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Table 2 Dominant reasons for self-referred patients for visiting the Emergency Department

From: Self-referred patients at the Emergency Department: patient characteristics, motivations, and willingness to make a copayment

 

Percentage

Number

Patients’ assumption that medical care was needed that a GP cannot provide (e.g., X-ray, blood tests)

28

120

Patient was already under specialist care at the study hospital

17

74

There was no GP/GP-cooperative nearby

16

69

Patient could get help earlier at the ED

15

63

The ED was located nearby

11

49

Patient was not registered with a GP

11

48

Patient could not reach the GP/GP-cooperative

7

32

The location of the GP-cooperative was unknown

5

23

Previous negative experience with the GP/GP-cooperative

4

18

Patient had no faith/trust in the GP

3

14

On the advice of others

3

13

Patient perceived the complaint was urgent

2

8

  1. Respondents (n = 436) could give more than one answer.