Lowthian, Judy A., Cameron, Peter A., Stoelwinder, Johannes U., Curtis, Andrea, Currell, Alex, Cooke, Matthew, MB ChB and McNeil, John J.. (2011) Increasing utilisation of emergency ambulances. Australian Health Review, Vol.35 (No.1). pp. 63-69. ISSN 0156-5788

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Abstract

Background. Increased ambulance utilisation is closely linked with Emergency Department (ED) attendances. Pressures on hospital systems are widely acknowledged with ED overcrowding reported regularly in the media and peer-reviewed literature. Strains on ambulance services are less well-documented or studied. Aims. To review the literature to determine the trends in utilisation of emergency ambulances throughout the developed world and to discuss the major underlying drivers perceived as contributing to this increase. Method. A search of online databases, search engines, peer-reviewed journals and audit reports was undertaken. Findings. Ambulance utilisation has increased in many developed countries over the past 20 years. Annual growth rates throughout Australia and the United Kingdom are similar. Population ageing, changes in social support, accessibility and pricing, and increasing community health awareness have been proposed as associated factors. As the extent of their contribution has not yet been established these factors were reviewed. Conclusion. The continued rise in utilisation of emergency ambulances is placing increasing demands on ambulance services and the wider health system, potentially compromising access, quality, safety and outcomes. A variety of factors may contribute to this increase and targeted strategies to reduce utilisation will require an accurate identification of the major drivers of demand.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Journal or Publication Title:	Australian Health Review
Publisher:	C S I R O Publishing
ISSN:	0156-5788
Date:	2011
Volume:	Vol.35
Number:	No.1
Page Range:	pp. 63-69
Identification Number:	10.1071/AH09866
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/41636

Data sourced from Thomson Reuters' Web of Knowledge

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