Review article
https://doi.org/10.64266/amu.1.1.2
Care for Complex Patients – A New Dimension of Emergency Medicine
Aleksandar Džakula
; Centre for Health Systems, Policy and Diplomacy, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Dorja Vočanec
; Centre for Health Systems, Policy and Diplomacy, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Emergency medicine is defined as a specialty that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of emergency medical conditions in patients of all ages. Despite clear frameworks and definitions, the question of the connection between the expectations defined therein and the reality of the work of emergency medical services (EMS) is raised. Given the increase in the elderly population and patients with chronic diseases, EMS is faced with an increasing number of patients whose problems are not exclusively emergency issue. Overcrowding of EMS with complex patients is becoming a global challenge, and the lack of adequate classification and analysis of the needs of these patients makes it difficult to develop effective strategies for their care. It is proposed to group complex patients and systematically delineate them into subgroups (geriatric, oncological) in order to facilitate the management of their specific needs. EMS, with their open structure, represent a key point in the health system and are an indicator of its efficiency. In order to face the challenges brought by the care of complex patients, EMS must develop strategies that will ensure quality care with less stress for medical staff. The future of emergency medicine lies in efficient management and adequate resources for the care of complex patients, thus confirming their importance within the healthcare system.
Keywords
complex patients; emergency medical service
Hrčak ID:
333860
URI
Publication date:
1.2.2025.
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