Table 2.

Reasons for ED use for nonurgent patients: category descriptions

Theme and sub-category	Descriptors
Theme 1. Fulfill health care needs
To alleviate pain or discomfort	▪ “It’s urgent because it hurts”
	▪ “I suffered for a while there. I’ve been trying to tough it out, but I suffer too much.”
Anxiety generated by the complaint	▪ “I don’t consider my problem serious, but I am worried because I am hurting.”
	▪ “I do not know what I have, but it worried me, so I preferred to come immediately to the ED so at least I am reassured.”
	▪ “I was afraid; I was concerned because I did not know if my problem was serious.”
Theme 2. Barriers to primary care providers
Difficulty obtaining an appointment with their PCP in a timely manner	▪ “When I called my doctor, he said that he was booked up, and he instructed me to go to the ED.”
	▪ “It is impossible to see him during the week if you are sick (speaking of her PCP). It is too long.”
	▪ “I called my doctor but he could not see me, so I preferred to come to the ED because the pain was unbearable.”
ED is the only alternative to accommodate work schedules	▪ “When I am sick and miss a day of work, I need to see a doctor that day. I can’t afford to be off work any longer. I need to feel better and go back to work the next day”
	▪ “After 6 p.m., nothing else is open.”
Discerning health consumers	▪ “I preferred the ED to my doctor because it is so hard to get in to see him.”
	▪ “I knew that my doctor could not see me. So, I came to the ED.”
	▪ “My doctor consults by appointment only. He doesn’t have time for me.”
Theme 3. Advantages of the ED
Availability of diagnostic tests and treatment	▪ “My doctor cannot do X-rays or laboratory tests, while the ED has all the technical support.”
	▪ “I'd rather be here than run around. At least here x-rays can be done.”
Convenience	▪ “Everything is in one place.”
	▪ “The doctors perform things a lot faster.”