Characteristics and reasons non-urgent self-referred patients visit the emergency department in Kimberley, South Africa

Background: In many countries, emergency departments (EDs) are overcrowded by self-referred, non-urgent patients, leading to strained resources. Understanding why patients with minor ailments choose secondary or tertiary EDs is vital. Aim: This study aimed to describe patients’ characteristics and reasons for self-referrals for non-urgent conditions to the ED of a tertiary hospital in Kimberley, South Africa. Setting: The study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Kimberley. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved patients at Kimberley’s Family Medicine ED (Gateway Centre). Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire with staff available to explain. Results: A total of 331 participants were interviewed; the mean age was 40 years (ranging from 18–89 years); most were males (199; 60.1%), ≤ 45 years (226; 68.3%), single (171; 51.7%), unemployed (181; 54.7%), had no medical insurance (306; 92.5%) and had no access to a private doctor (298; 90.0%). Most had access to primary healthcare (PHC) clinics (291; 87.9%). They perceived their medical conditions as severe enough to visit the casualty department (310; 93.7%). They were more familiar with the services at the ED than their local clinics (169; 75.5%). Conclusion: Non-urgent ED visits by self-referred patients result from complex medical, psychosocial, and economic factors. Despite access to PHC, patients often prefer the ED due to perceived severity and familiarity with hospital services. Contribution: Patients’ perceptions significantly influence their healthcare choices. Addressing these perceptions is key to reducing the burden on already strained emergency services.