Abstract

ROCHA, Hugo et al. Characterization of urgent appointments of a portuguese family health unit: who, when and why?. Rev Port Med Geral Fam [online]. 2020, vol.36, n.2, pp.200-207. ISSN 2182-5173.  https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v36i2.12318.

Introduction: The walk-in appointment (WA) intends to give an answer to situations that are considered acute, urgent or that require quick-resolution. This study aims to characterize a Family Health Unit’s WA in what concerns its users, affluence pattern, reasons, and adequacy of appointment. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive analysis study was performed using a convenience sample from all unit’s WAs provided during a random week per month between June 1, 2015, and May 31, 2016. A questionnaire designed by the authors was applied and data were analyzed in a descriptive and exploratory way. Results: Data from 1171 WAs was collected (participation rate of 63%). Most users were females (62%), 40-44 years old (9.5%, p<0.001) and exempt of consultation payment fees (57.9%, p<0.001). The highest affluence occurred in July and August 2015 and in March 2016 (p<0.001); on Monday (23%); and at 9/11 a.m. and 2/3 p.m. (p<0.001). The reasons for the WAs were considered adequate in 88% of the cases. Discussion: Despite some limitations, the performed study is robust and considered adequate (size and sample selection, as well as a pilot test). The main conclusions show the need to adapt the response of the unit’s WAs during peak periods and increase the response of each family physician’s WAs. This study could be a starting point for improvements in other primary care units’ WAs involved in other socio-demographic contexts.

Keywords : Primary health care; Family practice; Walk-in appointment; Reasons for consultation; Affluence.

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