Homelessness: Patterns of emergency department use and risk factors for re-presentation

Abstract

Objectives: To describe patterns of service use and to predict risk factors for re-presentation to a metropolitan emergency department (ED) among people who are homeless. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was undertaken over a 24-month period from a principal referral hospital in Melbourne, Australia. All ED visits relating to people classified as homeless were included. A predictive model for risk of re-presentation was developed using logistic regression with random effects. Rates of re-presentation, defined as the total number of visits to the same ED within 28 days of discharge, were measured. Results: The study period was 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2004. The re-presentation ra..