Where Are All the ER Patients?

ER patients are down nearly 50% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, morbidity and mortality have increased accordingly. This is according to a May 14, 2020 report in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Catalyst.

The mission of health care systems is to deliver services to meet the medical and health needs of people in their communities. Even so, in the chaotic times of dealing with the pandemic, the general public is perceiving that hospitals are for COVID-19 patients only. Even more concerning, there is a fear that going to the hospital for other reasons will increase the chance of developing COVID-19. This even carries over into emergency visits for life-threatening conditions.

Clear Messaging for ER Patients Is Vital

This is a very important time for hospital marketing departments to remove the misperceptions that are preventing people from seeking timely and often-times life-saving services. A summary of patient interviews reported in the Catalyst article showed the following concerns:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

Conclusion

It is important to educate people about what these symptoms are so they can seek emergency care for themselves or a loved one. Medicom Health has a COVID-19 Symptom Assessment that provides education about these symptoms and instructions to get immediate care. The COVID-19 Symptom Assessment is being offered at no charge to hospitals and health systems. If you would like more information about this application, please contact us.

In summary, the overwhelming theme people participating in the survey reported in NEJM Catalyst was fear – fear of contagion, fear of getting the virus, and fear of dying. Focusing your communications on messages to reduce these fears will provide important reassurance and information to the general public.