Williams, Noah (2025) The out-of-pocket costs and influencing factors associated with emergency department use for patients in Newfoundland and Labrador. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.
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Abstract
Research on out-of-pocket costs (OOPC) has not been thoroughly studied in a Canadian context within the emergency department (ED), where visiting volume and length of stay are increasing. The objective is to identify OOPC in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) EDs, determining the proportion, severity, and forms of OOPC and the covariates that influence OOPC in the ED. Using a cross-sectional study, 807 visitors were surveyed regarding OOPC. One of four patients (25%) reported OOPC for an ED visit and average OOPC was $323.54 (+$793.35). After controlling for other potential confounders, patients visiting urban hospitals (OR=1.79, 95% CI, (1.26-2.55)) or waiting 4+ hours (OR=2.13, 95% CI, (1.24-3.69)) were more likely to report OOPC for an ED visit. Patients visiting urban hospitals (5.86, 95% CI, (1.25-27.5)) were also more likely to report higher levels of OOPC. Implications: These findings indicate the importance of reducing wait time in the ED. Enhancing ED efficiency and reducing wait time has the potential to reduce the financial burden on society. By reducing wait time, the healthcare system can mitigate costs and improve health outcomes for patients and the broader community.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| URI: | http://research.library.mun.ca/id/eprint/16787 |
| Item ID: | 16787 |
| Additional Information: | Includes bibliographical references (pages 62-71) -- Restricted until December 31, 2025 |
| Keywords: | emergency department, OOPC, length of stay, health economics |
| Department(s): | Medicine, Faculty of > Community Health |
| Date: | February 2025 |
| Date Type: | Submission |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | https://doi.org/10.48336/6rep-vz29 |
| Medical Subject Heading: | Emergency Service, Hospital--Newfoundland and Labrador; Health Expenditures--Newfoundland and Labrador; Financial Stress--Newfoundland and Labrador; Cross-Sectional Studies; Outcome Assessment, Health Care--Newfoundland and Labrador |
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