Retrospective observational study shows effective emergency department avoidance in referrals to a virtual care service, suggesting better resource management.
Objective To evaluate whether a collaboration between Mid‐North Coast Virtual Care (MNCVC) and NSW Ambulance (NSWA) was effective in diverting ED transfers. Methods A retrospective observational study over 30 months examined NSWA referrals to MNCVC. Referral characteristics, 7‐day and 28‐day ED presentations were analysed. ED avoidance was defined as an accepted referral without an ED presentation within 28 days. Results Of 629 referrals, 542 (86%) were accepted for management. ED presentations occurred in 53 (9.8%) within 7‐days and 130 (24.0%) within 28‐days, resulting in a 76% (412 patients) ED avoidance rate over 30 months. Conclusions An ambulance‐diversion model to a virtual‐care service showed a favourable ED avoidance rate.
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Lumsden et al. (2026) studied this question.
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