multicenter cohort study. BMC Health Serv Res. 2022, 22:1148. 10.1186\/s12913-022-08527-9","journal-title":"BMC Health Serv Res"},{"key":"ref80","article-title":"National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2004 emergency department summary","author":"McCaig LF","year":"2006","unstructured":"McCaig LF, Nawar EW. National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2004 emergency department summary. Adv Data. 2006, 1-29.","journal-title":"Adv Data"},{"key":"ref81","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/1757-7241-21-62","article-title":"Evaluation of emergency department performance - a systematic review on recommended performance and quality-in-care measures","volume":"21","author":"S\u00f8rup CM","year":"2013","unstructured":"S\u00f8rup CM, Jacobsen P, Forberg JL. Evaluation of emergency department performance - a systematic review on recommended performance and quality-in-care measures. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2013, 21:62. 10.1186\/1757-7241-21-62","journal-title":"Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med"},{"key":"ref82","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.healthpol.2016.10.002","article-title":"Interventions to reduce emergency department utilisation: a review of reviews","volume":"120","author":"Van den Heede K","year":"2016","unstructured":"Van den Heede K, Van de Voorde C. Interventions to reduce emergency department utilisation: a review of reviews. Health Policy. 2016, 120:1337-49. 10.1016\/j.healthpol.2016.10.002","journal-title":"Health Policy"},{"key":"ref83","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1111\/hex.12995","article-title":"'Clinically unnecessary' use of emergency and urgent care: a realist review of patients' decision making","volume":"23","author":"O'Cathain A","year":"2020","unstructured":"O'Cathain A, Connell J, Long J, Coster J. 'Clinically unnecessary' use of emergency and urgent care: a realist review of patients' decision making. Health Expect. 2020, 23:19-40. 10.1111\/hex.12995","journal-title":"Health Expect"}],"container-title":["Cureus"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.cureus.com\/articles\/429986-factors-influencing-non-urgent-emergency-department-visits-a-review-of-the-causes-and-impact","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,20]],"date-time":"2026-04-20T12:25:36Z","timestamp":1776687936000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.cureus.com\/articles\/429986-factors-influencing-non-urgent-emergency-department-visits-a-review-of-the-causes-and-impact"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,20]]},"references-count":83,"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.7759\/cureus.107384","relation":{},"ISSN":["2168-8184"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2168-8184","type":"print"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,20]]}}}