In ED population-specific assessment considerations, what is a recommended action regarding patients who present with the same symptoms as prior visits?

• A. Discharge with no planning.
• B. Identify high ED service users and develop plans for when patients present with the same symptoms as prior visits.
• C. Refer all patients to primary care after the first visit.
• D. Avoid collecting data on prior presentations.

Answer: (B)

When patients keep returning to the ED with the same symptoms, the best approach is to identify those high ED service users and develop a plan for future presentations. This means flagging individuals who frequently come in for similar issues and creating a targeted management plan that outlines how to respond if they present again, including appropriate follow-up, escalation triggers, and coordination with primary care or other services. Such planning helps ensure consistent, efficient care, reduces repetitive testing, and addresses underlying factors like access barriers or chronic conditions that drive frequent ED visits. Discharging without planning ignores ongoing needs; directing every patient to primary care after one visit isn’t practical for urgent concerns; and avoiding collection of data on prior presentations prevents recognizing who would benefit most from a proactive plan.