Characterization of Patients with Frequent Utilization of the Obstetric Triage Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to identify characteristics of patients with frequent obstetric triage visits (“superusers”) compared to those with fewer visits and to evaluate the association of frequent obstetric triage visits with preterm birth and cesarean delivery.

Study Design This retrospective cohort included patients presenting to the obstetric triage unit at a tertiary care center from March through April 2014. Superusers were defined as individuals having four or more triage visits. Participant characteristics, including demographic, clinical, visit acuity, and health care characteristics of superusers and nonsuperusers, were summarized and compared. In the subset of patients where data were available regarding prenatal care, prenatal visit patterns were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The outcomes of preterm birth and cesarean were compared between groups using modified Poisson regression to control for confounding.

Results Of the 656 patients evaluated in the obstetric triage unit during the study period, 648 patients met the inclusion criteria. Factors associated with frequent triage use included race/ethnicity, multiparity, insurance status, high-risk pregnancy, and a prior preterm birth. Superusers were more likely to present at an earlier gestational age and had a higher proportion of visits for hypertensive disease. Patient acuity scores were not different between the groups. In the subset of patients receiving prenatal care at the institution, prenatal visit patterns were similar. The risk of preterm birth (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]: 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66–1.70) did not differ between groups; however, the risk of a cesarean delivery was increased in superusers (aRR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.01–1.92) when compared to nonsuperusers.

Conclusion Superusers, compared to nonsuperusers, have distinct clinical and demographic characteristics and are more likely to be seen in the triage unit at earlier gestational ages. Superusers tended to have a higher proportion of visits for hypertensive disease and had an increased risk of cesarean delivery.

Key Points

• Patients with frequent triage visits did not have an increased risk of preterm birth.

• Patients with frequent triage visits were more likely to undergo cesarean delivery.

• Acuity scales were similar for patients with frequent visits compared to those with few visits.

Keywords

pregnancy - emergency department - obstetric triage - prenatal care

Publication History

Received: 25 July 2022

Accepted: 06 March 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
09 March 2023

Article published online:
17 April 2023

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