Annals of internal medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Next-day care for emergency department users with nonacute conditions. A randomized, controlled trial.
Because of overcrowding and cost-control efforts, emergency departments are under pressure to refer patients with nonacute conditions to other settings. However, no validated systematic methods exist for safely performing such referrals. ⋯ Clinically detailed standardized screening criteria can safely identify patients at public hospital emergency departments for referral to next-day care. However, larger studies are needed to assess the possibility of adverse effects.