Reasons for after-hours calls

J Fam Pract. 2002 Jun;51(6):567-9.

Abstract

Previous studies of after-hours calls to family physicians focused on caller demographics, medical triage skills, and patient satisfaction, and were usually conducted for a limited time. We examined the frequency and nature of calls to a family practice residency over 1 year. Caller and patient information, date, time, and chief complaint were obtained from answering service logs. The 5 most frequent chief complaints related to medications, pain, obstetric issues, fever, and nausea. Interestingly, 56 "high utilizers" (0.6% of all patients) accounted for 23% of the calls.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Physicians, Family / statistics & numerical data*
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Telephone / statistics & numerical data*
  • Triage
  • Work Schedule Tolerance