Impact of the development of a rural health center on the demand for emergency care
Lucas Sánchez, R.; Beltrán Brotons, J.L.; Martínez García, F.
Atencion Primaria 6(3): 160-164
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0212-6567 PMID: 2518912 Document Number: 333369
The new legislation on Primary Health Care (PHC) has reorganized the implementation of services. We have evaluated the impact on the demand of emergency attention in the rural town of Almodóvar del Pinar (Cuenca); this attention was previously given by the APD physician and now partially depends from the Health Center. Overall 97 cases were assisted, as compared with 229 in the preceding period (p less than 0.001). The motives for consultation remained unchanged, as well as the timing of the demand. The home visits were significantly reduced (p less than 0.05). The reduction might be explained on the basis of the moving away of the clinic location and the increased health education. The reduction in home visits might be accounted for by a higher attendance to the Health Center as this is believed to be better equipped. Hospital referral remained unchanged, 90% of cases being managed at local level. The emergency attention facilities in rural areas should be better equipped.